As the Detroit Lions look to take their next step in 2024, these three players could be surprisingly impactful.
The Detroit Lions seemed headed to the Super Bowl at halftime of last year’s NFC Championship Game. There’s no need to fully rehash how the second half went, but there’s definitely “unfinished business” heading into the 2024 season and head coach Dan Campbell will make sure there is no let-down,
Along the same lines as underrated players who could make a massive impact next season, the Lions won’t have success solely on the backs of their best players. There will be, and there will have to be, players who step up and outperform expectations. It could be stepping up in one key moment in one game, maybe producing over several games when someone else is out injured, or it could wind up being the entire season of notable contribution.
With that, these three Lions could be nice surprises during the 2024 season.
3. DL Josh Paschal
Injuries have greatly impacted Paschal’s first two NFL seasons.
First it was a lingering sports hernia from his final college season and subsequent surgery that delayed the start to his rookie season, and he missed two games later that season with a knee issue. He missed five games early in the season last year with a knee injury, and was never overly impactful getting after the passer (one sack, 13 pressures).
Overall, the 2022 second-round pick has played 22 games and less than 700 defensive snaps (693) in his career. He is quickly stretching into bust territory, and it’s not a stretch to say 2024 is a make-or-break year for him.
Pending further moves that do seem pretty likely, the Lions have only added Marcus Davenport to their edge rusher mix so far this offseason. But there is surely some inherent hope in the organization that Paschal can step into a larger role, stay healthy and make more of an impact then he has thus far.
If that opportunity indeed ends up in front of him, as a versatile piece for the Lions’ defensive line under the tutelage of new defensive line coach Terrell Williams, Year 3 could be when it comes together for Paschal
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