By Mummy Grace 
Detroit Lions’ Offense Leads NFL, Defense Becomes Offseason Priority
When you have the best offense in the NFL, the offseason focus often shifts to shoring up other areas. That’s exactly where the Detroit Lions stand after a season in which they averaged a league-best 33.2 points per game — more than two points higher than any other team. With such an explosive offense and immense talent on that side of the ball, the Lions are expected to focus heavily on defense this offseason.
In a three-round mock draft released on January 16, Athlon Sports’ Luke Easterling projected the Lions to bolster their defense with high-impact additions.
Lions’ Mock Draft Predictions
With the final pick of the first round, Easterling has the Lions selecting Ohio State edge rusher JT Tuimoloau. In the second round, they’re predicted to draft Mississippi cornerback Trey Amos.
JT Tuimoloau: A Perfect Fit
One of the Lions’ glaring defensive issues has been their inability to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Detroit’s 38 sacks this season ranked as the 10th-least in the NFL. While Aidan Hutchinson will return as a cornerstone of the defensive line, the departure of Za’Darius Smith leaves a significant void opposite him.
Tuimoloau could be the ideal complement. The Ohio State standout has earned First Team All-Big Ten honors for three consecutive seasons, racking up 11.5 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, and 56 total tackles in 2024. He also proved his ability to step up in big games, recording two sacks and three tackles for loss against Oregon and following it with another dominant performance against Texas.
Trey Amos: Adding Depth to the Secondary
While selecting a cornerback in the second round may seem unconventional after the Lions invested their first two picks last year in Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr., it could address pressing needs in the secondary. Rakestraw’s injuries and lack of starting experience, combined with the impending free agency loss of Carlton Davis, make the position a priority.
Trey Amos, a standout at Ole Miss, could be a strong addition. Known for his lockdown coverage skills, Amos tallied three interceptions and 50 tackles in 2024 while holding opposing quarterbacks to a completion percentage of just 51.6%. His ability to limit receivers to only 4.5 yards per target adds further appeal. Bleacher Report’s scouting report even compares him to Davis, making him a logical replacement.
What’s Next for the Lions?
The Lions’ focus on defense in the draft highlights their commitment to complementing their offensive firepower with a stronger, more balanced team. As they prepare for their playoff game against the Washington Commanders, fans can anticipate a busy offseason filled with key decisions to solidify their roster for the future.