![]() ![]() Each member of this squad is going to have to use their experience the right the passage way for post-season hopes.No portion of this site may be reproduced without the express written permission of the Detroit Lions. The threats and weapons they possess at each position will only be as good as the talents they are slotted alongside of. No comes the time to get the Khalil Mack situation worked out and help their talent come together as a single unit. They accomplished this at an impressive clip. The ultimate goal for the team this off-season was to increase their depth. This will help protect Carr at a better clip, creating time for him to operate within the pocket. The first unofficial depth chart for the 2023 season will be released during training camp. The team re-built the line through the draft, adding weak-side support and strong-side help within the first and second rounds of the draft. Martin is the change-of-pace back that gives Marshawn Lynch the ability to reduce his usage as he ages. They also boosted their running back depth when they signed Doug Martin from Tampa Bay. Finding a seasoned talent for Carr to work with is key to his development as a signal-caller. Being slotted with one of the best quarterbacks in Aaron Rodgers afforded the Kansas State product some gaudy numbers and high-traffic in terms of looks. Nelson was placed within a role that gave his game a deeper purpose. Applying the notion of gaining Derek Carr more targets, the team made a splash with the addition of Jordy Nelson. Gruden once again answered the bell with free-agent signings and building through the draft. The offense was another area desperately in need of a calling-card. Gruden stepped up to the plate and worked with management to keep this defensive attack well-versed in terms of depth, perceived production, and other such tangibles. The defense was a hot and heavy topic of discussion this off-season. The safety position was also boosted with the likes of Reggie Nelson and Marcus Gilcrest climbing aboard. The defensive coordinator is afforded the luxury of getting to pool from this grouping of talent to select the pieces that will give them the best opportunity to outperform offensive threats. The list of player signings is extensive, but some of the most recognizable include: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Leon Hall, Rashaan Melvin, and Shareece Wright. The cornerback position saw the highest rate of new faces this off-season. The team will trot out a complete secondary with back-up roles also being worked with. To take the defensive depth boost to the second level, the secondary also got in on the addition party. All three of these additions represent immediate, serviceable players. Whitehead will fill the weakside role and will benefit from the teaching and leadership of Johnson in the middle. The youngest addition came from Detroit in Tahir Whitehead. While age remains a concern for this 14-year pro, he still has plenty in left in the tank. ![]() He became an unrestricted free-agent this off-season and was primed for a fresh start. The same can be said for middle-filler, Derrick Johnson. He can read the offense and offers some leadership capabilities at his position. Irvin is a practiced professional and understands defensive make-ups. Bruce Irvin fills an outside role, tailoring his game to flex features that assist the outside end positions. Three of the players the team brought in this off-season will slot into starting roles. Gruden was able to pull at both outside backer positions and fill the middle with role players. This back-and-forth game will likely lead for Mack to miss the start of the season, calling for more support at this timely defensive position. Contract disputes with All-Pro linebacker Khalil Mack are still ongoing. He had few playmakers on the defensive side of the ball, one of which is still undecided if he will dress in the silver and black this season. ![]() Gruden had little to work with in terms of a solidified roster. The roster moves the team made in the off-season would confirm this stance. He is a defense-minded coach who favors this side of the football. Gruden has spent time outside the head coaching role in defensive positions. Gruden got busy the minute the clock struck on open free-agency, trading draft picks and player talents to beef his roster. While bad blood and turmoil seemed to write the script for the relationship between the Raiders and Gruden, both sides have let the dust settle and are ready for advancement. He would reign victorious over his former team and become the youngest coach to ever win a Super Bowl. A surprise trade landed Gruden in Tampa Bay for the 2003 season. Jon Gruden returns to coaching after a 10-year hiatus. ![]()
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