After kicking off free agency with a much-needed signing, the Detroit Lions have been...pretty quiet.
There's still plenty of talent left out there in the league for Detroit to snag, but as of now, their only signings of note remain at center, backup quarterback, backup tackle, and backup running back. Depth is key, but so is netting a starter to protect your quarterback's blindside.
While Larry Borom, the Lions' only tackle signing through four days of free agency, is a decent depth signing and backup for both Penei Sewell and whoever the Lions start at left tackle, the room needs work. That's probably why ESPN's Field Yates recently wrote that Detroit's free agency silence signals their plans for their 17th overall pick.
"...based on what we have seen so far, it's difficult for me to envision the Lions passing on a left tackle if Freeling or Alabama's Kadyn Proctor reach them at No. 17. I have Freeling graded higher, while Proctor has the power of a forklift. Taylor Decker, Detroit's former left tackle, requested a release from the team ahead of his 11th season."
While the Lions should be zeroing in on a tackle early in the draft, it's growing to feel less and less important that they make that move at 17th overall, rather than at 50th overall. With no edge signings completed, and with the team having actually just dropped an edge from the roster, they should be looking there with their first round pick.
Fans should hope ESPN's latest prediction for Lions doesn't come true
Left tackle is one of the most important positions within an offense, and they have to excel at pass protection. Jared Goff isn't getting any younger, and the idea of having to play Teddy Bridgewater in any serious capacity as a result of bad pass protection should be a concerning one. That's the reality if Detroit doesn't invest in a starting left tackle with experience at the position.
This is, of course, assuming they don't shift Sewell over to left tackle for the season. That's a fine solution, but then you're left with another hole at right tackle. And not just any hole - an All-Pro sized hole.
READ MORE: NFL writer names a perfect Cade Mays backup the Lions can snag
The draft offers some hope for Detroit by way of tackle, but they really shouldn't be leaning on it too much. Rather, finding the cap space to land any one of the completely fine options on the market right now for starting tackle talent should be the priority, with landing an edge rusher for cheap or at 17th overall the second step.
This is going to be a weird season for the Lions if they swing and miss on both positions. They have Aidan Hutchinson in tow, but they have no reliable edge depth behind him. We could be right back at square one if the Lions don't manage this dilemma properly, and if they don't get a bit more aggressive with their cap maneuvering in order to avoid a dilemma altogether.