There have already been a number of defenders linked to the Detroit Lions this offseason who could strengthen their pass rush. To the list should be included Denico Autry, a seasoned defensive lineman.
Given his friendship with Terrell Williams, the new defensive coach for the Lions, Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports connected the Lions to Autry. Over the last three seasons, Autry has been a member of Williams’ Tennessee Titans squad.
With 11.5 sacks this season with the Titans, the 33-year-old had the best season of his NFL career, according to Payton. There are several reasons to think that he would work well with Williams because he was possibly the Titans’ finest defensive player during the previous campaign.
In 46 games with the Titans, Autry recorded 28.5 sacks, 30 tackles for loss, and 54 quarterback hits while Williams served as his position coach. His three years in Tennessee were the best three-year statistical span of his career, despite his reaching 33 last summer.
2023 saw Autry record a career-high 50 total tackles, which included 17 quarterback hits and 12 tackles for loss. In addition to his 11.5 sacks, he also had 2 forced fumbles, 4 pass defences, and 1 overall.
On February 1, Dianna Russini of The Athletic announced that Williams has joined the Lions as the defensive line coach and coordinator of their run game. Since 2018, Williams has served as the defensive line coach for the Titans.
Given that Williams is from Tennessee, the fit is fairly clear. The Lions must also strengthen their pass rush this offseason.
In 2023, Aidan Hutchinson was the only pass rusher for Detroit to record more than five sacks. In addition, despite leading by 17 points at the half, the Lions only had 2 sacks in the NFC title game.
Numerous events led to the breakdown of the championship game. However, the Lions would have had a better chance of defending their advantage with another outstanding edge rusher if the San Francisco 49ers hadn’t thrown so much in the second half.
