Detroit Lions: Which player is primed for a surprise breakout year?

The Detroit Lions have several breakout candidates. Here’s a defender that doesn’t get mentioned often but could easily exceed expectations in 2017.

In the spirit of the Fourth of July holiday, I’m predicting which Detroit Lions‘ player will unexpectedly explode on the scene this season. Defensive end Cornelius Washington was a backup for the Chicago Bears the past four seasons, but you can expect him to make a huge jump in production this year. Potentially, he could even lock himself into a starting spot for the first time in his career.

Washington hasn’t been as medically available as one would like. Since entering the league in 2013, he has played in only 31 games. That includes only two starts, all in 2016.

So, how is a guy that collected just 20 tackles and 2.0 sacks last season and only 30 tackles and 3.0 sacks for his entire career so primed to break out? Well, there are some other statistics that tell a much different story.

Pro Football Focus concluded that Washington had the third highest pass rush productivity rating at the 3-4 defensive end position. In Detroit, he will mostly lineup as an end in a 4-3 front. Don’t be shocked to see him generate some pressure from the interior as well.

Described as physically freaky, the former Georgia Bulldog returns to his more natural position. He is expected to shed some weight to make this transition. Nothing is slowing down his momentum and his arrow is only trending upwards.

"“I know how they run their defense”, Washington told Tim Twentyman at detroitlions.com, “I just felt like it was a good place, a good fit for me – someplace I could come in and have real good production”."

Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin is pretty excited to see what he can do. Washington will be asked to line up all over the line. Austin values versatility, so he certainly has a plan for him moving forward.

There is little competition standing in his way to earning a starting spot opposite Ezekiel Ansah. With Washingtons’ size and very impressive strength, he ideally fits as a base defensive end. He should have no problem setting the edge after spending most of last season in the interior.

Next: NFC North Position Rankings - Cornerbacks

By no means is Washington a flashy or sexy choice to light it up on the field. If my prediction seems too bold, that’s good, because that’s just the way I like it.

Enjoy the firework show he’ll be putting on display against opposing quarterbacks this upcoming season. I know I will.