Five Detroit Lions who are poised for a breakout season
Larry Webster
Aug 9, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Larry Webster (79) during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
When the Lions traded George Johnson to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they lost a major contributor off of the edge and a big part of the defensive rotation. It also meant that the Lions would have to rely on Larry Webster, who’s combine numbers are compare favorably to Jadeveon Clowney, the former number one pick from 2014. The question with Webster is whether or not he could ever reach Clowney’s level of play given the uncertainty of where he would play in the NFL (tight end or defensive end). The Lions elected to try Webster at defensive end and they are already reaping the benefits.
Jim Caldwell on Webster via Detroit Free Press
"“At some point in time, you’re going to see that young man take the field for us and perform extremely well.” “Don’t be surprised. He has made leaps and bounds in terms of strides in his ability to rush the passer. He’s tough. The (coaches) do some extra work with him after practice and they’ve been raving about what he’s been able to accomplish and just watching him kind of grow and develop. So at some point in time, he’s going to play and play well for us.”"
The sooner than anticipated development for Webster couldn’t be better for the Lions. Now the team has a young player that can fill the void left by Johnson, who also offers the potential to be a starter down the road. It wouldn’t be surprising to see similar production from Webster this season as Johnson last.
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