Open thread: Which Lions player will finish 2nd in team sacks?

On the subject of figuring out the Detroit Lions’ finest cross rusher, there isn’t a lot of a dialogue. It’s Aidan Hutchinson and it’s not even shut. For those who want a reminder, Hutchinson not solely had 11.5 sacks final yr—essentially the most from a Lions participant since Ezekiel Ansah in 2017—however his 121 pressures (through PFF, together with playoffs) was 78 greater than anybody else on the crew (Alim McNeill was second with 43).

Clearly, the Lions are hoping another person assist carry the load in 2024, and Detroit made a few strikes to assist facilitate that purpose. They added each DJ Reader and Marcus Davenport in free company, snagged a lottery ticket in Canadian soccer sack chief Mathieu Betts, and drafted defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo on Day 3.

Past that, James Houston is wholesome once more after lacking 15 video games final yr, and Detroit is optimistic concerning the development of each Josh Paschal and Levi Onwuzurike.

So at present’s Query of the Day is:

Assuming Aidan Hutchinson is first, who will end second in crew sacks for the Lions in 2024?

My reply: There’s a fairly large checklist of candidates this yr, which could possibly be seen as each an excellent and unhealthy factor. On the one hand, there simply isn’t a transparent No. 2 cross dashing expertise. Alternatively, it wouldn’t be that shocking to see Davenport, Paschal, McNeill, or Houston tally seven or eight sacks.

In 2021, Davenport posted 9.0 sacks for the Saints in simply 11 video games, and now that he’s wholesome and in an analogous protection, he’s nonetheless younger sufficient (27) to recapture that magic.

In 2022, Houston had 8.0 sacks in simply seven video games. The Lions teaching employees has restricted his enjoying time as he turns into a extra well-rounded participant, and he’s coming off an ankle damage, however Houston arguably has one of the best cross dashing expertise of this group.

Josh Paschal solely has 3.0 sacks in 22 profession NFL video games, however he’s a main candidate to interrupt out in 2024, and he seemed to be Detroit’s main selection because the “starter” reverse Hutchinson within the spring.

At this level, Betts might be nonetheless thought of a longshot for the roster, however he had 18 sacks within the CFL final season and was named the league’s most excellent participant, so it’s potential he can carry over a few of that manufacturing.

Lastly, there’s McNeill. He posted a career-high 5.0 sacks final season and is slowly rising as probably the greatest inside defenders in soccer. With Reader nearly definitely opening up extra one-on-one alternatives for McNeill this season, there’s an opportunity McNeill places up a monster season in a contract yr.

In the end, I’m going to go along with Houston. Although he’s not prone to see the enjoying time of Paschal or McNeill, he’s doubtless going to be on the sector for most evident passing conditions, and with Detroit’s stronger line of defense, I feel Houston will probably be very environment friendly when he’s on the sector.

Who do you assume finishes second in sacks for the Lions in 2024? Vote within the ballot under, then scroll to the underside of the web page and share why within the remark part.