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The Detroit Lions believe tight end T.J. Hockenson has a higher ceiling

The new Detroit Lions coaching staff is working around the clock to watch film and get to know and understand the players on the Lions roster. New offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn, really likes what he sees in tight end T. J. Hockenson. So much so that Lynn in preparing an expanded role for a player who took a big step forward this past season.

This past season tight end T. J. Hockenson had  had 67 catches for 723 yards and six touchdowns last season in route to his first Pro Bowl game. Anthony Lynn believes Hockenson is just scratching the surface of his potential.

DETROIT, MI – JANUARY 03: T.J. Hockenson #88 of the Detroit Lions makes the second quarter reception and is tackled by Harrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on January 3, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)

Anthony Lynn said it was nice that Hockenson made the Pro Bowl but that he and the rest of the Detroit Lions coaching staff believes that Hockenson can be even better and plans to expand the Detroit offense in order to bring that out in the gifted young receiving target.

The new-look Detroit Lions offense will be very tight end friendly. Don’t believe me? Try this on for size, last season while as the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers tight ends were targeted 93 times.

Lynn likes a high-level tight end on the roster because of what it can mean for the rest of the offense. Both in the passing game, downfield blocking and run blocking. To have a player as gifted as T. J. Hockenson it means that linebackers and safeties have to play a cleaner game. No cheating the line of scrimmage.

When the Detroit Lions drafted Hockenson in the first round out of Iowa in 2019 many thought he was the most NFL ready tight end in the draft. Hockenson struggled his rookie year and then took off this past season.

GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 08: A detailed view of a Detroit Lions helmet during the NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the Arizona Cardinals on September 8, 2019 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

New Lions starting quarterback Jared Goff has a history of targeting tight ends. During his time as starting quarterback of the Los Angeles Rams Goff threw 316 passes to tight ends in his career, including 194 of them over the past two seasons this would seems to indicate a lot of usage for Hockenson in the near future.

For the rebuild Detroit Lions, they will lean heavily on the likes of running back D’Andre Swift and T. J. Hockenson to create miss matches.

 

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D’Andre Swift gives the Detroit Lions a building block at running back

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell knows and has acknowledged the team is undergoing a massive rebuild. Yes there are current players who could and should make it out of the rebuild still with the franchise. Offensive Tackle, Taylor Decker, Tight End, TJ Hockenson,  Center, Frank Ragnow, and a few others should all be Detroit Lions after the rebuild. So should running back D’Andre Swift, who gives the Lions a legitimate threat running the ball.

Ever since Barry Sanders retired from the NFL in 1999, the Detroit Lions have been a graveyard for running backs. Enter D’Andre Swift who was selected by the Lions in the second round of last years NFL Draft.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 15: D’Andre Swift #32 of the Detroit Lions reacts following a first down in the fourth quarter during their game against the Washington Football Team at Ford Field on November 15, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

D’Andre Swift is blessed with serious speed and playmaking ability. As a rookie Swift had 511 yards, while he accounted for 878 yards overall and scored 10 touchdowns, Swift also averaged 4.6 yards per carry for the season.

Swift gives Lions head coach Dan Campbell and new Offensive Coordinator Anthony Lynn a player who looks ready for a bigger role next season. Dan Campbell has made it clear he likes a run-first offense. A running back like Swift gives him an immediate impact player at the position his offense is said to revolve around.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 17: Head coach Anthony Lynn of the Los Angeles Chargers looks on during the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)

While he was an offensive coordinator before being head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, Anthony Lynn also preferred a run first offense. When Lynn called the offensive shots for the Buffalo Bills he used the run 55% of the time to 45% pass. Lynn did not call offensive plays has a head coach.

With the aforementioned Taylor Decker and Frank Ragnow along with the Detroit Lions best and most consistent linemen Jonah Jackson who was a rookie last season as well, the Detroit Lions offensive line is in good shape going forward.

D’Andre Swift in a run-first offense has the ability to become a break-out player for the Lions as soon as next season. Even during a rebuild. The Lions will need to find another running back to help manage Swift’s workload.

But going forward the Lions are in pretty good shape at running back.

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Detroit Lions legend Calvin Johnson has been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Not long ago I wrote that Calvin Johnson and the Detroit Lions were still at odds over money the Lions asked for back once Calvin Johnson retired and the two parties need to work things out. I believe that will happen soon. Last night Cavin Johnson was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the first ballot. Johnson AKA “Megatron” becomes just the seventh wide receiver to be enshrined his first year on the ballot.

DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 22: Calvin Johnson #81 of the Detroit Lions looks on during the game against the Oakland Raiders at Ford Field on November 22, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions defeated the Raiders 18-13. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/Detroit Lions/Getty Images)

Calvin Johnson did not workout for any NFL team before the 2007 NFL draft. He did not need to. It was clear to every team, every scout, every general manager, Johnson was a game changer. Johnson at  6-foot-5 and 239 pounds ran the  40-yard dash in 4.35 seconds.

Much like former Detroit Lions running back and Hall of Fame member Barry Sanders, Calvin Johnson  was a quiet superstar,  who drew attention to himself with his play not running his mouth. He was revered by teammates for his all-out competitiveness on the field and his lack of ego away.

Many members of the Detroit media pointed out on social media after the announcement was made that Johnson was the absolute kindest person they have ever talked with.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – SEPTEMBER 16: Calvin Johnson #81 of the Detroit Lions looks on during pre-game warm ups before their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on September 16, 2012 in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won the game 27-19. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Even though Johnson played just nine seasons, and about 60 fewer games than the average Hall of Fame receiver, he racked up the accolades. Calvin Johnson was selected to six consecutive Pro Bowls -2010-15, earned first-team All-Pro honors three times -2011-13 and was named to the league’s all-decade team for the 2010s.

Detroit Lions Shelia Ford Hamp offered a statement the team released

Calvin Johnson and the Detroit Lions need to have a sit down. The Lions should do right by Johnson and give his signing bonus back. There is no if’s, and’s or, but’s about it. Calvin Johnson earned his money.

Otherwise it could be awkward when enshrinement day rolls around.

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Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell aims to fix corner back Jeff Okudah

The Detroit Lions drafted defensive back Jeff Okudah with the third pick in last years NFL Draft. Okudah, started just six games and appeared in nine due to a hamstring injury that lingered throughout the season. When he was healthy, Okudah did not play well. At all. Enter new Lions head coach Dan Campbell who likes Okudah and believes his issues may all stem from a lack of confidence.

It needs to be stated that the NFL is typically rough on first year defensive backs. But Jeff Okudah had a rookie season to forget. Yet it seems that Okudah is a player the Detroit Lions are going to lean into during a massive rebuild.

Lacking confidence for any athlete is not good for player, coach’s, organizations and fan bases. Defensive backs already have a spotlight on them. They are all alone trying to cover the guy with world class speed across from them.

LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 15: New Orleans Saints coach SECONDARY Aaron Glenn before an NFL football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams on September 15, 2019, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA.(Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Defensive backs even the good one, even Hall of Famers, have been beaten more than once. The good ones figure it out. Defensive backs need to be thick-skinned. That sound easy, it is not.

Jeff  Okudah had 47 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, one interception and four passes defended in 2020. One thing that should be mentioned, Okudah spent his rookie season in Detroit, a team that fired it’s head coach and front office after Thanksgiving.

Part of the issue I feel was former Lions head Matt Patricia’s defensive system. New Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn favors the Cover 1 with a little Cover 2 mixed in.

It is widely thought that Okudah is as good as advertised when the Detroit Lions drafted him. Dan Campbell said early this week he feels the players will be better because of the coach’s he has brought in. Confidence starts at the head and trickles down. It is good that Campbell is confident about his coaching staff.

LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 24: Amani Oruwariye #24 of the Detroit Lions celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedExField on November 24, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Jeff Okudah and fellow defensive back Amani Oruwariye give the Lions two promising corner backs to build the secondary around. I look for Jeff Okudah to rebound under Aaron Glenn’s watch.

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Jim Harbaugh shook up his coaching staff the the Michigan Wolverines land a top 10 recruiting class

To say the 2020 Michigan Wolverines football season was lackluster is to say water is wet. Yet, head Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh was given an extension, after he signed the deal he promptly let some coach’s go. Perhaps that was part of his new contract. No matter, the Michigan Wolverines have a very good class headed to Ann Arbor in 2021. Could this be the turning of the corner Michigan has needed since they brought Harbaugh in as head coach?

The recruiting side of Jim Harbaugh has always been met by critics. Has Harbaugh lacked consistency recruiting? Yes! There is no two ways about it. One of his biggest downfalls has been he has let in-state talent leave. For other Big 10 schools. Including rivals Michigan State and Ohio State.

The University of Michigan Wolverines football team enter the field during the NCAA Division I-A Big 8 college football game against the University of Colorado Buffaloes on 24th September 1994 at the Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States. The Colorado Buffaloes won the game 27 – 26. (Photo by Brian Masck/Getty Images)

The recently shook up Michigan Wolverines coaching staff took to the recruiting trail and it paid off. Landing a top 10 incoming class with new coach’s is not easy. Yet, that is what happened. Many in-state talent was kept in-state and will be heading to Ann Arbor.

Recently as well Jim Harbaugh said that many fans and members of the media mentioned that the old Harbaugh was what has been missing. You know the one. The guy with chewing tobacco in his lip, pacing the sideline waiting at the go to rip an official or throw a clipboard when a call goes against his team. Harbaugh has vowed, the old Harbaugh is back!

This recruiting season, things were different for the Michigan football program. There was actually focus and a game plan for getting players to sign with the Wolverines.

While the official signing period is not over and there is time for Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines to add more talent, a return to the top 10 in recruiting is a welcome sight. This will need to become the new “norm” if Michigan is to catch Ohio State.

MADISON, WI – NOVEMBER 18: General view as a Michigan Wolverines helmet is held in the air during a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin won 24-10. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***

The hope is that this is a launching  point that will help elevate the Michigan Wolverines back to the top of the Big 10.

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The Detroit Tigers need and expect top prospects to take another step in 2021

Last season the likes of Casey Mize, Tarik Skubal, Isaac Paredes and Daz Cameron debuted for the Detroit Tigers. This season those four players will not only be counted on more heavily, but the Tigers organization needs them to take another step forward in their development. Yet for the Detroit Tigers more top prospects will need to take steps forward as well.

With spring training just around the corner and the 2021 MLB season set to open April 1, the Detroit Tigers are going to keep a close watch on top prospects who are slated to arrive at some point during the up coming season.

LAKELAND, FL – FEBRUARY 17: Matt Manning #83 of the Detroit Tigers pitches during Spring Training workouts at the TigerTown Facility on February 17, 2020 in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Joining Mize, Skubal, Paredes and Cameron this season should be the likes of Matt Manning, Spencer Torkelson and perhaps Riley Greene. There most certainly could be others. But those are the names most associated with 2021 call-ups.

For the rebuilding Detroit Tigers, it is important that the group of four   prospects from last season show they have shaken off the jitters and awe of being in the major leagues for the first time and get down to what they do best. Producing.

For someone like Casey Mize who has a boat load of talent, he needs to find consistency and stay consistent. For Tarik Skubal the same. While Isaac Paredes and Daz Cameron need to show a better eye at the plate and get comfortable. When they did that last season they produced quality at-bats. The problem is as with many young hitters they looked lost most of the time.

LAKELAND, FL – FEBRUARY 13: Daz Cameron #41 of the Detroit Tigers bunts during Spring Training workouts at the TigerTown Facility on February 13, 2020 in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

A.J. Hinch, the Detroit Tigers  new manager and his staff will be fixated on getting the most out of the young players. Hinch has a good history of doing this. However, this season there will be more youth served in Detroit.

The aforementioned Manning, Torkelson and perhaps Greene could be arriving at Comerica Park this summer. That means extra work for Hinch and his staff. Something the new Tigers skipper has embraced much the same way he did when he took over as manager of the Houston Astros.

Success for the 2021 Detroit Tigers will not be measured in wins and losses. Not this season anyways. Success will be defined by top prospects growth.

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Was new Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff’s growth stunted in Los Angeles

Just two years ago, quarterback Jared Goff looked like he may join the list of NFL elite players. Goff had lead the Los Angeles Rams to the Super Bowl and he looked like he was capable of doing it again. Then the wheels fell off and Goff started to regress. So was the regression player, coach or system driven? Let’s look at the facts.

During his playing days with the Rams Jared Goff had one noticeable issue, hesitation. That is part on the player and part on the Rams coaching staff starting with head coach Sean McVay. McVay’s system is designed to mask flaws. The Rams did a good job at hiding Goff’s deficiency but did him and the Rams organization no favors by not addressing it and helping him overcome it.

Traded Saturday night with two first round draft picks and a third round draft pick to the Detroit Lions for quarterback Matthew Stafford, Goff has at least one person in his corner who believes in him. Lions General Manage Brad Holmes.

Holmes who served as Director of College Scouting for the Rams was one guy who was adamant in 2016 for Los Angeles to trade up and draft Jared Goff with the first pick in the draft. The Rams did. Brad Holmes knows what Goff can be as a passer.

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 07: Head coach Anthony Lynn of the Los Angeles Chargers leaves the field after a loss to the Oakland Raiders at RingCentral Coliseum on November 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

The focus now shifts to the Detroit Lions new coaching staff lead by head coach Dan Campbell to get Goff back on track. More precisely the task of helping a 26 year old quarterback out of hesitation into letting it rip downfield falls on two coach’s.

New Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn, and 19 year NFL veteran and new Lions quarterback coach Mark Brunell are now in the spotlight for getting Goff back to his Super Bowl form. This will be interesting both for the Lions and Goff. If Goff and the Detroit coaching staff get things ironed out then it would buy the Lions time and they would not need to draft a quarterback until after the core players have been drafted.

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 27: Former Jacksonville Jaguar Mark Brunell watches the action during the game against the New York Jets at TIAA Bank Field on October 27, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

If they can not figure things out then Goff could be moved and the Lions would have to draft a quarterback. This will be a focal point of the Lions for at least the next two seasons.

 

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The Detroit Lions trade quarterback Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams for quarterback Jared Goff and a big haul

It is not often in sports trades that both teams win. Yet, Saturday night the Detroit Lions sent veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams for Rams starting quarterback Jared Goff, a 2022 first round draft pick, a 2023 first round draft pick and a 2021 third round draft pick. New Lions General Manager Brad Holmes absolutely nailed his first big move. However, he also publicly made known what has been whispered, the Detroit Lions are in for a massive rebuild.

A week after the regular season ended, Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions agreed to go separate ways. Stafford did not want to go through another Lions rebuild and the new Lions front office and coaching staff wanted to bring in their own players.

DETROIT, MI – JANUARY 03: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions looks on in the fourth quarter during a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on January 3, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)

Stafford is the Detroit Lions all-time leader in all things quarterback. He owns all the Lions quarterback records. He was a good player to be sure. Stafford will always be remembered fondly by Lions fans and should be. But this is about what is next for the Detroit Lions.

Next is a massive rebuild that suddenly does not have to start by drafting the next franchise starting quarterback. It could, but it does not need to happen in the 2021 NFL draft. Let me explain.

By trading Stafford to the Rams the Lions get former Rams starting quarterback Jared Goff. While Goff has regressed the past couple seasons he does offer quite a bit to the Lions. He did lead the Rams to the Super Bowl just two years ago.

In the NFL a quarterback who struggles with a team often finds new life once he leaves for a different franchise. Case and point Ryan Tannehill who struggled with the Miami Dolphins found new life with the Tennessee Titans.

Goff has a huge contract which the Lions were fine with taking on because the Rams were willing to eat part of the contract. Goff signed a $134 million deal with $110 million in guarantees in 2019. The Rams will retain 22.2% of the contract.

HOUSTON, TX – AUGUST 17: A view of a Detroit Lions helmet on the sideline during the preseason game at NRG Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

Now the real prize for the Detroit Lions is the three draft picks. By getting two first round picks in each of the next two drafts this will help to speed up the rebuild. The Detroit Lions now do not need to draft a quarterback in this years draft. Unless the prospect they want is there, the team can focus on one of the many needs and address that. While it is very likely the Rams wanted to rid themselves of Goff’s contract the draft picks were the real get for Detroit.

Goff will enter the 2021 season as the Detroit Lions starting quarterback, after that all bets are off.

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He is brash, loud and opinionated which is why John Dorsey is perfect for the Detroit Lions

John Dorsey who has been fired by the Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns as those franchises General Manager has found work again with the Detroit Lions. Dorsey is joining the Lions front office in a senior personnel executive role, This is why this is a very good move for the Lions.

John Dorsey has confrontational nature which rubs people the wrong way. This is why Dorsey was not a good fit as a GM. That said the reason he is a great fit for the Detroit Lions personnel executive is simple. Dorsey has got a well honed eye for talent and for having a vision of how his team will win.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 22: A Detroit Lions helmets prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on September 22, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

The Detroit Lions have needed a senior personnel executive for a long time. It is refreshing to see Detroit Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp understand this and take the plunge into adding the role to the front office and bring in a home run of a hire like John Dorsey.

Few men in the NFL identify talent better than Dorsey. Sure he missed on a few draft picks as general manager. But by-and-large Dorsey has made smart choices and aggressive moves, like when he made a trade and  acquired quarterback Patrick Mahomes while with the Chiefs.

On the surface there would almost certainly be reservations about how Dorsey’s style will blend with Lions GM Brad Holmes. After all they are very different personalities. That does not mean conflict or negativity is on the horizon, however. Dorsey is someone who will not be afraid to make the contrary point in a draft discussion as well as during the draft itself.

In other words not matter who Holmes and the Detroit Lions scouting department like in the draft, John Dorsey will have the final say. So really if they are willing to bring him in to do this job, then there really should be little reason for conflict. It needs to be for the greater good of the organization.

CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 22, 2019: General manager John Dorsey of the Cleveland Browns walks off the field prior to a game against the Los Angeles Rams on September 22, 2019 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Los Angeles won 20-13. (Photo by: 2019 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

This, as I stated is a very good move for the Detroit Lions. John Dorsey has a good history of finding very good talent.

 

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Catching up on a busy week for the Detroit Lions

When Sheila Ford Hamp took over as owner of the Detroit Lions, she vowed things would be different. That she was committed to putting a winner on the field. Lions fans have heard this song and dance before. Then suddenly fans were silenced as Ford Hamp began to show by example. The outcome has Detroit Lions fans excited for the first time in a very long time.

Since naming Brad Holmes General Manager and Dan Campbell  head coach, that proved to be the starting point for a total Lions front office and coaching overhaul. Dan Campbell named Aaron Glenn defensive coordinator. Glenn had been the secondary coach of the New Orleans Saints and his hire was praised around the league.

KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 29: Head coach Anthony Lynn of the Los Angeles Chargers looks on from the sideline against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)

Next Campbell hired former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn as offensive coordinator. So it seems Campbell is surrounding himself with very good coach’s who have experience and can help him as a first time head coach.

In what be the best moves the Detroit Lions have made in recent memory, Los Angeles Rams director of player personnel Ray Agnew has been brought in as assistant general manager. Agnew and Holmes worked together while with the Rams and ran the entire scouting department.

Although the official statement is due by mid-week this week, the Detroit Lions are bringing in a heavyweight. John Dorsey is expected to be named Senior Personnel Executive.

The Kansas City Chiefs were first to hire John Dorsey as their general manager, where he stayed for four years, and put together a Super Bowl winning roster, then Dorsey moved on to the Cleveland Browns, who made him their GM for two years.

BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 30, 2018: General manager John Dorsey of the Cleveland Browns on the field prior to a game against the Baltimore Ravens on December 30, 2018 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Baltimore won 26-24. (Photo by: 2018 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images)

Dorsey is credited with identifying and drafting talented players who were overlooked by other organizations. With the Detroit Lions and quarterback Matthew Stafford agreeing to part ways the Lions will need to draft a quarterback and will lean heavily into Dorsey’s draft hit history rate to identify the right player.

Wow! The Detroit Lions are actually starting to assemble very solid and proven personnel both in the front office and on the sidelines. Make no mistake, this will be a couple years rebuild. But with the right people in place the Lions are setting the franchise up for long-term success.