The Detroit Lions are in a bit of an odd position. The rebuild Lions currently sit at 4-7 on the season. The record does not show the improvement the team has made, on field play development does. The Los Angeles Rams, last years Super Bowl Champions were supposed to be in the mix for another trip to the big game, instead inconsistent play and major injuries have lead to a 3-8 record. This is good news for the Lions.
During last years offseason the Detroit Lions traded longtime starting quarterback Matthew Stafford to the L.A. Rams, the Lions received a 2022 and 2023 first round draft pick, a 2021 third round draft pick and Rams quarterback Jared Goff. The Lions used their first pick #2 overall to draft Aiden Hutchinson and traded up to draft Alabama WR- Jameson Williams.
This season for the Rams, WR- Cooper Kupp had surgery and is out another 3-weeks. All world defensive tackle Aaron Donald has been ruled out for the Rams game this weekend. Matthew Stafford, left tackle Joesph Noteboom and safety Jordan Fuller are all on injured reserve ending their seasons.
The free falling Rams would currently be draft at #4 overall if they had the draft pick. Instead the improving Detroit Lions hold that #4 pick as well as the #14 overall pick if the season ended today.
In other words, Lions GM- Brad Holmes has set the Lions up very well. It seems likely the Lions will draft a QB with that top 5- draft pick. The team can cut Jared Goff without salary cap penalty in the offseason. There also could be a trade market for Goff with QB needy teams who are picking lower in the draft.
Nobody could see the Rams fall coming. They are put together well. This could be the classic Super Bowl hangover, at least the Rams hope it is. For the Detroit Lions, they will take it. As noted the teams young players have taken big steps in development.
Rebuilds take time, this rebuild is one Detroit Lions can can get behind.
