Detroit Lions: Roster breakdown, Week 1 against the Jets
THE DEFENSE
There may not be enough big-time play makers on defense to make a real difference this season. All of the biggest questions are on this side of the ball.
The Front Seven
If anything is unclear for the Detroit Lions, the play of the front seven is definitely the biggest mystery. Missed assignments, very little pressure on the quarterback, and an inability to get off blocks have defined the defensive line and linebackers during preseason.
It is going to take time to implement the new schemes that head coach Matt Patricia is installing on defense. These schemes are especially important to the front seven because the talent is so thin.
At linebacker, the talent looks good with Jarrad Davis and Devon Kennard. Beyond that: linebackers Christian Jones, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Eli Harold, and Marquis Flowers all have question marks.
Linebacker Miles Killebrew has switched from safety. His development this year will be something to watch. If a couple more guys step up in this linebacker group, then the Detroit Lions will be in good shape.
On the line, defensive tackles Ricky Jean Francois and rookie Da’Shawn Hand have looked the best. Sylvester Williams provides good depth, but the real question is with defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson, who didn’t look great during training camp. Robinson is the guy that needs to make an impact, as he enters his third year in the league.
At defensive end, Ezekiel Ansah is the best of the bunch and needs a injury-free season. Defensive ends Anthony Zettel and Kerry Hyder Jr. have both been decent but need to step up their game. Zettel and Hyder should receive plenty of snaps this year. It would not be a surprise for Detroit to take one or two ends early in next year’s draft.
If the defense can get into a groove by the beginning of November, Detroit could make a run at the playoffs. All the promise of improving this team by firing head coach Jim Caldwell comes down to how well this front seven will implement the new defense.
Defensive Backs
All-pro cornerback Darius Slay needs a running mate. For now, cornerback Nevin Lawson fills that position, and he does play well in coverage. Lawson isn’t special at the position, but he is competent. Things would be much better if Lawson were providing depth, rather than being a starter.
Cornerback Teez Tabor has climbed up the depth chart to be the third corner, and hopefully this is just another step towards being the starter. Tabor has the talent to be a great compliment to Slay. He just needs to show it.
Starting safeties Glover Quin and Quandre Diggs are going to be a great combination this year. The position has plenty of depth with safeties Tavon Wilson, Charles Washington, and rookie Tracy Walker. In the nickel packages, this group should be formidable.