The first year of the Dan Campbell/Brad Holmes era with the Detroit Lions is officially in the books and their attention has now shifted to the offseason and what can be done to improve a team that finished with the second-worst record in the NFL in 2021.
When you look at the Lions' current roster, you certainly see some players who could easily be part of the future but there is a ton of work to be done before the team can truly be considered a contender.
In an article published on ESPN.com, various writers took a look at the offseason needs and priorities for all 32 NFL teams, including our Detroit Lions.
Here is what Eric Woodyard has to say about what Brad Holmes needs to accomplish during the offseason.
Add playmakers on both sides of the ball.
After a 3-13-1 season, the laundry list of offseason needs are certainly a priority for Lions general manager Brad Holmes, as he'll enter the player-acquisition phase with Detroit also holding the No. 2 overall pick. Detroit must address the quarterback situation, and although rookie wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown finished strong, they need more talent at that position. They also need an edge rusher, a safety and a linebacker — but more importantly, gritty guys who fit the mold of what coach Dan Campbell is trying to build. They have to find talent capable of making game-changing plays, which were notably absent for most of the 2021 season. — Eric Woodyard
Eric is 100% correct with this analysis. The Lions definitely have some solid players on their current roster but there is not a single player on either side of the ball who stands out as an elite playmaker and you can bet Holmes will be doing everything in his power to add a couple of playmakers in the offseason.
