Coming into 2024, the Lions will have a serious need at the cornerback position. Given the importance of the role, major commitments are anticipated from the top choices.
Given Holmes’ history of providing players with one-year contracts that require them to prove their worth, Awuzie might be a contender to join Motown in 2024. Despite having an uneventful season with the Bengals in 2023 and coming off of an ACL tear a year ago, he has found success in his seven-year career.
He has a strong tackling grade of 72.3 from Pro Football Focus the previous season. But in coverage, he gave up a passer rating of 112.8 to the opposition. In 471 snaps, he has allowed a quarterback rating of just 58.2 before suffering his injury in 2022.
On a short-term contract, Awuzie may be a decent senior alternative who can mentor and plug in while the Lions maybe sign a young player.
Denico Autry DL
With the addition of Terrell Williams as the new defensive line coach, there is a relationship between Autry and the Lions organization. Having played in 10 seasons throughout three seasons, he is a seasoned player.
Autry has been effective recently despite his background. He totaled 28.5 sacks over the previous three years, with 11.5 sacks for the Titans in 2023.
Autry can line up both inside and on the edge, adding to his versatility in positions. His 53 pressures from the previous season would have been second on the Lions.
Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston, two of the position’s younger players, could benefit from his seasoned experience. His history with Williams would also make it simple for him to fit in with Detroit’s defensive scheme.
EDGE Josh Uche
Uche is a younger alternative that would offer competition on the edge, in contrast to the first two options, who are seasoned players. The Michigan product seems like a good fit for Detroit’s SAM linebacker position, for whom the Lions had trouble finding a reliable replacement in the previous year.
Houston was injured in Week 2 and was not able to play until the NFC Championship game, which contributed to the Lions’ instability at the position. Only 3.5 sacks were recorded by Uche last year despite 37 pressures.
However, the gifted rusher only missed a year after recording 11.5 sacks in 2022. He has the ability to significantly impact the game by interfering with the passing of the opposition.
Additions are required because Detroit finished tied for 24th in the league in sacks last season. A younger player who might provide competition in that area would be a smart investment, especially with Romeo Okwara and Charles Harris scheduled to become free agents.
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