Detroit Lions: Grades by Position Group

Aug 22, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch (55) against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Linebacker

Starters: DeAndre Levy, Stephen Tulloch, Tahir Whitehead

Reserves: Kyle Van Noy, Ashlee Palmer, Travis Lewis

Practice Squad: Julian Stanford

Grade: B+

The linebacker position just took quite a hit after reports of Kyle Van Noy’s injury sidelining him for up to eight weeks. Do not fret though, there is still a lot to love about this group.

It looks as though Tahir Whitehead will be keeping the seat warm at the strongside linebacker position until Van Noy returns. Whitehead looked great during preseason action, and we’re finally starting to realize why Mayhew traded a pick to move up for him. If he can continue to make flashes like he did the last couple of weeks, then who’s to say that he can’t win the position outright, even with Van Noy back?

Let’s not forget that we still have two stud linebackers in DeAndre Levy and Stephen Tulloch. Levy will continue to make plays in the passing game as the starting weakside linebacker, and if Tulloch can continue to be his efficient self, then there isn’t much we have to worry about.