After a 6-10 record, the Detroit Lions enter the offseason with several changes needing to be made. General manager Bob Quinn has already begun reshuffling the front office, moving on from capologist Matt Harriss and signing Mike Disner as his replacement. Quinn has also opted not to re-sign offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter and has set expectations on what he prefers in the candidates that are currently being interviewed.

Once the logistical movement in the front office and coaching department is settled, the next logical move is to finalize the positions on the current roster that need to be upgraded via free agency, trade or the draft for the 2019 season. For a detailed breakdown of the players currently on the Lions’ roster and pending free agents the check out the Lions Wire Roster Stack: January 2019 edition.

I have identified 15 spots the Lions’ roster that I believe require attention and ranked them in order of perceived preference.

EDGE

Need level = starter

EDGE/Down defensive end is the Lions number one need and with Ezekiel Ansah expected to leave in free agency, the Lions should make upgrading the talent here a priority. Romeo Okwara is a restricted free agent and should receive an offer — likely a second-round designation — but he shouldn’t be expected to hold down the position alone.

There will be several appealing options in free agency and the draft is loaded with options, especially at the top of the draft, where the No. 8 pick could land them a potential long-term solution at the position.

Tight end

Need level = starter

Arguably the weakest position group on the roster, Quinn made a point of saying he wants to improve tight end position at his end of year press conference. The free agency class leaves you wanting more but this is another position where the draft is loaded with playmakers. Don’t be surprised if the Lions target a tight end early in the draft.

Cornerback

Need level = starter

The Lions tried upgrading their outside corner last year in free agency but were outbid on all their top targets. They entered the season with a three-way battle for the job between Nevin Lawson, DeShawn Shead and Teez Tabor, eventually settling on Lawson at the beginning of the year.

Lawson saw 88.9-percent of defensive snaps this past season, and while he proved to be a versatile option — sometimes moving into the slot — he appears better suited as a rotational/reserve piece rather than a starter.

Running back

Need level = rotational No. 2

Kerryon Johnson is the clear starter but he is at his best when he is kept fresh and that requires a capable backup to allow him reps off. He also has durability issues and a complementary back would help alleviate some of the stress that comes with the position.

Theo Riddick is the only other NFL level back on the current roster but is best utilized as a passing game specialist and is not a realistic option for this role.

With the Lions planning on leaning on their running game as a large part of their offense, a true No. 2 option at running back is quietly a top-5 need on this roster.

Slot receiver

Need level = starting option

Depending on who is brought in as the Lions next offensive coordinator, the slot receiver role could move up the needs list. If they bring in a coach who deploys traditional three-receiver sets then this could move all the way up to the No. 2 spot.

Although, don’t be surprised if the Lions change the pecking order of preferred targets and the slot role is diminished some, allowing Brandon Powell the opportunity to step into this role, thus lowering the need priority level.

Guard

Need level = depth (possible upgrade to starter/competition)

Guard is another spot where it could become a much higher priority depending on what happens with the players currently on the roster.

Will T.J. Lang retire?

Is Tyrell Crosby an option at right guard?

Regardless of the answers above the Lions should be looking to upgrade Kenny Wiggins spot, even if it’s just for a reserve role.

Safety

Need level = depth (possible starter upgrade)

Yet another role that is unclear at this time because Glover Quin’s status is unknown. He appeared to be going through the retirement motions at the end of the season, taking extra pictures in his final games and talking openly about his options with the media.

This position ranks lower than the previous two needs because of Tavon Wilson, who is capable of taking over the Lions third safety role if Quin retires and Tracy Walker moves into the single high role. But, Wilson was overtaken by Walker this season, illustrating his role isn’t safe in coaches eyes.

Off the ball linebacker

Need level = depth/challenge starter

The Lions mainly used three linebackers on defense this season, Jarrad Davis (98.9-percent snaps), Christian Jones (65.2-percent) and Jalen Reeves-Maybin (11.1-percent) who was injured most of the season and ended on injured reserve. Jones showed improvement as the season wore on and Reeves-Maybin could bounce back next season, but that may not be enough to keep coaches satisfied this group is settled.

If the Lions can find an upgrade they very well could jump at the opportunity, but based on this positions usage, and a few options already on the roster, this may not be as big of a need as people think.

Jack linebacker

Need level = depth

Now we are in the clear depth positions and no position is more important to the Lions multiple defensive scheme than JACK linebacker. Eli Harold is a free agent who could return and solve this need, but at this time he is not signed, and if he departs the Lions need a strong backup to Devon Kennard.

Quarterback

Need level = reserve

Matt Cassell will be 38 years old next season (and is a free agent), Jake Ruddock elected to try his hand with another team, and while Conner Cook could end up turning his futures deal into a roster spot, the Lions still need another capable option to back up Matthew Stafford.

Interior defensive line

Need level = depth

With Damon Harrison, A’Shawn Robinson and Da’Shawn Hand all returning in 2019 this position appears set but the Lions regularly utilize four interior defensive linemen in a rotation, meaning a notable portion of snaps is up for grabs. The Lions may solve this need by simply re-signing Ricky Jean Francois, but a move will be needed.

Tight end

Need level = blocking specialist

This need could be filled very easily if the Lions re-sign Levine Toilolo who was arguably their best tight end last season. If he leaves in free agency, the Lions will need to a second tight end to the roster for the second year in a row.

Long Snapper

Need level = starter

Don Muhlbach has been living on one-year contracts with the Lions for over a decade and despite turning 38 years old during next years training camp, he is still one of the best in the game and should re-sign with the Lions.

Running back

Need level = depth

As noted earlier, Johnson is locked in as a starter, Riddick a specialist, and whoever is added to the No. 2 spot will directly impact what happens here. The Lions will assuredly carry four running backs and it’s very possible Zach Zenner has already earned this position with his end of the season play, but he is technically a free agent, and if the Lions select a power option at the No. 2 spot, the team may want to look to a speed back here.

Wide receiver

Need level = depth

Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones are the starters and even if a slot receiver is added (as was suggested earlier) the Lions will still need depth options on the outside. Andy Jones likely earned a role on the roster as a blocking receiver and with his special teams play, but he isn’t a reliable receiving option right now leaving the Lions with a need for depth on the outside. Chris Lacy and Deontez Alexander were given contracts to compete for this spot but expect more competition to be added as well.