In a recent appearance on the Up & Adams Show, former Detroit Lions star wide receiver Calvin Johnson shared his insights on the strategic direction he believes the Lions should take in the upcoming NFL Draft. Johnson, a revered figure in the sport and a Hall of Famer, emphatically suggested that the Lions bolster their defense to build on their recent successes.
Calvin Johnson’s Vision for a Formidable Detroit Lions Defense
During his interview, Johnson made it clear that improving the defense could be the key to elevating the Detroit Lions to the next level of competition. “Beef up the defense,” Johnson stated, highlighting a critical area for potential growth. This comes at a time when the Lions have demonstrated impressive offensive capabilities, ranking third in the NFL in yards and fifth in points per game in the previous season.
Despite these strengths, Detroit’s defense lagged, finishing 19th in yards allowed and 23rd in scoring defense in 2023. The disparity between the team’s offensive firepower and defensive efficacy is stark, and Johnson’s comments reflect a widely acknowledged need for balance.
Crowd goes nuts for the Lions new alternate jerseys. It’s the one everybody was hoping for. The second thing the crowd went nuts for… Calvin Johnson coming on stage with Kerby.
Megatron: “I’m going to start a petition so that we can wear these bad boys every home game.” pic.twitter.com/9sAg439Don
— Jeanna Trotman (@JeannaTrotmanTV) April 18, 2024
Assessing Detroit Lions’ Defensive Moves
The Lions have already taken steps to address some of their defensive shortcomings this offseason. Notable acquisitions include defensive linemen Marcus Davenport and D.J. Reader, along with cornerbacks Amik Robertson and Carlton Davis. These players are expected to fortify the Lions’ defensive line and secondary, areas that were perceived as vulnerabilities last season.
However, Johnson and others believe more improvements are necessary, especially in enhancing the team’s pass-rush capabilities. With only Aidan Hutchinson consistently pressuring quarterbacks last season, the addition of Davenport is seen as a move in the right direction, but not sufficient on its own. The consensus is that Detroit needs to recruit additional edge rushers to truly make an impact.
Looking Ahead to the 2024 Draft
As the NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on the Detroit Lions to see if they will heed Calvin Johnson’s advice. The team’s management has shown a willingness to make bold moves, as evidenced by their significant progress last season, culminating in their first division title since 1993 and a memorable playoff run that took them to the NFC Championship Game.
The question remains whether the Lions will continue to build on this momentum by focusing on strengthening their defensive lineup as Johnson suggests. The answer will start to unfold this Thursday night when the draft picks begin to be announced.
The Detroit Lions find themselves at a pivotal moment. With a potent offense already in place, shoring up the defensive side could indeed be the key to transforming the team into a comprehensive force in the NFL. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the team will adapt and evolve in their pursuit of a balanced and championship-caliber squad.
Source: NFL Analysis
