10. Detroit Lions
Who will be starting under center next season for the Detroit Lions? Will it be Matt Stafford, or a journeyman, or perhaps a green quarterback fresh to groom. Earlier in the season there were rumors that Detroit might not be fully Staffed next year. After a recent uptick, that chatter has died down.
Whoever the team’s quarterback is, one thing is for sure: he needs protection. Stafford has been sacked 31 times this season (ninth-most in the league), and been hit considerably more times.
Moreover, Detroit’s run game has been atrocious this year. Nay, nonexistent. When there are games in which Stafford out-rushes Ameer Abdullah, Joique Bell and Theo Riddick something needs to change.
In order to shore things up, the Lions stay in-state and pull the card of Michigan State’s Jack Conklin. Conklin is a massive man who can play either left or right tackle – both areas of considerable need for Detroit. He’s battled against the likes of Joey Bosa and other first-round talent the Big Ten has sent into the draft.
While taking Conklin this high feels like a bit of a reach, Detroit is desperate for help on the outside. The fact that he’s locally known and fills a position of need serve as salve for Lions fans.
Next: No. 11 New York Giants