Detroit Lions Award Predictions
There are mixed opinions as to how the Detroit Lions fare this upcoming season, and that’s no surprise. Everything from another high draft pick to potentially flirting with a wildcard spot in the wide open NFC seems to be on the table for Detroit in 2022. For the optimistic Lions fans, let’s take a look at who will play pivotal roles for the team this season.
OPOTY: D’Andre Swift
HM: Amon Ra St Brown
This can go more ways than one. With Amon Ra’s breakout last year he could end up becoming one of the premier wideouts in the league. However, the tables are set up for third year running back D’Andre Swift to completely dominate and live up to his pre-draft billing as a premier NFL level running back. Expect the coaches to feed both of them the ball as much as they can, especially with Swift as the coaches have stated the goal for him is to have 1000 yards rushing this season.
DPOTY: Amani Oruwariye
HM: Tracy Walker
These are the two most likely options for the award as they both improved drastically last season in the new defensive scheme. However, I believe Oruwariye is out to prove critics and doubters very wrong. He had six interceptions last year and got little to no respect from pro bowl voting and Madden ratings. Madden ratings are important to players when the number is about them, and if there is disrespect which there was to Oruwariye with a 77, they tend to file these things away and use it as motivation.
CPOTY: Jeff Okudah
I thought this would be a fun award to add even though there was only one true candidate. Okudah has been written off as a bust already to many people, and he is determined to get that word out of fans’ mouths. He’s already been named the starter next to Oruwariye and that help could make him more comfortable with guarding a wide receiver two with his skillset.
OROTY: Jameson Williams
As there are only two options between him and backup tight end James Mitchell, Williams is likely to win this award in a laugher. Williams is eager to get back on the field when his ACL is fully healed. When fully healthy Williams is one of the most dangerous players on a football field as he has proven throughout his entire career thus far. While Mitchell could be a key contributor for the Lions, Williams impact on the field when he returns will likely end up being more valuable throughout the season. In 2023, the secret will be out and the league will start to put his name among guys like Tyreek Hill when it comes to being an open field threat to score.
DROTY: Aidan Hutchinson
This was the easy decision as Hutch is motivated to prove why he should’ve been the first name off the board at the draft. The second overall pick is the favorite to win defensive rookie of the year amongst many sportsbooks, and by the looks of how dominant he’s been in practice and preseason, he’s looking to add that trophy on his quite impressive football resume.
Team MVP: The Entire Offensive Line
The offensive line has been built to dominate the trenches and become a top flight unit in the league. With all starting offensive lineman back and healthy, this offense could be very entertaining to watch. Second year tackle Penei Sewell looks much stronger compared to last season, and that’s saying a lot considering he was looked at as the best offensive lineman to come out the draft in years. Frank Ragnow is a top three center when healthy and he is back now as well. Taylor Decker is a top 15 tackle in the league and doesn’t get enough recognition, and Jonah Jackson is their fourth best o’lineman and made the pro bowl last season. With improved offensive weapons as well, they could give fans a glimpse of what’s to come in Detroit sooner than people realize.
These players are eager to become household names throughout the league, and they all have the potential to do just that. If their skills translate to wins, this team could compete for a playoff spot sooner rather than later.
-Robert Martin
Twitter: @Defense_Rob
Photo: Kevind810. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.