Meanwhile on the defensive line there are different issues. The biggest of which is how thin the numbers are. The Lions aren’t exactly overflowing with defensive linemen. Yet when we look at the numbers, we see the biggest deficit is at defensive tackle.
There are seven defensive ends on the Lions roster, without counting Da’Shawn Hand who can certainly play end, especially in a 3-4 set.
When you add in that there will be times that Devon Kennard as well as other linebackers will put their hand in the dirt as an end in some situations, then there shouldn’t be as much concern about the end or edge position. But then there is the defensive tackle spot.
There are six defensive tackles listed on the Lions roster, again not including Da’Shawn Hand who will most likely play both outside and inside. Yet despite the numbers there are only four of them that have any real NFL experience and Jeremiah Ledbetter got most of his as a rookie last year while Christian Ringo has a total of four tackles in two seasons.
The Lions will also regularly feature 3-4 fronts as well as 4-3 fronts. They only have four players over 300 lbs to anchor the nose-tackle position. Much like the previous numbers, Toby Johnson‘s career is summed up in two appearances for the Minnesota Vikings last year and Josh Fatu is an undrafted free agent.
This is where the concern is. This is why every blue-blooded Lions fan is uncomfortable about the defensive line and is begging the team to sign Johnathan Hankins. We remember last year.
Haloti Ngata went down for the season to injury in week five and the Lions couldn’t stop the run. Something we have no interest in seeing a sequel to. Now Sylvester Williams is certainly a capable player to man the nose-tackle spot when the Lions choose to go 3-4. If they are able to coax A’Shawn Robinson to his full potential, he could also capably fill the position, but after that…
The NFL is a league of injuries waiting to happen. Last year the Lions lost three key defensive linemen before the season even began. Then when you throw in Ngata’s injury, what else could we expect?
So in the end are these ‘holes’ in the roster as bad as we fear? No one knows for sure until the season gets here, but if I were a betting man, I’d say I am optimistic about what Luke Willson can bring to the table, yet concerned about dept at defensive tackle.
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It’s a long offseason and the roster will see more changes, but as it is currently constructed unless some of these little known players step up and become solid contributors, fans have every reason to fear the injury bug. Especially on the D-line and at tight end.