During halftime of last year’s NFC Championship Game, the Detroit Lions appeared to be on their way to the Super Bowl. There’s no need to extensively recap how the second half went, but there’s undoubtedly “unfinished business” moving into the 2024 season, and head coach Dan Campbell will make sure there is no letdown.
Along the same lines as underappreciated players who could have a significant effect next season, the Lions will not be successful purely on the strength of their greatest players. There will be, and must be, players who rise up and exceed expectations. It might be stepping up in one important moment in one game, possibly delivering across multiple games when someone else is out injured, or it could end up being the entire
With that said, these three Lions could be pleasant surprises during the 2024 season.
3. DL Josh Paschal
Paschal’s first two NFL seasons have been significantly disrupted by injuries.
A persistent sports hernia from his final collegiate season, followed by surgery, delayed the start of his rookie season, and he missed two games later that season due to a knee ailment. He missed five games early last season due to a knee ailment and was never particularly effective at getting after the passer (one sack, 13 pressures).
Overall, the 2022 second-round choice has appeared in 22 games and taken fewer than 700 defensive snaps (693). He is swiftly expanding into bust zone, and it is not a leap to say 2024 is a make-or-break year.
So far this summer, the Lions have only added Marcus Davenport to their edge rusher mix, however more changes appear to be on the way. But there is undoubtedly some hope in the organization that Paschal will be able to step into a larger position, remain healthy, and make a greater impact than he has so far.
If that opportunity arises, as a versatile member of the Lions’ defensive line under the supervision of new defensive line coach Terrell Williams, Paschal’s third season might be his breakthrough.
