Lions' middling offseason grade still has a final major opportunity to improve

Coming off an injury-riddled 15-2 season, the Detroit Lions didn't have to change much during the offseason in order to set themselves up for success in 2025. Even so, they have enjoyed a solid run of moves.

After making a well-timed splash in free agency, Brad Holmes confidently addressed other needs in the draft along both the offensive and defensive lines. That has added up to one of the better offseason performance by any team in the league, a fact that many analysts agree on.

Pro Football Focus and writer Trevor Sikkema took a fresh look at grading everyone's offseason. In Detroit, he sees a B- as the current grade given what has been done after the conclusion of the draft.

"The Lions lost coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn to head-coaching vacancies, and although there’s nothing they could’ve done about that, it still hurts. They basically swapped Carlton Davis III for D.J. Reed, which wasn't a bad move; Davis earned a 72.1 PFF coverage grade in 2024, while Reed earned a 70.1 mark."

"The hope is that second-round pick Tate Ratledge can fill in for Kevin Zeitler, who earned an 86.5 PFF overall grade at guard for Detroit last season. The front office didn’t do much at edge rusher and will need Aidan Hutchinson to return to his pre-injury form."

So far, it seems like a fair bet that Hutchinson will return to pre-injury form, as he has looked fantastic this offseason in his recovery. In spite of that, the Lions should crave insurance given the desperate depth situation they endured in 2024.

Detroit Lions still have opportunity to improve pass rush hole before camp

If the lack of a running mate for Hutchinson is the only thing dragging the offseason grade down, the Lions have ample opportunities to make a dramatic move before the season begins.

Not only are there quality free agents left, the Lions could decide to pursue the unhappy Trey Hendrickson from the Cincinnati Bengals. Hendrickson has spoken out about his desires for a resolution to his contract situation, and the Bengals haven't met him halfway. That could set up a summer divorce.

Read more: Jameson Williams amongst Lions players playing for a contract in 2025

Should the Lions swing an unlikely trade for Hendrickson, naturally, their offseason grade would skyrocket into 'A+' territory. But it's not Hendrickson or bust. Adding a veteran presence such as Matthew Judon or reuniting with Za'Darius Smith could help chip in missing sacks.

While a B- grade certainly isn't a bad mark, the Lions could bump things closer to 'A' territory by adding one more pass rusher. That should be their lone goal prior to the start of training camp.

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