5 bold predictions for Detroit Lions in 2020

4. Trey Flowers will get double-digit sacks

Calling Flowers a flop in his first season with the Lions is a bit harsh. Even so, the franchise expected more than seven sacks from him after handing him a massive deal in free agency.

Flowers is not the most dynamic pass rusher in football, so he needs some help up front if he’s going to maximize his effectiveness. The addition of Shelton at defensive tackle will be just what he needs to boost his sack total in 2020.

Taking that total from seven into the double-digits will drastically change the perception of Flowers’ value. He’ll go from a moderate flop to a borderline Pro Bowl player. That doesn’t mean he’ll ever fully justify his price tag, but the deal won’t look nearly as bad after he notches 10 or more sacks.

The only questionable aspect of this prediction is whether or not the Lions can cover receivers long enough to allow their edge rushers to get home. Flowers isn’t a guy who will fly around the corner to get to the quarterback untouched. He needs a little extra time to get through his full cycle of moves.