Lions general manager Bob Quinn and his front office staff, along with head coach Matt Patricia and Detroit's coaching staff, sat down early in the offseason to start to prepare for free agency and the draft. They identified their roster needs and looked at both free agency and the draft to try and identify where there might be players to fit those needs.
As we got closer to the start of free agency and the beginning of the new league year in mid-March, the COVID-19 pandemic began closing down the country and changing the free-agency landscape teams were preparing to navigate through.
"I think that we put a plan together like that on how we needed to fill all those needs, and then things change in the course of that process as you're going along, and you have to be ready to monitor and adjust," Patricia said.
View photos of the Detroit Lions roster as of May 1, 2020.
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Oday Aboushi (76) during a NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019 in Denver. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Jamal Agnew (39) returns a punt for a touchdown during a NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019 in Denver. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Geronimo Allison (81) runs during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday Oct. 6, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. The Packers defeated the Cowboys 34-24. (Greg Trott via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) during a NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle John Atkins (99) during a NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019 in Denver. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions fullback Nick Bawden (46) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions guard Caleb Benenoch (74) during practice at the Detroit Lions training facility Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard Beau Benzschawel (63) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback David Blough (10) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Buffalo Bills center Russell Bodine (66) blocks during an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions, Friday, Aug. 23, 2019, in Detroit. The Bills defeated the Lions, 24-20. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Victor Bolden (13) during practice at the Detroit Lions training facility Friday, Dec. 27, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive end Austin Bryant (94) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Washington tight end Hunter Bryant runs for a first down against Arizona during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jason Cabinda (53) on special teams during a NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Wisconsin wide receiver Quintez Cephus during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Central Michigan Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Detroit Lions cornerback Justin Coleman (27) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
New England Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins Sr. (58) drops into coverage during a NFL football game against the New York Giants Thursday October 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Giants 35-14. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Ohio State defensive lineman Jashon Cornell plays against Florida Atlantic in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tyrell Crosby (65) during a NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions guard Joe Dahl (66) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019 in Chicago. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Chicago Bears quarterback Chase Daniel (4) looks to pass on the run during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Vikings, 16-6. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Geremy Davis (11) during an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018 in Carson, Calif. The Chargers won, 24-14. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during a NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
LSU tight end Thaddeus Moss (81) is tackled by Auburn defensive back Jeremiah Dinson in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Notre Dame safety Jalen Elliott (21) celebrates an interception against New Mexico in the first half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Lions defensive end Trey Flowers (90) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Mike Ford (38) on special teams during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) during practice at the Detroit Lions training facility Friday, Dec. 13, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Travis Fulgham (14) on special teams during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Marvin Hall
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand (93) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
New England Patriots strong safety Duron Harmon (21) defends during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Giants, 35-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Will Harris (25) during a NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Frank Herron (75) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Wes Hills (36) celebrates a touchdown during a NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) during a NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019 in Oakland, Calif. (Detroit Lions via AP).
New Mexico State running back Jason Huntley (1) sprints to the end zone followed by New Mexico safety Stanley Barnwell (9) and cornerback De'John Rogers (6) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Las Cruces, N.M., Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
Ohio State offensive lineman Jonah Jackson plays against Cincinnati during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Detroit Lions cornerback Michael Jackson (28) during a NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019 in Denver. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Jesse James (83) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019 in Chicago. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) stiff-arms a defender during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Ty Johnson (31) during a NFL football game against the Washington Redskins Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in Landover, Md. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Christian Jones (52) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019 in Chicago. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) catches a touchdown pass during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Minnesota Vikings safety Jayron Kearse (27) runs in pass coverage during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 in Chicago. The Bears won 25-20. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85) during a NFL football preseason game against the Cleveland Browns Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019 in Cleveland. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Miles Killebrew (35) during a NFL football game against the Washington Redskins Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in Landover, Md. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Chris Lacy (15) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Elijah Lee (47) runs upfield during a Week 7 NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys, October 22, 2017 in Santa Clara, Calif. The Cowboys defeated the 49ers 40-10. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Tony McRae (29) celebrates during a week 2 NFL football against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018 in Cincinnati. Cincinnati won 34-23. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Detroit Lions safety C.J. Moore (49) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions long snapper Don Muhlbach (48) and Detroit Lions linebacker Christian Jones (52) during a NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019 in Oakland, Calif. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Isaac Nauta (89) on special teams during a NFL football game against the Washington Redskins Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in Landover, Md. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tackle Matt Nelson (67) during Day 14 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Ohio State defensive back Jeff Okudah plays against Florida Atlantic in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Notre Dame defensive lineman Julian Okwara (42) rushes the passer against New Mexico in the first half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara (95) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Amani Oruwariye (24) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Utah Utes defensive tackle John Penisini (52) in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in Boulder, Colo. Utah won 30-7. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Detroit Lions linebacker Anthony Pittman (57) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) kicks off during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Reggie Ragland (59) in action during an NFL preseason football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Bengals, 38-17. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Frank Ragnow (77) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) makes a tackle on special teams during a NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
New York Jets' Darryl Roberts (27) tackles Buffalo Bills' Cole Beasley (10) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Olive Sagapolu (78) during practice at the Detroit Lions training facility Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Christian Sam (59) during practice at the Detroit Lions training facility Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Bo Scarbrough (43) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
BROOKINGS, SD - OCTOBER 4: xxxxxxx (Photo by Dave Eggen/Inertia)
New England Patriots defensive tackle Danny Shelton (71) gets set at the line of scrimmage prior to the snap during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Giants, 35-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Arryn Siposs punts in week one. Kickoff Game Washington vs Auburn on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018 in Atlanta, GA. Todd Van Emst/AU Athletics
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Dan Skipper (74) during a NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Matt Sokol (46) waits for the snap during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2019 in Carson, Calif. The Saints defeated the Chargers 19-17. (Greg Trott via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Frank Ragnow (77) and Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019 in Oakland, Calif. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Kentucky guard Logan Stenberg (71) before an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Kevin Strong (92) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Georgia running back D'Andre Swift (7) runs for a touchdown during the second half an NCAA college football game against Kentucky in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jahlani Tavai (51) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019 in Chicago. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant (21) is seen in action during a NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in Tampa,Fla. (Logan Bowles via AP)
Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai (72) in action during an NFL football NFC divisional playoff game against the Atlanta Falcons, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Falcons, 15-10. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Dee Virgin (30) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive back Tracy Walker (21) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions guard Kenny Wiggins (79) during a NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Chicago Bears defensive tackle Nick Williams (97) celebrates after the play during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Vikings, 16-6. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Detroit Lions Jonathan Wynn (69) during a NFL football preseason game against the Cleveland Browns Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019 in Cleveland. (Detroit Lions via AP).
With practice facilities shut down, free agency taking place virtually and the major changes to the offseason training program, Quinn and Patricia looked at some players they had familiarity with or players who had familiarity with their schemes and techniques as a way to help navigate through an uncertain offseason more efficiently.
"I think one of the things that certainly comes up in those quick decisions, especially in free agency, is how is the player's fit, and how does he fit into the system, and does he have familiarity with the system," Patricia said. "Those are the questions that then come up where there might be some guys that are familiar or have the same techniques or learning that maybe we're teaching that it's going to be quicker from that standpoint."
Detroit traded for veteran Duron Harmon, a productive safety Patricia coached when he was the defensive coordinator in New England. Harmon was looking for an expanded role as New England's third safety, and the Lions identified him as a quick fit having played in a similar system.
Linebacker Jamie Collins Sr. and defensive tackle Danny Shelton, two players signed early in free agency, either played for Patricia in New England, or in Shelton's case, spent the last two seasons playing for the Patriots in similar defensive schemes.
But as Patricia explained, they didn't just target players they had direct contact with or who had contact to the Patriots.
"For instance, Chase Daniel who has a West Coast background – he's been in that system for a while so the vernacular from 'Bev's' (offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell) to the stuff that he knows, that transition is going to be quicker," Patricia said. "He's going to be able to pick the information up faster.
"So when we're in that situation, we're looking for some depth at the quarterback position, a guy that we're familiar with (Daniel played for division rival Chicago the last two seasons and was in Philadelphia when Lions DC Cory Undlin coached there), a guy that we think helps us and fits our needs, plus on top of that, he's not going to spend all that time trying to learn the language – because it really is like learning a new language I think when you change systems. He's going to be able to pick up the information a lot faster. That is definitely maybe one example of where that comes into play for guys that have some background in it, and it does help."
The Lions have begun their offseason training program in a virtual classroom setting, choosing to using the classroom to get players on the same page in terms of verbiage, scheme and techniques, in the hope that when it's safe to get back on the field, they'll be in a position to hit the ground running. Having players who come in familiar with the scheme, language and techniques should help that process.
