PFF: Lions set up well for 2022 NFL Draft, Free Agency

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Lions general manager Brad Holmes on the field during training camp in 2021.

The Detroit Lion are focused on trying to better themselves this season and when it comes to how they can get that done, draft and free agency are two obvious ways the team will help themselves in 2022 .

However, how prepared are the Lions for both periods and how ready are they to get off to a good start to the season? Focus on professional football recently watched in determining this for all NFL teams by looking at the draft cap and cap space and weighing everything, and their exercise shows the Lions are in great shape.

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Detroit doesn’t maintain a lot of cap space, but when balanced against their draft capitals, it increases their chances of having a great season. PFF writer Arjun Menon recently took an analytical look at how the Lions stack up this season, and they’re clearly positioned pretty well. Detroit comes in at sixth place when compared to the league as a whole in terms of the season’s resource pool. Between their limit percentage (48%), their draft percentage (83.87%) and their proportional percentage (48.39%), Detroit has an overall season score of 83, 9.

Obviously, what helps the Lions excel the most is having a matching pair of cards in the first turn. It will be extremely important to see how the team uses them. The Lions also found a few compensation options for last year, which could further increase their fortunes.

Overall, the team has some cash to spend and lots of options to use. They are in great shape heading into the season at this point.

Lions’ updated in 2022 Cap Space

After it was revealed that the NFL’s salary cap will be $208.2 million for 2022, a fresh look at the numbers provided from Spotrac and Over The Cap courtesy of Twitter user Lions Royal. As it shows, the Lions are expected to start with just under $40 million in cap space next season.

Of course, Detroit could free up more limited space with some cuts. There are many players that could be involved in blocking that game, including key veterans like a defensive midfielder like Trey Flowers and Nick Williams, or an attacking midfielder like Halapoulivaati Vaitai. Vaitai, however, has had a solid comeback season in 2021, so he’s probably off this list by now.

Overall, this is not a bad place to start anything when it comes to money situations.

Lions Offseason Primer for 2022

What will the Lions need to do with the money? For starters, the team will have to think about adding some offensive weapons to the mix. Detroit’s expansion team has been lagging behind for lack of depth especially in 2021, so securing a top flight expansion slot joins the mix through trade or signing to help Jared Goff can be the group’s top priority. From there, the Lions need to think about strengthening the defense. May need help from the front and back and possibly a support person as well.

In his first season, Lions general manager Brad Holmes steered clear of big deals, focusing instead on smaller deals to help replenish his roster. Several deals have been made, from the likes of Kalif Raymond to Charles Harris. The same approach can be expected this season, so the Lions can make a bigger twist while choosing to focus on a variety of other smaller events to help add things up.

During draft time, the Lions may want to patch holes they haven’t addressed in free agency. These include defence, wide receiver and perhaps midfield, safety and midfield. The extra pick in the first round will give them some space as it relates to what to do.

However, regardless this is in excellent condition heading into the season. It was important for them to keep the momentum going towards the end of last season and build it up with some quality moves.

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