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5 Detroit Lions set for a breakout season in 2018

By Steven Mullenax

DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 10: Kenny Golladay #19 of the Detroit Lions catches a fourth quarter touchdown next to Justin Bethel #28 of the Arizona Cardinals at Ford Field on September 10, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 35-23. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 10: Kenny Golladay #19 of the Detroit Lions catches a fourth quarter touchdown next to Justin Bethel #28 of the Arizona Cardinals at Ford Field on September 10, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 35-23. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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With a new head coach at the helm and a new direction, here are five candidates to have a breakout season for the Detroit Lions in 2018.

Whenever a team brings in a new head coach, things are going to change. Some players will step up and have a more prominent role in a team’s success. Others fade away. This offseason, that team is the Detroit Lions.

With new head coach Matt Patricia at the helm, bringing along with him his dynamic defense from New England, the Lions figure to look very different in 2018. Here are five players I believe will benefit from that change with a breakout season.

Kenny Golladay, WR

This isn’t so much about Patricia’s presence in Detroit. Rather the potential the 2017 third rounder flashed during his rookie season. Golladay exploded onto the scene in Week One, posting four catches for 69 yards and two touchdown.

Unfortunately, Golladay wouldn’t score again until the final week of the season as a hamstring injury robbed him of five games. If he can stay healthy, look for Kenny to emerge as a greater deep threat for quarterback Matthew Stafford.

A’Shawn Robinson, DT

We seem to predict this breakout every season since Robinson entered the league as a second round pick in 2016. But this year, it could really come true. Under Patricia’s new defensive scheme, A’Shawn may finally turn the corner and prove the Lions were right for catching the falling Alabama star in the draft two years ago.

Michael Roberts, TE

After recording just four receptions in his rookie season, it would appear as if this 2017 fourth rounder out of Toledo was headed for the bench in year two. Instead, the exodus of both Eric Ebron and Darren Fells has skyrocketed Roberts to the top of the depth chart as the team’s best receiving threat at tight end.

Devon Kennard, LB

As the Lions top defensive free agent signing, the 26-year old has an opportunity to blossom in Detroit after having an average four-year career with the New York Giants. Kennard figures to pair with 2017 first round pick Jarrad Davis as the leaders of the Lions’ linebacker corps. And in a defensive scheme that can run heavy on linebackers, expect both to post inflated numbers this season.

Next: The Detroit Lions Quiz (2010-2017) – Test your fan knowledge!

Kerryon Johnson, RB

This one is a no-brainer. Although veteran running back LeGarrette Blount will get his carries, expect the Lions to slowly transition their running offense into this rookie’s hands. Detroit traded up in the second round of the draft to get Johnson. And they clearly see him as a future star in the backfield. For Kerryon, the future starts now.

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