Detroit Lions stock up, stock down

With training camp still a few months away, teams throughout the NFL continue to evaluate their rosters. With that in mind, we've done some evaluating of our own, examining the Detroit Lions and whose stock is rising and falling. 

Stock Up 

James Houston IV, edge: A sixth-round pick of the Lions in 2022, Houston missed more than half of his rookie campaign. However, after turning some ends toward the back end of the year, Houston could be on the cusp of a breakout year in 2023. 

Houston didn't make his pro debut until Week 11 but wasted little time announcing his presence, becoming the first NFL player to record 8.0 sacks over their first seven career games. Houston also tallied 12 tackles for loss and seven QB hits last season. In the second half of 2022, Houston showed flashes of what he could be alongside fellow dynamic pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson, and we should expect more of the same this season.

Sam LaPorta, tight end: While it's rare for rookie tight ends to light up immediately in the NFL, LaPorta probably landed in the best place to make that possible. In 2022, the Lions set a franchise record for touchdowns by tight ends (12). With Pro Bowler T.J. Hockenson now with the rival Minnesota Vikings, those opportunities should be available for the second-round pick. 

Speaking with reporters during OTA's in May, Lions head coach Dan Campbell gave LaPorta a vote of confidence, calling him "pretty sharp" while indicating the team believes he can handle more of a load than most rookies. Fellow Hawkeye alum and San Francisco 49ers All-Pro George Kittle recently hyped up LaPorta's skill set, adding, "He's gonna make some big plays this year." LaPorta still has to prove it on the field, but the 22-year-old is in an excellent position to begin his NFL career with a bang.  

Stock Down 

Halapoulivaati Vaitai, right guard: Vaitai missed all of 2022 following back surgery, and after mulling retirement, Vaitai enters perhaps the most pivotal season of his seven-year NFL career. The Lions restructured Vaitai's contract last October, meaning the 2023 campaign could be his last in Detroit. 

Vaitai made 25 starts in his first two seasons with the Lions, but following his injury last season, Detroit brought back former Lion and 2016 third-round pick Graham Glasgow, who made 13 starts for the Denver Broncos at guard in 2022. Vaitai could surprise and bounce back in 2023, but coming off a severe back injury, the Lions probably aren't expecting much from the 29-year-old. 

Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator: The Lions defense made some significant improvements during the second half of 2022 but still ranked 29th in the NFL with a grade of 60.4, per Pro Football Focus. Following several changes on that side of the ball this offseason, it'll be up to the Lions defensive coordinator to whip the unit into shape as the franchise enters the 2023 campaign with massive expectations. 

The Lions helped Glenn by re-signing most of their young core, then addressed their weak secondary, adding Pro Bowl safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and cornerbacks Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley in free agency. Detroit also agreed to a contract extension with Glenn in February, putting more pressure on the DC to right the ship. Extension or not, Glenn could be on the way out if the Lions defense doesn't improve in 2023.