Pre-Season Preview: What to watch for from the Detroit Lions

How will the defensive line look?

Oct 12, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens nose tackle Haloti Ngata (92) sits on the bench in the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

Lions fans will soon get to see a preview of what the Detroit Lions defensive line will look like without Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley. This has been one of the biggest stories of the offseason in Detroit. It should be one of the most exciting aspects offseason.

What to look for?

Haloti Ngata taking his first snaps in Honolulu Blue.

I don’t know about you, but for me this is the biggest thing I’ve been looking forward to seeing on the defense as a whole since the trade news was broke in the opening moments of free agency. We won’t get to see much at first as the first team won’t play much until that third game. But we will get to see how the line acts and reacts with Ngata in the middle calling the shuts.

Tyrunn Walker.

Like Ngata, it will be interesting to see how Walker takes to his new starting role. It’s been expected that he will be the Lions new pass rushing force in the middle. Will we see any glimpses of that in the pre-season? Also how will Ngata and Walker work together against the run? Will they look like a formidable duo early in the year?

The young guys.

Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Will the young guys show that they can be a force this season? Be on the look out for Larry Webster, Caruan Reid, Devin Taylor and Gabe Wright to try to make their marks in the pre-season. This is their time to show that they are ready for more responsibility and important playing time.

Who will earn the starting nickel corner spot?

The Lions picked up veteran nickel corner Josh Wilson during free agency. The early assumption was that Wilson would have that spot locked up no problem. then rookie Quandre Diggs had an outstanding OTA’s and Nevin Lawson is expected to be back for the Lions during camp. Who is going to win that Nickel spot? Right now the favorite has to be Quandre Diggs. His athleticism really impressed the staff during OTA’s. Is it his job to lose?

Next: The Offense