How free agency moves affect predictions for Detroit Lions

Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida (No. 6)

Why: The Lions have expressed the utmost confidence in Jared Goff as their starting QB this offseason, but in this scenario, Anthony Richardson being available is too good to pass up. Making this decision easier is the fact that Detroit has already addressed one of its biggest needs, cornerback, in free agency by signing Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley. All of the sudden, this franchise is in position to win now while grooming Richardson, who has the most potential of any QB in the draft, to take the reigns when he’s ready.

Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah (No. 18)

Why: The Lions have done a good job addressing defensive needs in free agency, so they continue adding to the offense in the first round. Dalton Kincaid is one of the best pass-catchers in this class, regardless of position, and Anthony Richardson will love throwing to him for years to come.

Will Levis, QB, Kentucky (No. 6)

Why: Detroit’s defense ranked near the bottom in every metric in 2022, but adding a QB on the rookie deal enables them to move on from Jared Goff in 2024, spend money on free agents and make a title run.

Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois (No. 18)

Why: Boy, the Lions are sitting pretty with a ton of options thanks to extra draft picks. They picked up two CBs in free agency, and we’ll see what happens with former top-five pick Jeff Okudah, who was benched last season.

Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois (No. 11 after trade w/ Titans)

Why: Lions get the No. 11 and No. 41 pick in the trade. Detroit needed to aggressively upgrade its defense and adding corner Cam Sutton and safety C.J. Gardner Johnson are big steps toward that. But Witherspoon would allow the Lions to move on from Jeff Okudah.

Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia (No. 18)

Why: Head coach Dan Campbell was a tight end, the Lions lost T.J. Hockenson and, most importantly, Washington is a beast. At 6-foot-7 and 264 pounds, he still ran a 4.64-second 40. He was Georgia’s second-best tight end, only because Brock Bowers will be a high draft pick in 2024.

Will Levis, QB, Kentucky (No. 6)

Why: The Lions should be on high alert to take a QB with a higher ceiling than Jared Goff given how everything else is coming together for their loaded offense with Levis’ cannon being the key calling card. Detroit could think about moving on from Goff soon and push to win big with a QB on a rookie contract.

Dalton Kincaid,…