Will the Detroit Lions linebackers leap forward in 2018?
Outside Linebackers
By simple process of elimination, the other linebackers are candidates for outside ‘backer. The Detroit Lions are likely to use a five defensive backs, two linebackers, and four linemen look, often. One defensive back, a “Viper”, is a hybrid safety-linebacker used in many nickel looks. We’ll get into them when we discuss the secondary in a different post.
Devon Kennard and Christian Jones are the outside starters. Reeves-Maybin is going into his second year, and has shown some improvement; he is the main backup outside. Reeves-Maybin will push Jones for that third starting spot. That is a battle worth watching, “must see TV” for Lions fans.
Davis(inside), and those three players should claim four of the six spots. That doesn’t leave much room for the rest. Steve Longa is a special teams player, and is the next best player. After that training camp should decide if the Lions keep another player, or go find a player with more experience.
Final thoughts
KITCW prediction: Kennard, Davis, Jones, Reeves-Maybin, Longa, all make the roster. The team added no linebackers via the draft, and the major signings addressed starter holes from losing Whitehead and Worrilow. I would give an outside chance at making the roster to Al-Rasheed Benton, he is an inside guy who makes plays.
Q: Big picture, is this group better than last year?
A: Whitehead to Kennard and Worrilow to Jones/ Reeves-Maybin seems like a step backwards. It looks like general manager, Bob Quinn, tried to save money and get some system guys to stock Patricia’s defense.
If Reeves-Maybin improves, and Davis continues his upward ascent in the middle, the unit could shake out to better, overall. Also, the health of the players is a big key to making strides in 2018.
Next: Ranking the 5 best Lions draft classes of the past 30 years
On paper, the youth and lack of great depth is a detriment.
What do you think? Let me know in the comments section.
Follow me on Twitter CoachKirk @mkirk2 and for more Detroit and Michigan sports, plus some other random content. KITCW, signing off. Good night, Detroit! Don’t forget to tip your waiter!