Here are five members of the Detroit Lions defense that I’m excited to watch this summer when the team finally kicks off training camp.
The Detroit Lions just wrapped up Day Three of their mandatory minicamp on Thursday. And training camp isn’t scheduled to kick off until well into next month. So we are heading into a football lull of sorts.
But OTAs and minicamp have given us all a glimpse of the talent on this roster. And they’ve also fueled some interesting storylines fans will want to keep on eye on. Here are the five Lions’ defenders I’m most excited to watch this summer.
Teez Tabor, CB
We all know that the former second-rounder currently has the label of draft bust. But with Pro Bowler Darius Slay sitting out due to contract issues, Tabor is getting more opportunities than ever. And general manager Bob Quinn still believes the young corner can … well, turn the corner in his development. Tabor was a high draft selection in 2017 for a reason. It will be interesting to see if he can prove Quinn right and finally start living up to his potential in Year Three.
Tracy Walker, S
Despite his limited opportunities last season, football analytics website Pro Football Focus absolutely loved Walker, regularly listing him as one of the team’s top defensive performers. With veteran Glover Quin no longer on the roster, Walker has a clear path to the starting role. This summer should tell us if Walker is the real deal or just an analytic fluke.
Trey Flowers, DE
I personally want to see what all the hype is about. What exactly did the Lions get when they signed Flowers to a $90 million deal? Will the former New England Patriot defender step up in a leadership role this summer? Will he take command of this defensive unit? As possibly the biggest free agent signing in the NFL this offseason, will Flowers make an instant impact?
Da’Shawn Hand, DL
The 2018 fourth rounder made headlines as one of the best defenders in his draft class last season. With Damon Harrison joining Darius Slay as an offseason absentee, Hand should benefit from some extra reps. I expect the Lions to feature Hand in a much bigger role after playing in just over 46 percent of the defensive snaps in 2018. This summer should show us whether Detroit feels the same.
Jahlani Tavai, LB
While most eyes will be on first-round rookie tight end T.J. Hockenson this summer, I tend to think the more intriguing rookie (and possibly more important) is Tavai. If the big linebacker can secure the role of primary run stopper among this talented group, it frees up teammates like Devon Kennard and Jarrad Davis to rush the passer more. That combo racked up a whopping 13.0 sacks in 2018.
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