The Lions had quite a busy offseason, trying to overhaul a roster that didn't win a game last season. And the Lions succeeded, bringing in several new faces, including head coach Jim Schwartz. The Lions had the first pick in the draft and took quarterback Matthew Stafford, hoping to find their starting quarterback for the next several seasons. The Lions also added some depth at receiver, signing Bryant Johnson and Ronald Curry, the likely No. 2 and 3 receivers this season. Detroit also got the best tight end in the draft, Brandon Pettigrew, adding another weapon for the passing game.

The secondary will have a new look as the Lions signed Philip Buchanon and Anthony Henry. Both should move right into the starting lineup and provide an upgrade over last season's starters. The Lions didn't lose much in the offseason, but will have to replace defensive end Cory Redding and defensive tackle Shaun Cody, two solid contributors defensively.

After having just one option last season, the Lions suddenly have a respectable group of receivers for Stafford or Daunte Culpepper to work with. Calvin Johnson leads the way. He is as good as any receiver in the game, proving that last season with his breakout year. Johnson and Curry are good compliments to Johnson. And Keary Colbert and John Standeford provide quality depth for the Lions. Rookie tight end Brandon Pettigrew has the intangibles to be a top pass-catching tight end for years. If the Lions can get some good quarterback play, the Lions options in the passing game could do very well.

Detroit was really, really, really bad against the run last season. They ranked dead last and allowed 172.1 yard per game, which was almost 13 yards more than the next ranked team. Needless to say, the Lions have some issues against the run. And while a new defensive-minded coach will help some this season, the Lions still lack the talent on that side of a ball to make a big turnaround.

As mentioned, the quarterback position is something to watch this season. Culpepper will compete with Stafford for the job. Culpepper is the likely starter as the Lions ease Stafford into the mix. But Culpepper hasn't been great in several years, so he probably isn't the answer. And if Stafford gets thrown into the fire, you can expect some struggles as most rookies take some time adjusting to the pro game, especially when they are on a team that didn't win a game last season.

The games should be closer this season, but we still think the Lions are some players away from being a playoff contender. Watch the progress of Stafford, though. If he starts making strides, the Lions could get this thing turned around a bit. The defense is a mess, though, which is a concern.