NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Grading every NFL team’s 2019 offseason

By Randy Gurzi

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 25: Wide receiver Odell Beckham #13 of the New York Giants warms up before taking on the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 25, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 25: Wide receiver Odell Beckham #13 of the New York Giants warms up before taking on the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 25, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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T.J. Hockenson NFL Draft
Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images /

Detroit Lions

After one season with Matt Patricia as their head coach, it’s clear what the plan is for the Detroit Lions — try to become the next New England Patriots. Patricia came in and stressed mental toughness and tried to change the team’s approach to the game as he mimicked the franchise he hailed from.

This offseason, he doubled-down on his New England imitation as he signed Trey Flowers away from them and even picked up Danny Amendola after his disappointing season in Miami. Then in the draft, Detroit added tight end T.J. Hockenson early and Isaac Nauta late and they’ll join Jesse James who signed in free agency.

It’s hard to bash a coach for trying to emulate New England, but so far their assistants haven’t had luck trying to be Bill Belichick. Hopefully, Patricia puts his own spin on things, because so far it feels eerily similar to how Josh McDaniels approached things with the Denver Broncos several years ago.

The good news is, they got some good players in the draft but their free agency moves weren’t ideal. They didn’t replace Golden Tate and the defense isn’t much better after finishing middle of the pack in points surrendered.

Grade: C

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