Detroit Lions: Pass rusher impressing in his second training camp

Due to the injuries suffered to the position in the recent past, the Detroit Lions could really use a young pass rusher to step up his game this summer.

On paper, the Detroit Lions seem to have a talented trio of pass rushers at their disposal this upcoming season. That list, of course, starts with Ziggy Ansah. The 29-year old defensive end is playing on the franchise tag this year. That means Ansah is vying for a longterm contract in Detroit. He should be very motivated to have a big season in 2018.

Joining him along the defensive line is Kerry Hyder Jr. Undrafted out of Texas Tech back in 2014, Hyder joined the Lions a year later. In 2016, he exploded for 8.0 sacks out of nowhere, leading the team. Unfortunately, Hyder suffered a season-ending Achilles’ injury in Detroit’s first preseason matchup of last year.

Completing our trio of rushers in the Motor City is Anthony Zettel. A 2016 sixth-round pick out of Penn State, Zettel started in all 16 games for the Lions in his second season, replacing Hyder on the depth chart. He managed to rack up 6.5 sacks for Detroit last year and is seen a solid up-and-coming defensive prospect.

The trio of Ansah, Hyder, and Zettel figure to lead the Lions in quarterback pressures and sacks this season. And the presence of new head coach Matt Patricia plus his diverse playbook that he brought with him from the New England Patriots figures only to increase their production.

Unfortunately, injuries have plagued both Ansah and Hyder recently. And there is a chance neither defender is able to post a full 16-game season in 2018. Therefore, the Lions will need some of their younger defensive ends to step up. And now we have an early candidate emerging.

As Justin Rogers reported for The Detroit News, the most impressive defensive player on the field during Sunday’s practice session appeared to be Jeremiah Valoaga.

"“Among the defensive players, second-year defensive end Jeremiah Valoaga had the best series of reps. He blew by his man on the first, drawing a round of praise and a high five from coach Matt Patricia. On a second snap, Valoaga easily knocked Michael Roberts to the ground.”"

Valoaga went undrafted out of UNLV in 2017 following a turbulent college career. The 6-foot-6, 275-pound defensive end is a raw prospect who is believed to possess the traits to be successful on the NFL level. He recorded 24 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks his senior season.

Valoaga ended up playing in nine games during his rookie year for the Lions, recording his first career sack against the Atlanta Falcons, dropping quarterback Matt Ryan in Week Three. He was waived by the team in late November and then stashed on their practice squad.

If the 23-year old Jeremiah Valoaga can continue to progress through training camp and the preseason, his presence could provide the Detroit Lions with a nice insurance policy as a situational pass rusher and make-shift starter if needed.