Three hottest seats on the Detroit Lions

After coming within a game of reaching the Super Bowl, the Detroit Lions have been busy shoring up areas of need this offseason in hopes of another run. Unsurprisingly, there aren't a ton of weaknesses to pinpoint on the roster, but that doesn't mean there aren't players who need to step up in 2024. 

With that in mind, here are three Lions on the hottest seats in 2024. 

Wide receiver Jameson Williams 

Williams' talent is undeniable, as proved by his two-touchdown performance in the NFC Championship Game. However, despite showcasing tantalizing skills, he still needs to live up to being the No. 12 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. 

Availability is the best ability, and Williams hasn't been available that much over two seasons due to circumstances he could and couldn't control. A torn ACL cut into his rookie season, and he missed the first four games of the 2023 campaign for violating the league's policy. 

Those hiccups took games away from Williams, but out of the 2022 receiver class, 12 drafted wideouts and one undrafted have recorded more receiving yards than Williams (395) over two seasons.

This season, he'll get a shot as the No. 2 receiver. So, it'll be his chance to shine and perhaps earn a bigger role that is more worthy of his draft spot. 

Defensive end Josh Paschal 

Paschal was another 2022 pick who hasn't worked out quite as the Lions may have hoped. A disruptive force at Kentucky, he went in the second round (46th) but, despite some flashes, has yet to tie things together in the NFL. 

The numbers don't always tell the entire story, but they do reveal most of it in this instance. Last season, Paschal played 52 percent of the Lions' defensive snaps, recording only 25 tackles (five for loss) and a sack. 

With added competition on the edge after the signing of veteran Marcus Davenport and another addition likely to come from the draft, Paschal will be competing for reps. He'll undoubtedly be part of the rotation, but this might be his last chance to produce. 

Tight end James Mitchell 

A fifth-round pick in 2022, Mitchell is buried on the Lions depth chart and, barring an injury to one of the team's tight ends, might have trouble finding a role in 2024. 

Mitchell does help in the blocking game, earning a 74.4 grade from PFF (22nd among TEs). However, his opportunities are limited, playing behind starter Sam LaPorta and backup Brock Wright. Last season, he saw his snap count on offense drop from 20 percent to 15 percent despite playing in one more game compared to his rookie year. 

The Lions may consider selecting a tight end with one of the team's seven draft picks, further muddying his future. Mitchell, already low in the pecking order, might become expendable if that happens.