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Detroit Lions defensive line: Less defined roles in 2018

By Steven Mullenax

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 6: Sam Bradford #8 of the Minnesota Vikings is sacked by Kerry Hyder #61 of the Detroit Lions during the of the game on November 6, 2016 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 6: Sam Bradford #8 of the Minnesota Vikings is sacked by Kerry Hyder #61 of the Detroit Lions during the of the game on November 6, 2016 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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Despite possessing many of the same players, Detroit Lions fans can expect the unexpected when it comes to their defensive line in 2018.

Not much has changed when it comes to the Detroit Lions defensive line. Obviously, losing All-Pro defensive tackle Haloti Ngata to the Philadelphia Eagles via free agency is a major blow. But the Lions’ only had the 34-year old’s services for five games last season due to a bicep injury anyway.

But when it comes to the Lions’ roster along the defensive line, many of the faces are still the same. Once again, this unit will be led by Ezekiel Ansah. The premier pass rusher that racked up 12.0 sacks last season despite struggling all year with inconsistent play and injuries is making his return. The Lions will fork over $17 million to retain Ziggy on the franchise tag.

Joining Ansah at defensive end will be Kerry Hyder Jr. The Lions sack leader in 2016, racking up 8.0 sacks, spent all of last season on Injured Reserve following an Achilles’ injury he suffered in Detroit’s first preseason match of 2017. Hyder’s presence is expected to bolster the Lions’ pass rush this upcoming season.

Let’s not forget third-year defensive end Anthony Zettel. A former sixth-round pick out of Penn State, Zettel posted a solid 6.5 sacks in his sophomore season in the Motor City. The 25-year old is seen as a rising defensive star whose production could explode in 2018.

Ansah, Hyder, and Zettel are a talented trio that is expected to a get ton of work along an ever-shifting defensive line that will morph every week under new head coach Matt Patricia. It’s such a diverse defensive scheme, defined roles no longer exist. Is it possible we could see all three of these pass rushers on the field at the same time?

"“What I like about the small sample size I’ve seen from this defense so far is that there’s very few defined roles and positions for players, especially upfront,” wrote Tim Twentyman for DetroitLions.com. “This defense requires versatility, and we could see players line up anywhere from the seven technique to nose tackle to being in a two-point stance, all depending on what scheme they’re deploying that play, series or week.”"

At defensive tackle, you’d have to imagine thrid-year A’Shawn Robinson and newly signed free agent Sylvester Williams will see a bulk of the snaps. And you can also expect versatile rookie Da’Shawn Hand to see plenty of opportunities across the defensive line.

Next: The Detroit Lions All-Time Defensive Team

Although the Detroit Lions roster along the defensive line may be very similar to last season’s unit, Matt Patricia’s exotic defensive scheme may have fans doing a double-take or two come the regular season. Basically, expect the unexpected.

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