The Detroit Lions have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL ahead of the 2024 campaign, but they have players on both sides of the ball who could take Detroit to another level if they step up and show out.
Those players are better known as X-factors, which the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines as a “circumstance, quality, or person that has a strong but unpredictable influence.”
We’ve identified three players in particular who both have the potential to make little to no impact in a worst-case scenario, or a significant one in a best-case scenario.
And, if the latter scenario plays out, it could take the Lions to an entirely different level in 2024. Here’s a look at who fits the bill:
Williams has seen a quiet and disappointing start to his career with just 25 catches for 395 yards and three touchdowns over two seasons (18 games). Context is important, though, as Williams was coming back from a torn ACL in his rookie season and lost four contests in 2023 because of a gambling suspension.
But Williams has nothing standing his way this time around and the Lions need him to step up, especially after the departure of Josh Reynolds. If Williams can realize his potential in 2024 and be a weapon alongside Sam LaPorta and Amon-Ra St. Brown, it’ll take Detroit’s passing game to another level.
Arguably the biggest area of need for the Lions going into the offseason was in the secondary, where Detroit desperately needed upgrades in the cornerbacks room. After making a much-needed addition of Carlton Davis via trade, the Lions strengthened the room further by drafting Arnold.
Arnold figures to be the starter opposite Davis, but what the Lions get out of him in Year 1 remains to be seen, as rookies are always unpredictable. If Arnold picks things up quickly and becomes the lockdown cornerback many project him to be, Detroit’s defense has the potential to be elite.
Granted, the Lions really just need Arnold to be a solid No. 2 in his first year, but anything more than that would be a huge boost to the defense.
The Lions brought Davenport in to give Aidan Hutchinson some help, but he comes with no shortage of concerns. The veteran has tallied more than two sacks just once over the past four years, and he has just 2.5 in total the last two seasons. Adding to that, he’s dealt with his fair share of injury issues during his career.
As far as sack totals are concerned, Davenport has shown he’s capable of more than what he’s put out there the last two seasons. In 2021, Davenport had nine sacks in just 11 games. If he can return to anything close to that form in 2024, Detroit’s pass-rush will greatly improve and have a chance to be elite.
