As the 2024 season approaches, the Detroit Lions have few holes in their roster, but according to one analyst, they can strengthen a defensive line weakness by bringing in an eight-year veteran.
In a June 26 mailbag essay, SI. writer Albert Breer detailed Detroit’s roster issues, concluding that general manager Brad Holmes has done an excellent job of taking care of the team’s most urgent requirements. Yannick Ngakoue might be a good fit, he said, noting that the Lions still needed a seasoned defensive lineman to play alongside Aidan Hutchinson.
Lions Could Use Assistance with Pass Rush
In his two seasons in Detroit, Hutchinson has emerged as a breakout star, but Breer pointed out that the team has had trouble adding strong depth at the pass rush position.
Although it’s not a major issue, the Lions would likely start Marcus Davenport there right now, according to Breer. However, they probably need a little more depth.
A veteran like Ngakoue or Emmanuel Ogbah, according to Breer, “would make some sense,” as they would put more pressure on passing downs and provide a backup option in case Davenport is unable to stay healthy.
“It would enhance the team’s ability to pass downs and help the Lions guard against Davenport’s long history of injuries,” Breer wrote. “And the defense will experience a lot of those situations if all goes as planned this year.”
Ngakoue just finished a season in which he played in 13 games for the Chicago Bears and recorded 22 total tackles with 4.0 sacks. Prior to 2023, the former Pro Bowler had a strong resume, recording at least 8.0 sacks in each of his first seven NFL seasons.
After his best season ever, Aidan Hutchinson is looking to get better.
After a stellar rookie campaign, Hutchinson recorded a new career high of 11.5 sacks in 2023. However, he expressed his belief that he still has room to improve in 2024.
“I believe that the entire year was one of development. Adversity, both personally and as a team, I believe, was present. And it made me simply try to learn as quickly as I could,” Hutchinson said to Dannie Rogers of Detroit Lions.com. But I’m having a great time with this process. That is the main focus. I think I’ve come a long way this year.
However, I believe there are still a ton of levels to be unlocked. I therefore look forward to realizing my full potential in the future.
Over the past two years, the Lions have strengthened their defense with a number of high-profile free-agent acquisitions, bolstering what had been one of the worst teams in the league. The Lions made it to the NFC Championship game last season thanks in large part to their better defense, and head coach Dan Campbell stated that the team has even higher expectations for this year.
“I envision the Super Bowl, not a bust. “I’m not sure what a bust is,” Campbell remarked.
That should be a must for every squad. Every squad should ask themselves, “Dude, why are you playing?” You have a Super Bowl to win. That is not different from us.
