Detroit Lions Midseason Grades: Defensive End Report Card
By Dean Holden
Oct 27, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Joseph Randle (21) breaks the tackle of Detroit Lions defensive end Willie Young (79) during 2nd half of a game at Ford Field. Lions won 31-30. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
There may be no unit on this Detroit Lions team more rebuilt from last year than the defensive end position.
Only Willie Young has held over from last season, with Cliff Avril leaving in free agency, Kyle Vanden Bosch being released, Lawrence Jackson falling into obscurity, and Ronnell Lewis getting cut in training camp.
So with this new-look unit, there are sure to be some ups and downs. But who are the ups and who are the downs, and how are they trending? The Lions would love for this to be a marquee unit at some point, so how close are they to that point?
We’ll start with who is, oddly enough, the Lions’ elder statesman at defensive end.
Tuesday, October 29 – Guards/Centers & Linebackers
Wednesday, October 30 – Offensive Tackles & Cornerbacks
Thursday, October 31 – Tight Ends & Safeties
Friday, November 1 – Running Backs & Defensive Tackles
Saturday, November 2 – Special Teams
Sunday, November 3 – Coaches
Monday, November 4 – Wide Receivers & Defensive Ends
Tuesday, November 5 – Quarterbacks & Overall Grades