The Detroit Lions finished up one of its most successful seasons -- record-wise -- in franchise history. Now, the offseason begins with the combine, free agency and the NFL draft.
To start that process moving, we’ll look at each position group over the next two weeks, analyzing what worked, what didn’t, and projecting what could happen between now and training camp, a little over six months away.
Previous analyses: Quarterbacks; Running backs; Wide receivers; Tight ends
2015 Free Agents: Corey Hilliard
The good: Left tackle Riley Reiff graded out tied with guard Larry Warford for Detroit’s second-best offensive player according to Pro Football Focus. His run blocking was considered the best on the team, and during the regular season, PFF credited him with only allowing two sacks and five quarterback hits from Matthew Stafford's blind side. Undrafted free agent Cornelius Lucas showed flashes of promise -- particularly when taking over for Reiff at left tackle -- but was largely inconsistent in his rookie year. Right tackle LaAdrian Waddle, when he was on the field, graded out as the team’s best pass blocker according to PFF.
The bad: The entire offensive line struggled protecting Stafford, allowing 45 sacks. Waddle, despite the high grade for pass blocking, allowed five sacks after not allowing any his rookie year. He also suffered multiple injuries throughout the season, which brings into question his overall durability. Reiff gave up the game-clinching sack against Dallas in the playoffs, and let Stafford be hurried a team-high 27 times according to PFF. Lucas allowed five sacks during the regular season in somewhat limited duty, and graded out very poorly in the final two games of the season when he started for Waddle. The run game, which encompasses the entire line, was poor most of the season.
The money (using 2015 cap numbers from ESPN Stats & Information): Reiff will have a cap number of $2.543 million -- including a $325,000 roster bonus -- and is entering the final year of his deal (with the potential for a fifth-year option that one would think would get picked up). Waddle is entering the last year of his deal, with a cap number of $588,334. He would be a restricted free agent after 2015. Lucas has a cap number of $516,667.
Potential cuts: None. There is a good chance all three end up on the 53-man roster in 2015, with a fourth tackle being either Hilliard, another free agent or a rookie.
Draft priority: This depends. If the Lions choose to go the free agency route here, then this spot might not be a priority at all. However, Waddle’s inability to stay healthy this season should raise some concerns and could turn this into a draft pick at some point. Free agency will dictate this position.