What switching to a 4-3 could mean for the current Lions players

Defensive Ends

Jashon Cornell (6-3, 290lb)

Jason is a bit of a tweener as he can bounce between a bigger defensive end and a smaller tackle. But, I think a 4-3 one-gap pass-rushing tackle is where he’ll find the most success.

Transition Grade: C+ (switch would help a little)

Trey Flowers (6-2, 265lb)

Flowers is actually a bit undersized for what you would expect a 3-4 defensive end, which is the scheme he’s been in his entire six-year professional career. But Flowers isn’t your typical defensive end as you’ll see him in every position along the line.

At 6’2″, 265lb, Flowers is really the ideal size for a 4-3 defensive end and I think he would also flourish in a more one-gap pass-rush dominant role. But, he’s also proved capable of providing the all-around game needed for the two-gap 3-4 base. I call it a wash.

Transition Grade: C (switch wouldn’t really matter)

Romeo Okwara (6-4, 263lb)

Like Flowers, Okwara wouldn’t be hindered by either scheme. But unlike Flowers, Okwara’s meal ticket is clearly rushing to the passer and there’s normally more opportunity to do that as a 4-3 end.

Transition Grade: C+ (switch would help a little)