Thursday open thread: Should the Detroit Lions draft a specialist?

Yesterday I laid out my ideal scenario for the Lions in the draft—the first round, that is. As strongly as I feel about the top of the draft, I feel just as strongly (if not more) about the bottom.

Sam Martin, while he had a nice rebound year, hasn’t been himself since getting injured in 2017. Don Muhlbach will be 39 by the start of the season. Both players are set to become free agents in March. Matt Prater is the only safe specialist, and even he’s getting up there in age.

Question of the day: Would you be okay with the Lions drafting a specialist?

My answer: Yes, obviously.

The big name at punter in this draft is Braden Mann, but someone who has flown under the radar is Michael Turk, pictured on the cover of the article. Turk played at Lafayette College his freshman year, redshirted after transferring to ASU, and this year was quietly one of the best (and most consistent) punters in college football.

Beyond just kicking and snapping, I’d also like to see the Lions target some gunners and coverage specialists in the late rounds, which will be likely following the arrival of a new special teams coordinator in Brayden Coombs.

Your turn.