With the Detroit Lions losing two key defensive players in as many days, and questions already surrounding the depth of the defense, changes will need to be made. Especially if the Lions plan on living up to the lofty expectations of the upcoming season.
With defensive end Kerry Hyder out for the year with a significant Achilles injury and linebacker Brandon Copeland done for the 2017 season with a pectoral tear, the Lions should go after San Francisco 49ers DE/LB, Aaron Lynch.
Lynch, a transfer from Notre Dame to South Florida, had an intriguing, yet underwhelming collegiate career. Despite only starting in 10 games for the Bulls, he led USF in sacks and tackles-for-loss. His off-the-field problems are what led him away from Notre Dame, as well as dropped him considerably in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Lynch’s time with the 49ers has been no different. He showed flashes of greatness while recording 12.5 sacks in his first two years with the team, but then again had off-the-field problems in 2016. Problems including a substance abuse suspension, as well as his fluctuating weight. However, those seem to be a thing of the past as he showed up to 49ers camp 25 pounds lighter, and with a new attitude. With this being a contract year for Lynch, it’s not surprising that he recently lit up the Kansas City Chiefs for two sacks in Week One.
He’s dealing with an apparent leg injury, and the Niners do like him. But between the shaky three years, it being a contract year, and San Francisco having a multitude of players ready to take his spot, The Lions, who are not healthy on defense, could snag a future star if they act quickly. With the 49ers themselves in a rebuilding phase, the Lions could possibly make this happen with no worse than a 2018 4th-round draft pick.
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