'24 Preview: Detroit Lions

All Access Football previews the 2024 Detroit Lions. All Access. All Football. All The Time.

Aug 21, 2024

Volume XXIV Edition XLV | 2024 Preview: Detroit Lions

NFC NORTH || 2023 Record: 12-5 || AAF Preseason Power Ranking: 6

Today’s edition of All Access Football is presented by Sports Management Worldwide. A proud partner of AAF, signup here for the SMWW Football Analytics course, starting October 7th with industry pioneers Aaron Schatz and Mike Tanier.

Team Brass

Owner: Sheila Ford Hamp || General Manager: Brad Holmes || Head Coach: Dan Campbell || Offensive Coordinator: Ben Johnson || Defensive Coordinator: Aaron Glenn || Special Teams: Dave Fipp

2024 NFLPA Report Card || Overall Ranking (13 of 32)

Offense Rankings

Total Offense: 394.8 (3rd) || Passing: 258.9 (2nd) || Rushing: 135.9 (5th) || Points: 27.1 (5th) || Sacked: 31 (T-4th) || 3rd Down: 41.5% (T-10th)

Defense Rankings

Total Defense: 336.1 (19th) || Passing: 247.4 (27th) || Rushing: 88.8 (2nd) || Points Allowed: 23.3 (23rd) || Sacks: 41 (T-23rd) || Turnover Differential: 0 (T-16)

Top 10 Franchise Players

OT Penei Sewell (photo credit: Detroit Lions)
WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
QB Jared Goff
DE Aidan Hutchinson
RB Jahmyr Gibbs
S Brian Branch
LB Jack Campbell
TE Sam LaPorta
C Frank Ragnow
OT Taylor Decker

Key Additions

OG Kevin Zeitler (Ravens) || DE Marcus Davenport (Vikings) || DT D.J. Reader (Bengals) || CB Carlton Davis (Buccaneers) || CB Amik Robertson (Raiders)

Key Losses

WR Josh Reynolds (Broncos) || OG Jonah Jackson (Rams) || OG Halapoulivaati Vaitai || DE Charles Harris || DT Benito Jones (Dolphins) || CB Cameron Sutton (Steelers) || CB Jerry Jacobs || S C.J. Gardner Johnson (Eagles) || S Tracy Walker || S Will Harris (Saints)

Breakout Players

RB Jahmyr Gibbs - It’s Super Bowl or bust in Motown and much of the expectations have come with the plethora of young talent that general manager Brad Holmes has stocked the cupboard with. In fact, Detroit had a slew of rookies who flashed the potential to be high-impact players. The electrifying Gibbs is one of the most elusive backs in the NFL. Paired with David Montgomery, the Lions have possibly the top one-two punch in the league.

TE Sam LaPorta - Another player ready to make their way into the upper echelon includes LaPorta. A huge target, LaPorta presents a regular mismatch threat inside the red zone, as evidenced by his 10 touchdowns a year ago and is extremely tough to bring down after the catch. He finished fifth amongst all tight ends with 889 receiving yards. Are we witnessing the rise of an All Pro in the making?

S Brian Branch - A strong second half enabled Branch to make a late push for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. His flexibility to line up in the slot or at safety makes him a key cog and prime playmaker.

2024 NFL Draft Class

The Motor City is going to love the grit and passion of first round pick Terrion Arnold. Combined with second round selection Ennis Rakestraw, the Lions secured some much needed artillery at the cornerback position. They used the final day on luxury selections such as Canadien Giovanni Manu, running back/safety unicorn Sione Vaki and Christian Mahogany who offers immense value at guard. Initial Overall Rookie Assessment: High Level Impact