Lions might address receiver, defensive end needs in free agency
Lions general manager Martin Mayhew often talks about how the roster is never really set, and even though the 2015 NFL draft is over, the team could still find some contributors between now and September.
Next weekend, the Lions will hold their rookie minicamp, and in addition to signing several undrafted players — a list the team should announce Monday — they will give other young players a chance to impress in a tryout.
Based on the current roster construction, though, there are a couple spots like wide receiver or defensive end where the Lions could still look for some help.
In addition to the rookies, the Lions could find a veteran on the free-agent market who can add something in 2015. Cornerback Rashean Mathis was a prime example of finding value late in free agency after the Lions signed him in August 2013.
After the draft ended Saturday, Mayhew declined to explain what holes he still saw on the roster.
"There are a number of things we'd like to do, but we just want to keep getting better every single day," he said. "That's what our goal is. Keep doing that."
Offensive line, defensive tackle, cornerback and running back were among the Lions' top needs entering the draft, and they added pieces at those four positions. But an upgrade at the No. 3 or No. 4 receiver spot was another consideration in the draft.
For the first time since he took over in 2009, Mayhew didn't draft a receiver. Behind Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate, Jeremy Ross and Corey Fuller had limited production in 2014. Ryan Broyles, TJ Jones and Andrew Peacock have some upside, but none of the players behind Johnson and Tate has proved enough to dissuade the Lions from looking at other options.
Another seemingly deep position on the roster is defensive end, with Ziggy Ansah, Jason Jones, Darryl Tapp, Devin Taylor, Larry Webster and Phillip Hunt. But besides Ansah, none has proved to be a consistent game-changing pass rusher.
The Lions drafted former Auburn defensive tackle Gabe Wright in the fourth round, and he'll likely be a rotational player. And while he, Tyrunn Walker and Caraun Reid could be contributors, Haloti Ngata is the only proven starter, which makes a veteran addition — like Andre Fluellen — a possibility.
"I'm not really comfortable anywhere right now," Mayhew said. "We've got to get better in a lot of different areas across the board on our football team, so there's not a comfort level at receiver, returner, offensive line, defensive line. There's a lot of work to be done between now and the season, so we'll just keep trying to get better."
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