PFF ranks Detroit Lions’ pre-draft roster dead last in NFL

Most Detroit Lions fans agree that the 2021 season isn’t likely going to be a good one for the team. They had to trade away their franchise quarterback and followed by cutting some of their better players who were simply not worth the contracts they were playing on. While the Lions’ free agency strategy was sound and calculated, it likely didn’t make the roster significantly better, considering just about everyone they signed is on a one-year deal worth less than $5 million.

The question simply is “how bad?” with this Lions team. Current Vegas odds suggest this team may finish with the lowest win total in 2021, and now you can add Pro Football Focus to the list of sites that agree. On Friday, Anthony Treash of PFF ranked all 32 rosters in the NFL prior to the draft, and the Lions came in dead last on the list.

“Detroit comes in dead last in total non-QB WAR on the 2020 [sic—I believe he means 2021] roster, and it really isn’t close,” Treash wrote.

Treash notes that the Lions are particularly thin at wide receiver, as Breshad Perriman and Tyrell Williams—the team’s top receivers—haven’t finished with a 70 PFF grade more than once in their entire careers. The secondary, too, comes under fire as Amani Oruwariye’s (91st) and Jeff Okudah’s (118th) rankings among cornerbacks last year don’t provide much optimism, despite each player’s youth. Of course, there aren’t any apparent strengths on the roster, either.

However, Treash tells Lions fans to look on the bright side. He argues their likely poor finish in 2021 is actually good for the team.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if we see them claim the No. 1 overall pick in 2022,” Treash said. “Don’t be bummed, Detroit fans, this is a fantastic thing for the franchise long-term.”

I suppose that’s one way of looking at it.