Detroit Lions: Position by position breakdown of the 53-man roster

The True Definition of Versatility

When talking about versatility in football, it more means that for example a linebacker, can cover any part of the field or a running back can also be a threat in the passing game rather than just the rush attack. In a sport like baseball, versatility is when a player can play multiple positions. Rarely can anyone in football play multiple positions due to how different each position is.

The Lions have a guy who can fill in for multiple positions on the roster. That guy is Jamal Agnew. While he’s primarily on the special teams as a returner, he can also play defense, run the ball and act as a receiver occasionally.

On the defensive side of the ball, he’s recorded 26 tackles with all but two of them being solo ones. He’s also forced a fumble as well as recovered one.

In his career, he’s been given the opportunity to rush the ball nine times where he got a total of 35 yards with his longest run being 17 yards in 2018.

As a receiver, he’s been targeted four times where he caught three passes for a total of 16 yards. One of those catches came last year where he got -2 yards in total. In 2018 though, he got a first down for the Lions.

Heading into the season, there was talk about Agnew changing positions which seem to have transformed. In previous seasons, he was listed as a cornerback but this year on the depth chart, he can be seen under the running back and wide receiver positions.

While Jamal Agnew probably won’t get many snaps as a running back or a wide receiver, as he’ll primarily be on the field as a returner. His versatility will come in handy for the Lions, which is beneficial as there are very few players, if any, that can play multiple positions like Agnew can.