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All Lions: Detroit May Target Danielle Hunter as a Free Agent.

The Detroit Lions had a standout season in 2023, clinching their first division championship in thirty years and advancing to the NFC Championship Game for the first time in thirty-two years. A significant portion of their success last season can be credited to the strong draft class of 2023 orchestrated by general manager Brad Holmes.

Holmes made key selections in the first and second rounds, notably trading back from the sixth overall pick to secure running back Jahmyr Gibbs at twelfth overall, and subsequently picking off-ball linebacker Jack Campbell at eighteenth overall. He then capitalized on the additional pick gained from trading down, drafting tight end Sam LaPorta at thirty-fourth overall and defensive back Brian Branch at forty-fifth overall.

Although criticized initially for not adhering to conventional “positional value,” these picks proved to be incredibly beneficial for Holmes and the team. Gibbs and LaPorta both earned Pro Bowl honors in their rookie seasons, while Branch emerged as a impactful player in the Lions’ secondary. Campbell, though less prominent, displayed potential as a valuable member of the linebacker unit.

Presently, the organization seems to be on track to becoming perennial Super Bowl contenders. According to Pro Football Focus’ Steve Palazzolo, this trajectory can be maintained by continuing to build through the draft. Palazzolo emphasized the importance of capitalizing on draft picks, especially considering the team will have fewer selections in the future.

Palazzolo and fellow PFF writer Sam Monson recommended pursuing EDGE Danielle Hunter as a strategic free-agent target for the Lions in the current offseason. They believe Hunter would bolster the team’s pass rush without compromising their ability to retain their core players.

Palazzolo highlighted the necessity of planning for the future, particularly in terms of managing the financial implications of retaining standout players like Aidan Hutchinson and Penei Sewell, who will be due for significant contracts in the coming years. Thus, while prudent spending is crucial, Palazzolo views acquiring Hunter as a sensible move for the Lions.