DEFENSIVE LINE
- Defensive Ends – Ezekiel Ansah, Kerry Hyder, Anthony Zettel
- Defensive Tackle – A’Shawn Robinson
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The above four names represent the significant players on this Detroit Lions defensive line. The biggest hole clearly is at defensive tackle. A’Shawn Robinson is the only sure-fire starter, and he lacks a true running mate at the position.
Perhaps the biggest mistake in free agency was allowing defensive tackle Haloti Ngata to leave. Still, Ngata was a one-year bandage to a position that needs much more.
Clearly, defensive tackle will be high on the Detroit draft board.
The edge of the line is bolstered by the return of defensive end Kerry Hyder and the experience that Anthony Zettel received in Hyder’s absence. A return to form for Ezekiel Ansah would be welcomed. Especially after the franchise tag paid him in excess of $17 million for 2018.
The draft is certainly not out of question for defensive end either. Every team needs pass rushers, but the Detroit Lions need to create depth. They also need to consider the possibility of life without Ansah beyond 2018.
In terms of the entire defensive line, scheme looks very important. As a former defensive coordinator, new Detroit head coach Matt Patricia should bring a whole new look to the defense in 2018.
Then there are the positions that are hard to decipher: