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Detroit Lions: Five defenders who could be Pro Bowlers

By Steven Mullenax

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 24: Darius Slay #23 of the Detroit Lions celebrates with his teammates after making a late fourth quarter interception during the annual Thanksgiving day game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on November 24, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit defeated Minnesota 16-13. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 24: Darius Slay #23 of the Detroit Lions celebrates with his teammates after making a late fourth quarter interception during the annual Thanksgiving day game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on November 24, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit defeated Minnesota 16-13. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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With the regular season just around the corner, we try to predict which five  Detroit Lions on defense could be Pro Bowl bound.

With the start of the NFL regular season less than two weeks away, now is the perfect time to make some bold predictions about the Detroit Lions. In an earlier article, we highlighted five offensive players we believe the Lions could send to the Pro Bowl at the end of the year.

So, it seems only fair that we also mention five Detroit defenders who think could earn that same prestigious honor in 2017. And here they are…

Darius Slay, Cornerback

Many believe Slay should have been named to the Pro Bowl already. But his lack of interceptions, recording just two picks in each of the last three years, is likely his only obstacle. But the 26-year old is one of the brightest young cornerbacks in the NFL and deserves more credit than he gets. Maybe 2017 is the year the league finally rewards his stellar play at cornerback.

Jarrad Davis, Linebacker

Watching the Lions’ 2017 first round pick roam the middle of the defense in the preseason, one thing is clear: Jarrad Davis is going to be very active this season and should record a huge amount of tackles. The 21-year old will have an opportunity to put up the kind of numbers that gets you a Pro Bowl nod in his rookie season.

A’Shawn Robinson, Defensive Tackle

Big things are expected from the Lions’ 2016 second round selection, especially with last year’s sack leader, defensive end Kerry Hyder, currently on Injured Reserve for the season. Robinson is a disruptive force who has seemingly grown following yet another year of offseason training under his belt. There’s likely not a better 22-year old talent at the defensive tackle position in the league.

Ziggy Ansah, Defensive End

The Lions’ dominate pass rusher is coming off a down year where he recorded just 2.0 sacks in 13 games last season. But Ansah was also struggling with nagging ankle and shoulder injuries all year. If the 28-year old is healthy, it’s not hard to imagine him regaining the form that earned him his first Pro Bowl bid in 2015. That season, Ziggy posted 47 total tackles, had four forced fumbles and a whopping 14.5 sacks.

Glover Quin, Safety

The last time Quin earned a trip to the Pro Bowl was 2014, his second season in Detroit. That year, the veteran free safety posted 73 tackles, 10 pass defends and a career-high seven interceptions. After signing a three-year, $18 million extension in July, the 31-year old is mentally primed for another big season in the Motor City. A trip back to the Pro Bowl would be a great way to pay back the franchise for their faith in him.

Next: Five Detroit Lions that roared against the Patriots

So those are our five picks for Detroit Lions who we believe could make the Pro Bowl this season on the defensive side of the ball. Did we miss someone? Tell us who and why in the comment section below.

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