Detroit Lions: 5 offseason needs in 2019

By Jon Dove | Feb 25, 2019

DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 10: Detroit Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (94) kneels during an injury timeout during a regular season game between the New York Jets and the Detroit Lions on September 10, 2018 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 22: Quarterback Chase Daniel #4 of the Chicago Bears gets sacked by Romeo Okwara #95 of the Detroit Lions during an NFL, Thanksgiving Day game at Ford Field on November 22, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. The Bears defeated the Lions 23-16. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /

EDGE

Ziggy Ansah is a free agent and is very likely to find a new home. His career with the Lions was a mixed bag. He had some incredible seasons where he was a dominant force off of the edge. However, his injury history kept him from making a prolonged impact.

It makes sense for the Lions to move on from Ansah and bring in younger talent. Their current roster features a few talented defensive linemen, but they need more edge pressure.

Last year’s sack leader was Romeo Okwara with 7.5 sacks. Okwara was an undrafted signee of the New York Giants’ who Detroit signed as a free agent last year. The Lions other leaders in quarterback pressure were linebackers Devon Kennard and Jarrad Davis.

The free agent group this year has some elite options if they actually see the open market. DeMarcus Lawerence and Jadeveon Clowney are the two headliners. However, it’s possible both are hit with the franchise tag.

One name to key an eye on here is Trey Flowers, who is connected to the Lions through Patricia’s New England Patriots ties.

Rashawn Gary and Montez Sweat would be in play when the Lions are on the board at No. 9 in April’s draft. Both have tremendous upside as pass rushers and can make an immediate impact.

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