Detroit Lions team needs: 4 free agent linebackers
Veteran leadership is a valuable thing to have. The Detroit Lions need a leader at the linebacker position. Here are some possibilities in free agency.
The future is looking bright for Detroit Lions‘ linebackers Jarrad Davis and Jalen Reeves-Maybin. Bigger roles are in store for the second year veterans. Davis will play in the middle and Reeves-Maybin the weakside.
Sure they looked good at times but a well-established linebacker is needed in case of any setbacks. Here’s a few cost-effective options that could help usher in the young bucks and have experience in a 3-4 and/or 4-3 defense.
Nigel Bradham, 28 (6-2, 241)
Fresh off a Super Bowl victory, Bradham is trending way up. He can play any linebacker spot and is known for his all-purpose ability, especially in coverage.
Bradham can man the strongside spot where he played with the Philadelphia Eagles. The price tag is likely higher than some of the other linebackers but it isn’t impractical.
(15 games/15 starts: 88 tackles, 1.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 8 passes defended)
Zach Brown, 28 (6-1, 251)
Another versatile linebacker that can cover a lot of ground in coverage and in run support. Brown relies more on his athleticism than instincts to make plays. Injuries are a slight concern along with the occasional missed play.
Scheme versatility allows him to fit anywhere. He played middle linebacker for the Washington Redskins in 2017.
(13 games/13 starts: 127 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2 passes defended)
Devon Kennard, 26 (6-4, 256)
A younger option than some of the others, Kennard has strictly been a strongside for the New York Giants. On passing downs, he goes to the line of scrimmage and rushes the passer as a defensive end.
Coverage isn’t his strengh but is a thumper as a third linebacker on 1st-2nd down and a pass rusher on 3rd down. In 3-4 alignments, Kennard can play outside linebacker and in a 4-3 at defensive end and strongside linebacker.
Injuries plagued him early in his career but has only missed one game the past two seasons. Kennard is a more proven, healthier and younger version of the Lions’ Brandon Copeland with tremendous upside.
(15 games/11 starts: 41 tackles, 4.0 sacks, 2 passes defended)
Next: Lions 2018 NFL Draft - Full 7 round mock
Paul Posluszny, 33 (6-2, 232)
Old but very reliable. A middle linebacker by trade, Posluszney unselfishly made the transition to the strongside in 2017 with solid success. The Jacksonville Jaguars quickly moved him back however proving to be too good and valuable at his original position.
He won’t blow you away with athleticism but his awareness and IQ allows him to make plays. Stingy against the pass and tough on the run with some sneaky good pass rushing skills. Posluszney can take the reigns if the inexperience on the Lions shows and they struggle.
(16 games/11 starts: 61 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 passes defended)