Detroit Lions Midseason Grades: Defensive End Report Card
By Dean Holden
Devin Taylor
May 10, 2013; Allen Park, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Devin Taylor (92) during rookie mini camp at Lions training facility. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Production
Despite playing less than 100 snaps all season, Taylor has been more productive than Idonije, even as a fourth-round rookie used situationally.
Taylor has a sack, six tackles, and five defensive stops (PFF considers a “stop” to be a solo tackle that represents a offensive failure). He’s played well against the run and the pass, albeit not at the same time. Like Ansah, Taylor still has some things to put together, but early signs have been encouraging.
Grade: C
Impact
Taylor’s impact has increased steadily since Jason Jones went down for the season. The Lions have worked him into more and more game situations recently, and his play seems to be improving. There isn’t a single play you can point to and say he changed the course of the game, but he played more than half the Lions’ defensive snaps against Dallas, so he’s clearly working himself into a position of greater prominence.
Grade: C-
Vs. Expectations
It wouldn’t have been strange a few months ago to wonder if Taylor would have seen the field at all this season. If Jones had remained healthy, he may not have. But the fact that Taylor is playing at all, much less playing effectively, has to be considered exceeded expectations for the rookie.
Grade: B
Overall
Taylor looks like a keeper in the long run, though he still has a long way to go. He has worked his way into a consistent spot in the DE rotation, and he figures to stay there are he figures out the ground rules of the NFL game. Don’t be surprised if his role gradually increases to become bigger than that of Idonije by the end of this season.
Grade: C