Ranking every NFL team’s offensive supporting cast post-draft
12. Detroit Lions
RB: D’Andre Swift, Kerryon Johnson, Ty Johnson
(22/25)
The Lions have a two-headed monster at running back now that they’ve added Swift. Both Swift and Johnson have the capability to be three-down backs and each possess a pass-catching acumen; they should be a dangerous tandem in 2020. Ty Johnson and Bo Scarboroguh are quality depth pieces.
WR: Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones, Danny Amendola, Geronimo Allison
(23/25)
Once again, Detroit is stacked at the wide receiver position. Kenny Golladay proved last season he could be a viable No. 1 wide receiver, putting up nearly 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns despite the quarterback turmoil. Marvin Jones is a solid wide receiver opposite Golladay and an incredible deep ball and jump ball threat. Amendola and Allison will compete for slot duties, but both will be utilized as possession receivers.
TE: T.J. Hockenson, Jesse James
(19/25)
I want to give higher marks for T.J. Hockenson, as I believe the former No. 8 overall pick can be an elite tight end. However, I haven’t seen enough. After his breakout Week 1 performance versus Arizona, he virtually disappeared until he suffered a season-ending injury. Jesse James was quickly supplanted by Hockenson, and he did nothing notable in his absence.
Offensive Line: Taylor Decker, Joe Dahl, Frank Ragnow, Jonah Jackson, Halapoulivaati Vaitai
(20/25)
The Lions offensive line was below average in terms of sacks and quarterback hits in 2019, and they haven’t improved much. Vaitai will replace Ricky Wagner on the right side of the line, but it is yet to be seen whether he can live up to his 5-year, $50 million deal. Still, the talent on this line is undeniable and I expect a better performance in 2020 so long as Matt Stafford can stay healthy.
Total Score: 84/100
Summary: The Lions have a tremendous running back and wide receiver core that should allow a healthy Stafford to build on his incredible start to the 2019 season. While Hockenson could certainly improve and become one of the greats, I have to see it before crowning him. I made that mistake with O.J. Howard, and I won’t do it again. If the line can improve from slightly below average to slightly above average, this offense can take off next season.