Ranking the Detroit Lions: Numbers 50 through 26
By Justin Simon
November 4, 2012; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Detroit Lions running back
(25) rushes into the end zone for his first touchdown during the first half of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports
40. Mikel Leshoure, RB
The former 2nd round pick has not panned out to say the least. His saving grace may be Joe Lombardi. He should bring a much more rotational look to the Lions backfield, which should allow Leshoure to capture some touches this season. He’ll have to show improvement in training camp, however, if he wants to anything more than the fourth option.
39. Darryl Tapp, DE/OLB
Tapp is a bit of a tweener for the Lions this upcoming season. He’s not the prototypical size that the Lions have traditionally looked for in their defensive ends, but he has experience with Jim Washburn from his time in Philadelphia.
38. Nevin Lawson, CB
He may be undersized (5-9, 190), but he has long arms and should battle Bill Bentley for the starting nickel cornerback spot in training camp. Lawson will definitely need time to adjust to the NFL game, but he also could be a starter in two years.
37. Ashlee Palmer, OLB
I’m not sure where Palmer fits in the Lions new defense. He played decent in his first year as a starter last year, but he’s got an uphill battle to beat out rookie Kyle Van Noy his former spot. Palmer’s real value comes as a solid role player on special teams.
36. Corey Hilliard, OT
Hillard’s best asset is flexibility. He’s able to play all over the offensive line and has served as valuable backup in recent years. The reason I have him so low is his low upside. He solid, but underwhelming. It seems like every offseason he’s given the chance to become a starter, and he never seizes the opportunity.