Twentyman: Towards the end of the season, Detroit added the seasoned Alualu to their practice squad. He was raised for the final two regular season
games once he acclimatized. During Detroit’s postseason run, he was added to the active roster. In the NFC Championship Game, he recorded six tackles, two quarterback hits, and a half sack. In 2024, we’ll check to see if Alualu is keen to play a 15th season.
Twentyman: Riley Patterson was replaced by Badgley in Week 15 after the two had practiced together during the mid-season. Throughout the postseason, Badgley performed admirably, making all of his kicks, including a 54-yarder against the Rams in the Wild Card round that proved to be the game-winning field goal. This offseason, the kicker position is probably going to be examined by the Lions.
Twentyman: Starting quarterback Jared Goff was fortunate to be healthy throughout the season, missing only a few late-game mop-up plays when the game’s outcome was already predetermined. Goff benefited from Bridgewater’s vast experience and understanding in the quarterback room both during practice and on game day. This offseason, his retirement is anticipated.
Twentyman: After injuries to James Mitchell (hand) and Brock Wright (hip/forearm), tight end Firkser stepped up late in the season to take over as Detroit’s number two tight end. In the run game, he excelled. His back-to-back 39 and 34 catch seasons in 2020 and 2021 at Tennessee are not that far behind him.
Twentyman: Gardner-Johnson was one of Detroit’s most significant free-agent additions this offseason, but he played with a torn pectoral muscle injury he sustained against Seattle in the second week of the season. I’m glad he came back for Week 18. He made a crucial interception in the Lions’ victory over Tampa Bay in the Divisional Round. It would be interesting to see whether Detroit is interested in re-signing Gardner-Johnson given that Brian Branch is locked down at nickel, and Kerby Joseph and Ifeatu Melifonwu are secure at safety.
Twentyman: Glasgow may have been the most valuable free agent addition made by Detroit during the previous offseason. This season, he started at center, left guard, and right guard. It is extremely valuable for a club to have an interior offensive lineman with his level of experience who can play all three inside positions at a high level. Glasgow expressed this week how much he would like to return to Detroit for the upcoming campaign, and it sounds reasonable on all sides.
Twentyman: Harris was not involved in any of the Lions’ postseason activities despite playing in 13 games this season. After a 7.5-sack season in 2021, he inked a two-year contract; yet, in 19 games over the previous two seasons, he only managed 2.5 sacks. He has proven to be an excellent mentor and seasoned athlete that the younger rushers can rely on.
Twentyman: Harris filled in as the starting nickel cornerback early in the season after Branch suffered an ankle injury. However, Branch took over the role this season. Harris demonstrated why having depth at that point is beneficial. In Detroit’s victory over Carolina in Week 5, he recorded nine tackles and recovered a fumble. The next week, he was intercepted in Tampa Bay. He performed well all year long on special teams as well.
Twentyman: Since the Lions selected him in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft, Jackson has established himself as a staple at left guard on Detroit’s offensive line. Despite struggling with injuries over the past few years, he has been an important forward for the Lions. Given that the Lions are already paying Taylor Decker and Frank Ragnow top dollar and that right tackle Penei Sewell is set for a significant extension in the next few seasons, it will be intriguing to watch what they decide to do in this area.
Twentyman: McQuaide battled Scott Daly in camp for the Lions’ long snapper role and lost to Daly, but when Daly injured a knee midseason the 13-year veteran McQuaide stepped back into the mix and did a good job with no incidents involving the snap.
Twentyman: It’s unfortunate that we were never able to witness Moseley’s potential in this defense. He returned to the starting lineup in Week 5 against Carolina after missing most of camp and the first few games of the regular season to recover from an ACL rupture. However, he only played two snaps before rupturing the ACL in his other knee. The Lions secondary suffered a significant loss at outside cornerback as a result of that.
Twentyman: Nelson had an ankle injury in Week 3 that necessitated surgery, ending his season. Throughout the previous four seasons, he has made 14 starts and served as Detroit’s swing tackle when Decker and Sewell were healthy. He contributes to the depth that has over the past few years kept Detroit’s offensive line so stable.
Twentyman: To improve their receiving depth, the Lions acquired Peoples-Jones at the trade deadline. In the postseason, he was crucial to the team as the punt returner while Kalif Raymond was out due to a knee injury sustained in the regular-season finale. Peoples-Jones’s game exhibits some good variety.
Twentyman: One of the NFL’s top special teams players, Reeves-Maybin was selected an All-Pro and received a Pro Bowl nomination. He led the NFL in special teams tackles with 14. In addition, he filled in admirably as one of Detroit’s top cover and third down linebackers and contributed to the defense. Having a player like Reeves-Maybin on the team has enormous benefit
Twentyman: Although Reynolds’ two NFC Championship drops are still vivid in people’s memories, he was a reliable and effective player for the Lions the whole season. All season long, he produced outstanding catches, and quarterback Jared Goff has the utmost faith in him. As a No. 3 receiver this season, he had 39 first-down catches.
Twentyman: After Nelson was sidelined with an ankle injury, Skipper, who can play guard or tackle, took over as Detroit’s primary swing tackle in heavy sets. When he caught a pass for a 4-yard gain against Minnesota in Week 18, he displayed his hand skills. He’s been playing for six years and can play both indoors and outdoors.
Twentyman: Sudfeld was placed on injured reserve after tearing his ACL during Detroit’s preseason finale. It’s uncertain if Sudfeld will be returned to battle for Goff’s backup job next season, as third-round pick Hendon Hooker is expected to take over.
Twentyman: Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp commended Daly for making significant progress in his growth from the previous season to this one. Regrettably, a knee injury ended his season early. Next year, he ought to be considered for that position once more.
2. Khalil Dorsey, a cornerback
2023 stats (postseason included): 244 yards, 12 kickoff returns, 1 PD, and 12 tackles
Twentyman: With eight special teams tackles, Dorsey trailed only Reeves-Maybin among the Lions. He was a kickoff returner for Detroit as well. He’s growing as a defensive back.
Twentyman: Pittman has spent four seasons as a mainstay on Detroit’s special teams and is a crucial player of the squad. There will always be roster places available for Pittman and other special teams specialists for a team that values special teams as highly as Dan Campbell and the Lions.
6. Tight end Brock Wright
2023 stats (postseason included): 1 touchdown, 120 yards, and 14 receptions
Twentyman: Wright was the backup tight end to rookie Pro Bowler Sam LaPorta, but he never let it get in the way of his excellent work, especially when it came to run-game blocking. In Detroit’s playoff victory over Tampa Bay in the Divisional Round, he had a pivotal 29-yard catch and run.
Twentyman: Following Jackson’s knee injury in the Wild Card round, Awosika was asked to assume a crucial starting role in the playoffs. As the season went on, Awosika’s play improved, and in 2024, he will be a rising player starting his fourth season.
2. James Houston, a linebacker
2023 stats (postseason included): 1 QB hit, 1 tackle
Twentyman: Houston played in just three games last season after suffering an ankle injury in Week 2 of a loss to Seattle, despite collecting eight sacks as a rookie. He made a comeback in time to play 11 snaps in the NFC Championship Game. Houston should be in the running to be included in the edge rush rotation the following season since he has another full offseason to hone his technique.
3. Reversing course Knight of Zonovan
2023
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