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Lions Offseason Recap
Lions were busy during free agency, signing multiple would-be starters in their effort to grate the stinky cheeseheads and assume the throne atop the NFC North. The biggest acquisition was former 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk. The 27-year old wide receiver was a restricted free agent so it cost nearly 50 million over 4 years on top of a 2026 1st round selection to pry him from San Fran. He is joined by speedy WR Mecole Hardman, who figures to take on the 4th WR spot and compete for kick returning duties. The team now has multiple weapons at the disposal of veteran QB Jared Goff who missed most of last season due to injury. The only other significant offensive move was bringing back OG Kevin Zeitler after he tested the FA waters. He will continue manning right guard for the improved offense. There were some defensive reinforcements too. Yet another 49ers was poached in OLB Dre Greenlaw. The undersized(5’11”) yet skilled veteran is an improvement over the released Alex Anzalone, who started at LOLB last season. Greenlaw makes better reads and is a much better tackler as well. OLB Jerome Baker also comes over to start on the right side. Baker is considered freakish with his size (6’3) and elite speed(90). He may start declining soon as he’ll hit 30 next year, but this season the former Seahawk will be flying around like he always has. CB Michael Davis brings a much needed veteran presence in the cornerback group and the staff hopes he can also replicate his 6 interception 2024 season that he had with Redskins last year. DE James Houston returns to presumably live up to his potential, though DE Hassan Reddick and his contract spells bench rider for Houston, at least for this year. Reddick has lost a step but will still be a huge net gain if he can even come close to approaching 2024’s 17 sack effort for the Philly Dirty Birds. The 2025 Draft…. The week started with two picks in the top 20 after a deal with the Dolphins to acquire 1.20 by giving up 2.9 and 2.19. From there it was about upside, ceilings and overall value. The end results looking promising. Allow me to introduce the newest Motor City crew members! 1.9 - CB Mike Flynn The 22 year old is pretty dumb at the moment with 52 awareness, but he has an elite combination of size and speed. He’s 6’2” with 95 SPD, and after rookie/sophomore progression, he’ll sit at 96 SPD, 91 AGI, and 93 ACC. With those figures in mind you can begin to see why he went earlier in the draft than many anticipated. All the young stud needs is playing time—and a training camp or two. 1.20 - CB Carlos Russo The new Italian Stallion, Russo looks like another worthwhile project for the CB room. Just 21, Russo will sit at 93 SPD, 98 AGI and 94 ACC entering his junior season. He projects to be long term solution for the nickel role. Some fans were surprised the team doubled up at the position but it may prove to have been the most prudent move to sure things up for the foreseeable future. 3.3 - OLB Brendan Blythe Lions defensive coaches were happy to see Blythe still available in the 3rd round, given his plus size coupled with a freakish first step. Blythe will have 97 ACC before any extra training camp time, so 99 ACC isn’t out of the question. He does also have some versatility having played defensive end as well in college, and he may end up there as a pro. 3.9 - QB Trent Boudreaux His size was the biggest concern for most teams as he’s just 5’11”. However, he’s got solid awareness to start (59), accuracy (85), and excellent mobility in the pocket (85 AGI, 89 ACC). He reminds me of a baby Russell Wilson. He’ll start his young career as the 3rd string QB but in short time could prove to be the future of the position once current starter Jared Goff hangs them up in a few seasons. 3.16 - DT Stephen Toomer Yet another 21 year old, Toomer has talent but needs a little seasoning. After his initial progressions, he’ll be at 70 SPD, 70 AGI, and 82 ACC, putting him in the upper tier of DTs that can move like he can. He needs to hit the weight room early and often to bulk up his strength. He has the frame to do just that at 6’4, 311lbs. 4.9 - OLB Lee Estrella Estrella lacks overall speed and hasn’t impressed in rookie minicamps, disappointing some of the coaching staff that likes his burst off the line. They feel he has pass rushing potential in a 34 defense but as of now he’ll be relegated to special teams work. He’s a leader in the locker room though, for whatever that’s worth to a crowded linebacker depth chart. 4.30 - HB Roderick Gilliland Gilliland is a big back(234lbs) with some potential. If he puts in the work, he could end up a valuable asset in short yardage or goal line situations, with the upside of being the complimentary #2 to the speedy starter, Jahmyr Gibbs. 5.19 - FS Jim Mayo If there’s anything that Mayo does well, it’s laying the boom(84 TAK). He was an intimidating force for college wideouts and looks to do the same at the GGL level. He has average speed(87), but takes a bit to get the wheels churning. He also has elite level height(6’3”). Mayo is a dog and fun to watch if he’s ever able to eventually wrestle the starting spot from standout FS Kerby Joseph. I hope for pass catchers’ sake the 27 penalties, 4 ejections, and 3 suspensions for hits in college were enough for them to pay close attention when he’s on the field.
Forum Discussion (by Rod_Mendez on 03/08/2025)	Replies - 3 :: Views - 29

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