Insider reveals a surprising top need for the Lions ahead of NFL trade deadline

The Detroit Lions are in good position within the NFC race, and as such, figure to be buyers when the NFL trade deadline hits on November 4.

In the weeks ahead, the debate will begin about what positions the Lions must target in order to shore up their roster before the playoff push. With a solid offense, the answer for most folks revolves around improving the defense. But what position is needed the most?

NFL.com analyst Kevin Patra recently put together a list of every team's top need this Novemver, and when it came to Detroit, his answer was simple. He believes the cornerback position is badly in need of an addition.

"Sunday's loss to the Chiefs highlighted the Lions' injury issues at corner. Detroit simply can't play the type of defense it wants with starters Terrion Arnold and D.J. Reed on the shelf. Attempting to stay in base defense left the Lions susceptible to the pass, with linebackers trying to play coverages. "

"Brian Branch -- who was suspended one game by the NFL for his self-described "childish" actions after losing to K.C. -- and Kerby Joseph haven't been the same while playing through injuries. Detroit's secondary needs help."

One of the complicating factors for this revolves around the fact that the Lions will get both Reed and Arnold back in the weeks ahead. Neither of those injuries are season-ending, which is a major benefit to the Lions. Having two elite corners return could suffice as trade deadlines moves for the position.

Additionally, the Lions signed veterans Tre Flowers and Kendall Fuller to their practice squad. They also have better depth in the form of Rock Ya-Sin and Avonte Maddox, which could mean they don't need to sacrifice assets for a bigger addition at cornerback.

Most believe Lions should target pass rush help via trade this season

If there's a spot that has been the odds on favorite for the Lions to address, it's been defensive end. While Aidan Hutchinson is having a great season and is primed for a big second-half, Detroit's been missing Marcus Davenport, who represents an injury risk even when he returns.

It's true that Al-Quadin Muhammad has produced in a depth role, and Alim McNeill's healthy return should matter a great deal to the Lions. In spite of that, many see that Detroit needs more depth up front and could use an elite name to help Hutchinson pressure the pocket to chase a Super Bowl run.

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While the secondary has posed an issue lately, none of the injuries there figure to be long-term. Adding depth is always smart for the backfield, but the same could be true for the defensive line. Already, folks have taken notice of this, with ESPN projecting a pair of dynamic moves up front for the Lions.

Last year, the Lions added Za'Darius Smith in a move that paid immediate dividends. This year, they could look to go bigger at defensive end if they want to win in the playoffs. Even with Hutchinson, they could use a bit of extra punch if he goes into a slump, gets dinged up or faces double teams.

Still, that doesn't stop some from wondering if the Lions don't need most of their help in the secondary when all is said and done.