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Sunday open thread: Who will lead the Lions’ defense in interceptions this year?

Can anyone take over the “big play” persona with Darius Slay gone?

New England Patriots vCincinnati Bengals Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images

After ranking near the bottom of the league in secondary play, the Lions did not hesitate to make additions to their secondary this offseason, adding names like Duron Harmon, Jayron Kearse, Desmond Trufant and first-round pick Jeff Okudah.

With so many new faces on defense, the Lions are hoping to get more consistent play from their back end and create more turnovers. Last year, the Lions intercepted only seven passes, tied for worst in the NFL. With Darius Slay heading to Philadelphia, they lose their big play corner and the last player to tally more interceptions than Slay was Glover Quin back in 2016.

Today’s Question of the Day is:

Who will lead the Lions in interceptions in 2020?

My answer: This one is actually very tough because the player with the most interceptions for the Lions when you remove Slay last year was Amani Oruwariye, and he’s likely only going to play due to injuries or in specific matchup situations.

Trufant is coming off of a season-high four interceptions, but has been more of an efficient cover corner than a big-time playmaker. Then you have Okudah who only intercepted three passes in his college career (all in 2019).

I’d probably rule out Justin Coleman and Amani Oruwariye due to lack of snaps and say this could go in the hands of Okudah, Trufant, Tracy Walker or Duron Harmon. In the end, I think I’d have to give this one to Harmon because he’s going to be the deep guy for the Lions and will have every opportunity to make plays with his eyes on the quarterback. Harmon had 10 interceptions in his last three years for the Patriots and knows what to expect playing for Matt Patricia. I could see him going off this year with at least four or five interceptions.

Your turn.

Poll

Who will lead the Lions in INTs in 2020?

This poll is closed

  • 18%
    Jeff Okudah
    (226 votes)
  • 12%
    Desmond Trufant
    (155 votes)
  • 33%
    Tracy Walker
    (406 votes)
  • 27%
    Duron Harmon
    (330 votes)
  • 3%
    Justin Coleman
    (38 votes)
  • 4%
    Other
    (50 votes)
1205 votes total Vote Now

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