Power ranking the NFL defenses for 2019

15. Detroit Lions

2018 Review: There were certainly some strides made under first-time NFL head coach Matt Patricia, who spent many a season under the tutelage of Bill Belichick. After finishing 27th in the NFL in both total yards and passing yards allowed per game, the Lions were a Top 10 unit in the three major categories. In fact, only seven teams in the league allowed fewer passing yards per contest. And the team did produce a respectable 43 sacks. But Detroit defenders allowed 40 offensive touchdowns (29 through the air) while forcing a disappointing 14 turnovers.

2019 Key Additions: The Lions invested heavily into former New England Patriots defensive end Trey Flowers, who is obviously familiar with Matt Patricia. He inked a five-year, $90 million deal in March. The team also added Mike Daniels, cut loose by the rival Packers. There’s newcomers in the secondary in cornerbacks Justin Coleman and Rashaan Melvin and safety Andrew Adams. Detroit opted for linebacker Jahlani Tavai (Hawaii) in the second round.

Analysis: Last season, the Lions’ defense simply didn’t generate enough big plays. Cornerback Darius Slay (3) and safeties Quandre Diggs (3) and Tracy Walker (1) combined for the club’s seven interceptions. The additions of Coleman and Melvin could be huge when it comes to getting this unit back on track in terms of takeaways and Flowers should bolster the pass rush. But will Davis be available when the regular season kicks off at Arizona?

Next: No. 14