The rebuilding of the Detroit Lions is being led by a wave of young players who will have to shoulder the burden of resuscitating a dormant NFL franchise.
General manager Brad Holmes and the personnel department oversaw the transformation of an aging roster into a team full of approachable young talent.
In fact, the 2022 Lions are among the youngest teams in the entire National Football League.
Here are six showpieces that pave the way for head coach Dan Campbell and the coaching staff.
PENEI SEWELL
The offensive line unit has the potential to be among the baddest in the NFC North division.
After a stellar first season at right tackle, the 21-year-old offensive lineman is ready to capitalize on all the lessons learned from his rookie campaign at Motown.
According to Sports Illustrated, “I like Sewell to make the jump because the Lions ran the ball between their right tackle and guard last year more than almost any football team at a 5.1 yard rate. per run, which was good enough for seventh in the League.Sewell allowed just one sack last year and finished the season incredibly well.
BY ANDRE SWIFT
If healthy, the sneaky running back can finally make progress toward becoming a second-round NFL Draft selection.
With more size, speed and another season under her belt, Swift is poised to become more of a star weapon on Detroit’s offense.
The key will be to stay healthy and continue your development coming out of the backfield.
At any time, Swift can take a pass and break it for extra yards after the catch.
He should become more of a safety valve for veteran quarterback Jared Goff.
AMON-RA ST. BROWN
Quickly, the talented wideout became one of Detroit’s most essential athletes.
St. Brown is not lacking in confidence, and his second season at Motown should demonstrate to the NFL world why his fourth-round selection was the steal of the 2021 NFL Draft.
AIDAN HUTCHINSON
No player better embodies what the revamped culture should look like than the former Wolverine defensive lineman.
In a pre-draft video released by the team, the rookie expressed to the Lions his desire to use his aggression to win battles.
“I’m going to knock people out,” Hutchinson said while visiting with the Lions at the Combine. “I love doing that. I love setting outlines. Just getting paid to knock someone out. That’s what I love.
JAMESON WILLIAMS
The Lions hope to transform their anemic attack.
For Goff to have a successful second season at Motown, the frequency of explosive plays must increase significantly.
Last season, the veteran quarterback struggled with a group of receivers for most of the season who couldn’t get the better of the defense.
The addition of Williams changes things for new offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
When healthy, defenses must factor in Williams’ blistering speed, which should be exploited by Detroit’s coaching staff with high frequency.
For years to come, Detroit’s offense stands to benefit immensely from the addition of Williams.
Broads like St. Brown, DJ Chark and Josh Reynolds should see immediate benefits from having the ex-Crimson Tide on the roster.
ALIM Mc NEILL
Campbell pointed out to reporters that the young inside defensive lineman is among the strongest members of the roster.
With increased dedication to his craft, McNeill will be tasked with leading the defensive line, revamping his ability to stop the run and pressure opposing quarterbacks.
“When you’re built the way he is and you have the kind of tools he has, he could be somewhat of a problem for an offensive line,” Campbell told reporters during the offseason. “He’s progressing well and he’s another one of those guys. We look at him, and he’s one of those guys who are the heart of our team.
This article was produced by the staff of Sports Illustrated/All Lions. To learn more, visit si.com/nfl/lions.
