Detroit Lions Breakdown

Free agency has slowed down a bit, but the Lions have still been busy making moves. This week Erik and Joe spend the show digging into a deep mailbag and discuss topics including free agency additions, contract restructuring, retirements, the roster as a whole and, of course, the draft.

• CB Rashaan Melvin has been brought into the fold
• Slot WR/returner Tommylee Lewis feels the best way to escape a tragic football event is by joining the Lions
• Ex-VT QB TE Logan Thomas joins Jesse James to bolster the TE position
• CB Marcus Cooper is back
• So is OL Andrew Donnal
• Tavon Wilson take a pay cut to stick around
• The Lions lose out on RB Malcolm Brown as the Rams match the offer sheet
• T.J. Lang to retire
• Haloti Ngata retires, from a mountaintop
• Upcoming important Lions dates
• The Lions have the most remaining salary cap space of all NFC North teams
• A discussion on how the new offseason acquisitions fit in the Lions schemes
• Will certain remaining players have their roles change?
• The Lions are winners according to PFFs free agency WAR ratings
• An update on the Lions current needs
• Bob Quinn found himself travelling around at top schools pro days, including Michigan, Michigan State, Alabama, Georgia and Kentucky
• Is it better to trade up or trade down?
• Also a bunch of various other listener questions… adding a corner and guard via the draft, what traits to look for and names to watch
• Thanks to Birdmont, Josh 5050 and JFK BK for the 5-star reviews

As always, thanks for listening. Tweet us (@erikschlitt, @JoeKania_DLB, @lionsbreakdown)

This week happens to be one of the most interesting weeks during the offseason. The combine has wrapped up and the prospects are being graded and free agency is right around the corner. Erik and Joe are lucky to celebrate their 100th episode with discussions on a myriad of player movement topics.

• Romeo Okwara will return to the Lions on a “2-year contract”
• Charles Washington has been extended an ERFA deal
• Erik explains how the salary cap is impacted by the Okwara deal
• Only 5 teams used the Franchise Tag this offseason
• Kerry Hyder has likely played his last down as a Lion
• Could A’Shawn Robinson be traded?
• Erik runs through all the superlative performances from the combine
• The LionsWire has a series on combine winners at… running back, wide receiver, tight end, offensive line, interior defensive line, EDGE rushers, linebacker, cornerbacks and safeties.
• Erik thinks there may be a possibility for the Lions to take Brian Burns at No. 8 overall
• Montez Sweat’s performance has caused some to mock him to the Lions
• The Lions have $33.7M in current salary cap room
• Erik runs down all the potential free agent adds and which ones to avoid
• Could the Lions trade for an EDGE rusher
• Does Landon Collins fit the Lions secondary?
• Thanks to Scuba2901, Mo Reese, Big Snacky Nate and Daniel J Hall 36 for the reviews

As always, thanks for listening. Tweet us (@erikschlitt, @JoeKania_DLB, @lionsbreakdown)

This week the player measuring and drills begin. The Lions and many of their fans turn their focus to Indianapolis to watch non-stop coverage of the combine. Erik and Joe finish their preview of the combine, with this go around zero-ing in on the defense.

• Erik’s famous QIB measurables for each defensive position
• A position by position breakdown of what traits Lions scouts will be looking at
• The Lions Wire has an ongoing series of who to watch during this combine…
• Interior defensive linemen
• EDGE rushers
• Linebackers
• Cornerbacks
• Safeties article will be published Friday
• Erik thinks Ed Oliver could be used in a myriad of positions up and down the Lions DL
• The Lions draft plan could be altered by whether they sign a high end EDGE rusher in free agency
• Among Josh Allen, Rashan Gary, Brian Burns, Montez Sweat and Clelin Ferrell, who fits the best in the Lions scheme?
• On Day 2 and Day 3 of the draft who would be the best EDGE for the Lions?
• If the EDGE rushing, safety and receiving deficiencies are addressed in free agency is Devin White an option at 8?
• Day 3 linebacker fits are discussed, including Drue Tranquill
• Erik discuss which top corners fit in the Lions scheme and the importance with experience in press man coverage
• Greedy Williams vs Bryon Murphy
• CBs with current 2nd round grades Amani Oruwariye and Justin Layne, both of which have profiles at LionsWire
• GM Bob Quinn wants playmakers, which DBs fit that description

As always, thanks for listening. Tweet us (@erikschlitt, @JoeKania_DLB, @lionsbreakdown)