Open thread: What is the Lions’ top need following the 2024 NFL Draft?

Looking at the Detroit Lions’ biggest needs now that the 2024 NFL Draft is over.

The Detroit Lions’ 2024 draft class is in the books, and while undrafted free agents are still trickling in, the initial roster is starting to take shape.

However, despite all the fresh faces that will join the Lions for the upcoming 2024 season and beyond, there are still a few positions on the roster that could use addressing. General manager Brad Holmes set the Lions up nicely after the initial wave of free agency by addressing immediate needs, leaving the draft as a way to build up talent. Yet while the Lions have undoubtedly achieved that, there is only so much you can address with six draft selections.

We are likely to see another wave of free agent signings following the conclusion of the 2024 NFL Draft. Will the Lions be players, and if so, what positions are in need of a touch up?

Today’s Question of the Day is:

What is the Lions’ top need following the 2024 NFL Draft?

My answer: Safety. I think the Lions did well to address a number of positions with talented players, but I am still concerned looking at the safety room right now.

Entering the draft, the only safeties on the roster were Kerby Joseph, Ifeatu Melifonwu, and Brandon Joseph, plus Brian Branch thanks to his positional flexibility. When the Lions initially chose Sione Vaki out of Utah in the fourth round, I figured he was the safety depth that the Lions were in desperate need of. Instead, Vaki was announced as a running back and in wake of the post-draft interviews, it strongly appears as though Vaki will be a running back first and foremost. His experience as a safety might only translate to special teams and not the actual defense.

Looking at the undrafted class, the Lions have signed two potential safeties as of now: Chelen Garnes and DaRon Gilbert. Garnes is a more traditional safety, while Gilbert was a linebacker in college but could make the switch in the pros. One of these players could feasibly make the roster ahead of Brandon Joseph if they show enough on special teams, but it’s difficult to feel too confident in them as depth pieces on defense.

While I like Brandon Joseph as a dark horse to make the roster, the Lions should explore some of the remaining free agent safeties. Justin Simmons might be too pricey given the recent Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell extensions (with a Jared Goff extensions potentially on the way), but there is a chance he signs a one-year deal on the cheap after a lack of initial interest. The obvious name out there is Quandre Diggs, and a reunion with Detroit would make sense on the field and in the locker room. Other veteran options include John Johnson and Eddie Jackson, while a re-signing of Tracy Walker is not out of the question.

Which other positions should the Lions target in the next wave of free agency, or is their roster looking set for training camp? Let us know in the comments below.