Detroit Lions Depth Chart: OLB Slade Norris

Brandon Folsom — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 10:30:16 +0000

The Depth Chart series on Side Lion Report takes a closer look at some of the football players who may go unnoticed on the Detroit Lions depth chart. Be sure to follow this series if you are interested in learning about some of the lesser known players that the Lions are bringing to training camp on July 23.

Slade Norris

May 29, 2012; Allen Park, MI, USA; Detroit Lions linebacker Slade Norris (53) during organized team activities at Lions training facility. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

Height: 6-3
Weight: 245
Age: 26
Born: October 26, 1985
College: Oregon State
Position: OLB
Jersey #: 49

SLR Says:

Slade Norris does not stand a chance at making the final 53-man roster unless he really impresses coaches during the preseason games and throughout training camp.

The competition is just too difficult for a journeyman like Norris to make the final cut. The Lions have three starting linebackers in place with Justin Durant, DeAndre Levy, and Stephen Tulloch, and some backups are already in place with guys like Doug Hogue and Ashlee Palmer.

The Lions have a couple of rookie linebackers who will most likely beat out Norris for the final linebacker/special teams roster spot in Travis Lewis, Carmen Messina, Ronnie Sneed, and Tahir Whitehead.

What the experts have to say:

NFLDraftScout.com:

Draft Scout Snapshot: DS Rating on 8/24/08: #27 OLB, #330/750 Overall, Projected Rnd: FA
2007: 12 GP; 0 GS; 13 Sol-16 TT, 10 TFL, 9 SK, 1 QBH; Slade moved from linebacker to defensive end prior to the season and accounted for nine sacks and 10 overall tackles-for-loss…16 tackles for the season…his 87 sack yards was the third-highest in the Pac-10…2006: 14 GP; 4 GS; Nine tackles for the season as a special teams and linebacker contributor…named the defensive scout team MVP following the season…2005: Injuries forced him to miss most of the season…2004: Redshirt.

Post-Draft Outlook: COULD SURPRISE: Linebacker Slade Norris, Oregon State. A speedy presence at outside linebacker with experience as a situational pass rusher, Norris could end up contributing on special teams and in third down situations. A closer look at the Raiders’ picks: Round 4/126 – Slade Norris, OLB, Oregon State, 6-2, 232…Joins incumbent linebackers Kirk Morrison, Thomas Howard and Jon Alston as a speed player, with the added bonus that he has successful college experience rushing the passer with 10 sacks as a senior. Lewis also has the potential to be a core special teams player. – by The Sports Xchange

Video:

SideLion Report » Slade Norris

Detroit Lions Depth Chart: OLB Slade Norris