PAULA PASCHE: Detroit Lions roster improved; still much work needed

Detroit Lions safety Louis Delmas (26) celebrations his interception as linebacker Justin Durant (52) watches during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012, in Philadelphia. The Lions won 26-23 in overtime. (AP Photo/The Wilmington News-Journal, Andre L. Smith) NO SALES

So the Lions are mostly done with free agency. General manager Martin Mayhew told reporters at the NFL owners meetings that the Lions were done signing big-name free agents. It seems unlikely they will re-sign linebacker Justin Durant, while it looks like they will try to get defensive end Lawrence Jackson back. And, obviously, they are working on a contract for kicker Jason Hanson.

So where do they stand now?

ESPN has the Lions ranked 22nd in their post-free agency NFL rankings, moving up from 28th where they finished the season.

In the NFC North now they're behind the Packers at sixth, the Bears at 11th and the Vikings at 17th.

I'd say the Vikings are ranked too high.

Still, it's a fair ranking for the Lions coming off a 4-12 season.

Even though the free agent pickups of Reggie Bush, Glover Quin and Jason Jones are to be lauded there are still plenty of question marks.

They are not ready to anoint Riley Reiff as the starting left tackle since Jeff Backus retired last week. Three spots on the offensive line are in flux and they're counting on unproven guys like Corey Hilliard and Jason Fox to step up.

Jones is no Cliff Avril. Defensive end on both sides is still a question. Replacing Durant is an issue too.

It's unusual but the secondary is in better shape than other units. Louis Delmas and Quin should start at safety with Chris Houston and one of the three corners drafted last year starting beside him.

That's enough holes to make 22nd sound reasonable. Trades are still possible.

It's the draft though where Mayhew needs to excel, starting with the No. 5 overall pick.


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