Thursday, June 29, 2017

Detroit Lions Specialists


Detroit Lions were really extraordinary on Special Teams last season. Ranked # 6 by Football Outsiders and # 2 by Lindy's.

Special Teams tackles


PLAYERPRYDSAVGTDKRYDSAVGTD
Golden Tate8893610.6059318.60
TJ Jones7598.40510621.20
Dwayne Washington000.0024623.00
Keshawn Martin948589.11802,00125.00
Jared Abbrederis000.0025226.00
Jace Billingsley*141319.40531,39926.42
Jamal Agnew*1721612.71000.00
Carey 11
Killebrew 8
Williams 7






Matt Prater  12th year in the NFL 4th in Detroit
FA Broncos 2014
Regular Season: 42 games 73/85 FG 88/93 XP
Playoffs 2 games 4/4 FG 2/2 XP
Preseason: 14/15 FB 7/8 XP
College: Central Florida 46 games 50/74 FG 108/117 XP
Contract:1 year $4.325 mil
Snaps: 73 ST

Analysis:
Pro Bowl season in 2016. Clutch kicks. Valuable player.


Sam Martin 5th year in Detroit
5th round pick 2013
Regular Season: 64 games 282/46.8 ave
Playoffs 2 games 9/41.5 ave
Preseason: 47/45.7
College: App State 226/41.6 ave
Contract 3 years $3.325 mil
Snaps: 219 ST

Analysis:
Great season in 2016. 2nd best net punt ave in history. Snubbed in the pro bowl.


Don Muhlbach 13th year in Detroit
FA 2004
Regular season: 196 games 25 tackles 1 FF
Playoffs: 3 games
Preseason: 5 tackles
College: Texas A & M
Pro day: 6037 255 5.28
Contract: 1 yer $695,000 cap hit
Snaps: 138 ST

Analysis:
The senior member of the Detroit Lions. Last link to the Millen era and the 0-16 team. Pro Bowl 2013.





Kasey Redfern 4th year in the NFL
FA 2017 4 teams
College: Wofford 146/39.6 ave punts 11/19 FG 52/56 PAT
Contract: 1 year $495,000

Analysis:
A camp Leg. Can kick and Punt.




Jeff Locke 5th year in the NFL 1st in Detroit
FA 2017 Colts
Lions stats: 5 games 27/1140/45.3 ave 42.2 net
NFL Stats: 69 games 317/12401/43.4
College: UCLA 53 games 44.2 Ave 6/9 XP 2/3 FG
Combine: 6007 209


Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Detroit Lions training camp preview Safety


Lions Safety play was a strength last season. Playing up to four safeties at one time. Much more to expected out of Killebrew and an uncertainty over Tavon Wilson has clouded the position.

2016 STATS
PLAYERGAMESTACKLESINTPDFF
Glover Quin1668251
Tavon Wilson1589220
Miles Killebrew1628110
Don Carey1413001
Alex Carter10000
Charles Washington#00000
Rolan Milligan00000

2016 Leaders

Tackles
Wilson 89
Quin 68
Bush 53

Interceptions
Quin 2
Bush 2
Wilson 2
Killebrew

PBU
Quin 5
Bush 3

Returning
Glover Quin
Tavon Wilson
Miles Killebrew
Don Carey

Loss
Raphael Bush


Glover Quin 9th year in the NFL 5th in Detroit
2013 UFA Texans
Regular Season: 64 starts 264 tackles 16 int 28 PBU
Playoffs: 2 starts 8 tackles 1 pbu
Preseason: 14 tackles
College: New Mexico 36 games 34 starts 156 tackles 7 int
Combine: 5106 204 4.56 22 38 911 7.39 4.43
Contract: 3 years $7.87
PFF Rank: #23
Si.com Rank: #259
Snaps: 1100 D 76 ST

Analysis:
Steady player who is the leader of the defense. Signed to a two extension thru 2019.


Tavon Wilson 6th year in the NFL 2nd year in Detroit
2016 UFA Pats
Regular Season: 15 games 14 starts 89 tackles 2 int 1 sack
Playoffs: 1 start 7 tackles
Preseason: 9 tackles
College: Illinois 214 tackles 3 int
Pro day: 5116 205 4.52 17 32 1004 7.04 4.16
Contract: 1 year $1.65
PFF Rank: #21
Si.com Rank: #344
Snaps: 770 D 55 ST

Analysis:
A solid season in 2016, ranking # 8 against the run. Ran into problem with a domestic violence allegation. Future is up in the air.


Miles Killebrew 2nd year in Detroit
4th round pick 2016
Regular Season:  16 games 28 tackles 1 int 1 pBU
Playoffs 1 game 1 tackle
Preseason: 9 tackles 1`FF
College; Southern Utah 356 tackles 4 Ff 3 int
Combine: 6017 217 4.65 22 38 1007 6.93 4.18
Contract: 3 years $684,640
Snaps: 159 D 325 ST

Analysis:
Found a niche a nickel linebacker. Might have to play more safety in 2017. The future of the position for the Lions.



Don Carey 9th year in the NFL 7th in Detroit
FA 2011 Jags
Regular Season: 71 games 12 starts 125 tackles 2 int 8 PBU 1 FF 2 FR 1 td
Playoffs 3 games 6 tackles
Preseason: 16 tackles 2 PBU
College: Norfolk State 179 tackle 10 int
Pro Day: 5112 192 4.6 18 32.5 1002 6.87 4.2
Contract: 1 year $1.162
Snaps: 92 D 272 ST

Analysis:
The third longest tenured Lion. A great special teams player and a stop gap Safety and slot corner. Starting the season of PUP.




Alex Carter 3rd year in Detroit
3rd round pick 2015
Regular Season: 1 game
Preseason; 4 tackles
College: Stanford 40 games 33 Starts 146 tackles 2 int 5 FF
Combine: 6001 196 4.5 17 40 1001 4.07 7.05
Contract: 1 year $465,000
Snaps: 4 ST

Analysis:
A bust from the Mayhew draft days. Moved to safety and has a chance. Probably on the practice squad.




Charles Washington 2nd year in Detroit
UDFA 2016
Preseason: 4 tackles 1 PBU
College: Fresno State 50 games 202 tackles 3 int
Pro Day: 5102 190 4.48 18 41 1005 7.23 4.48
Contract: 1 year $465,000

Analysis:
A good special teams player. Well liked by the coaches. Practice squad.


Rolan Milligan 2nd year in the NFL 1st in Detroit
FA 2017 Cowboys
College: Toledo 11 games 48 tackles 3 ff 2 int UAB 8 Starts 54 tackles
Pro Day: 5102 195 23 35.5 910
Contract: 1 year $465,000

Analysis:
Bounced around in his rookie season. A special teams guy. No shot. Starting the season the PUP list.










Detroit Lions Corners


Lions have spent some draft picks on the CB position. I think the y Lions should carry 6 on the 53 man roster. Corners bet hurt at a high rate. Lions were burned by a lack of depth last season.



2016 STATS
PLAYERGAMESTACKINTPDEFFF
Darius Slay13442131
Nevin Lawson1657090
Quandre Diggs1244011
DJ Hayden^1137061
Teez Tabor*1233360
Jamal Agnew*12312130
Johnson Bademosi1619150
Adairius Barnes77000
Des Lawrence*1237080
Josh Thornton*11383111

2016 Leaders

Interceptions
Slay 2

PBU
Slay 13
Lawson 9
Bademosi 5

Penalties
Bademosi 7
Slay 7
Diggs 2


Returning
Darius Slay
Nevin Lawson
Quandre Diggs
Jon Bademosi
Adarius Barnes

Lost:
Asa Jackson
Crezdon Butler

Additions
Teez Tabor 2nd round pick
Jamal Agnew 5th round pick
DJ Hayden UFA Raiders



Darius Slay 5th year in Detroit
2nd round pick 2013
Regular season 57 games 49 starts 198 tackles 6 int  48 PBU
Playoffs 2 starts 2 tackles 1 PBU
Pre season:  32 tackles 4 PBU
College: Mississippi State 26 games 13 starts 63 tackles 6 int 2 td
Combine: 5117 192 4.36 14 35.5 1004 6.9 4.21
Contract: 4 years $10.681
PFF rank: #17
SI.com Rank: #173
Snaps:  801 D 40 ST

Analysis:
A top notch player. Can cover the best WR in the game. Needs to stay healthy.



Nevin Lawson 4th year in Detroit
4th round pick 2013
Regular Season: 33 games 25 starts 105 tackles 16 PBU
Post Season: 1 start 7 tackles
Pre season: 25 tackles 3 PBU
College: Utah State: 47 games 205 tackle 3 int 34 PBU
Combine: 5094 190 4.48 16 34.5 911 7.12 4.13
Contract: 1 year $1.872
PFF rank: #37
Snaps: 994 D 129 ST

Analysis:
A solid player. Better suited for the slot. A good tackler. Lacks ball skills.


Quandre Diggs 3rd year in Detroit
6th round pick 2015
Regular Season: 28 games 8 starts 82 tackles 7 PBu 2 FF 1 FR
Pre season: 13 tackles 1 PBU 1/21 KOR
College: Texas 52 games 49 starts 11 int 37 PBU
Combine: 5091 196 4.56 17 35.5 911 7.22 41.5
Contract: 2 years $643,870
PFF rank: #95
Snaps: 420 D 84 ST

Analysis:
Struggled in his 2nd season. Then torn his pec. Started with the 1st team in the summer.


Johnson Bademosi 6th year in the NFL 2nd in Detroit
UFA 2016 Browns
Regular Season:  16 games 3 starts 22 tackles 1 int 5 PBU
Post Season: 1 game 1 tackle
Pre season: 6 tackles 1 PBU 1 FF
College: Stanford 48 games 122 tackles 2 ff
Pro Day: 6006 201 4.39 16 40 1005 6.96 4.1
Contract: 1 year $2.35
Snaps: 283 D 268 ST

Analysis:
Struggled at corner but a great gunner. Could be on the roster bubble.


Adarius Barnes 2nd year in Detroit
Regular Season: 7 games 1 starts 7 tackles
Post season 1 game 1 tackle
Pre season: 6 tackles 3 PBU
College: La Tech 44 games 150 tackles 10 int
Pro Day: 5106 179 4.55 14 41 1006 6.82 4.08
Contract 2 years $540,000
Snaps: 61 D 81 ST

Analysis:
A surprise on the 53 man roster. Struggled in limited time. Good bet for the practice squad.



Teez Tabor Rookie 2nd round pick
College: Florida 38 games 26 starts 105 tackles 33 PBU 8 int 1 FF
Combine: 6002 199 4.62 9 32.5 1000 6.99 41.5
Contract: 4 years $876,905



Analysis:
A first round talent but a poor 40 time pushed to the 2nd. Good size and ball skills. Will push for a starting job outside.


Jamal Agnew Rookie 5th Round pick
College: San Diego 44 games 148 tackles 48 PBU 11 int
Pro Day: 5092 185 4.34 16 36 1005 6.92 4.27
Contract: 4 years

Analysis:
A small school guy who had a great workout. A slot corner and a punt returner. Interesting to see his role in 2017.



DJ Hayden 5th year in the NFL 1st in Detroit
UFA 2017 Raiders
NFL Career: 45 games 25 starts 179 tackles 1 sack 3 int 3 FF
College: Houston 22 games 21 starts 127 tackles 6 int 1 sack 11 TFL 6 Ff 3 FR 19 PBU
Pro Day: 5111 191 4.4 33.5 1000
Contract: 1 year $3.593
PFF Rank: #96

Analysis:
A talented former top 10 pick. Struggled with injuries in his career. Will be on the roster bubble.


Des Lawrence UDFA Rookie
College: UNC 42 games 175 tackles 2 3 int 25 PBU 1 FF
Pro Day: 5116 188 4.55 20 32 906 6.88 4.23
Contract: 3 years $465,000

Analysis:
A guy with some talent. Good length and strength. Could make the practice squad. Waived/Injured 8/8


Josh Thornton Rookie UDFA
College: Southern Utah 23 games 21 starts 70 tackle 5 int
Pro Day: 5104 180 4.42 16 32.5 911 6.94 4.19
Contract: 3 years $468,333

Analysis:
Another guy ticketed for the slot. Has tools need seasoning. Practice squad.


Monday, June 26, 2017

Detroit Lions Linebackers


The Lions LBs were awful in 2016. Lions defense was ranked last in the league by football outsiders. The draft brought Jarrad Davis and JRM. Levy and Bynes were not retained.

2016 STATS
PLAYERGAMESTACKSOLOSACKSINTFF
Tahir Whitehead15132990.000
Paul Worrilow+1221140.000
Antwione Williams1427170.000
Nick Bellore#1483601.011
Thurston Armbrister1415140.000
Steve Longa1000.000
Jarrad Davis*960292.000
Jalen Reeves-Maybin*420120.000

2016 Leaders

Stuffs
Bynes 3
Whitehead 2
Van Noy 1
Williams 1

TFL
Bynes 4
Whitehead 3
Williams 2

PBU
Whitehead 5
Bynes 4
Van Noy 3


Returning:
Tahir Whitehead
Antwonie Wiliams
Thurston Armbrister

Key Additions
Jarrad Davis 1st round pick
Paul Worrilow UFA
Jalen Reeves-Maybin 4th round pick

Lost
DeAndre Levy
Josh Bynes


Tahir Whitehead 6th year in Detroit
5th round pick 2012
Regular Season: 77 games 38 starts 288 tackles 3 int 2 sacks
Post season: 2 starts 19 tackles 1 sack
preseason: 60 tackles 3 sacks
College; Temple 50 games 24 starts
Combine: 6012 233 4.7 21 37 1007 7.14 4.16
Contract: 1 year $4.987 mil
PFF rank: #86
Si.com Rank: #343
Snaps: 1000 D 71 ST

Analysis:
Awful year for Tahir. Could not cover anyone and his run fits were terrible. One of the lowest ranked players in the NFL by PFF. Moving back to Will.




Jarrad Davis Rookie 1st round pick
College: Florida 44 games 23 starts 205 tackles 20 TFL 5.5 Sacks 10 PBU 1 int
Pro day: 6010 238 4.62 23 38.5 1009 7.39 4.29
Contract: 4 years $1.994 mil



Analysis:
Struggling with tackling at Florida. I asked LB coach Bill Sheridan about Davis he said he liked his aggression. Sheridan said everyone over runs tackles in college. Should start at Mike.


Antwione Williams 2nd year in Detroit
5th round pick 2016
Regular Season: 14 games 3 starts 27 tackles
Preseason: 20 tackles
College: Ga Southern 50 games 28 starts 205 tackles 10 PBU 6 FF
Pro Day: 6026 240 4.8 23 35 910 7.03 4.58
Contract: 3 years $591,115
Snaps: 204 D 196 ST

Analysis:
Moves full-time to Sam. He told me he weighs 255 and wants to stop the run.


Thurston Armbrister 3rd year in the NFL 2nd year in Detroit
Waivers 2016 Jags
Regular Season: 14 games 2 starts 15 tackles
Post season: 1 game
College: Miami 38 games 23 starts 129 tackles 7 sacks 2 FF 2 FR
Pro day 6016 235 4.69 20 33.5 908 6.89 4.44


Analysis:
Struggled at LB after being claimed on waivers after camp. Looked confused. Actually was kept active on gameday over Williams.



Paul Worrilow 5th year in the NFL 1st in Detroit
UFA 2017 Falcons
NFL Career: 59 games 44 starts 385 tackles 4 sacks 2 int 3 FF 3 FR
College: Delaware
Pro day: 6020 239 4.59 30 34.5 1004 6.5 3.97
Contract: 1 year $ 3 mil

Analysis:
A man to watch. a three year starter in Atlanta but sat the bench on 2016. He will be in the right place. I expect him top see a lot of time at LB.


Nick Bellore 7th year in the NFL 1st in Detroit
UFA 2017 49ers
NFL Career: 94 games 10 starts 161 tackles 5 PBU 1 int 3 FR
College: CMU 472 tackles
Pro day: 6010 245 4.76 23 32.5 901 6.98 4
Contract: 1 year $695,000
PFF rank: #61

Analysis:
a Career special teamer. Started last year at San Fran. Could make the team as a back up.


Jalen Reeves-Maybin Rookie 4th round pick
College: Tennessee 39 games 240 tackles 8 sacks 1 int
Pro day: 6010 238 4.62 23 38.51009 7.39 4.29
Contract: 4 years $619,721



Analysis:
A strong special team player who struggled to tackle at LB. Can run and could play in the Nickel.




Steve Longa 2nd year in Detroit
Practice Squad 2016 Seattle
Regular Season: 1 game
College: Rutgers 37 GS 335 tackles 7 sacks 5 FF 7 PD
Pro day: 6005 241 4.73 21 1000 7.35 4.21
Contract: 2 years $465,000
Snaps: 15 ST

Analysis:
Not a great athlete but can find the ball. a dark horse to make the team. Has a future in the NFL.



Brandon Chubb 2nd year in Detroit
Practice Squad 2016 Rams
College Wake Forest 313 tackles 3.5 sacks 1 int
Contract: 2 years
Pro Day: 6001 235 4.68 23 34 1001 6.85 4.22

Analysis:
Bounced around the practice squad last season. Signed a two year contract then hurt himself during OTAs. Placed on Injured Reserve.






Detroit Lions Defensive Tackles


I think this is a major weakness for the Lions. Only A'Shawn Robinson is a building block at this position. Lions have taken the Patriot way to tried many reclamation projects.


2016 STATS
PLAYERGAMESTACKLESSACKSPDFF
Haloti Ngata13221.530
A’Shawn Robinson16302.070
Akeem Spence^1619.500
Khyri Thornton1318101
Ego Ferguson00000
Jordan Hill#40000
Bruce Gaston00000
Jeremiah Ledbetter*12495.521
2016 Leaders

Stuffs
Robinson 5
Walker 4
Charles 2
Thornton 2

Sacks
Robinson 2
Ngata 1.5
Thornton 1

TFL
Robinson 6
Walker 4
Thornton 2

Hurries
Walker 6
Thornton 4
Ngata 4

Passes Defended
Robinson 7
Ngata 3

Return
Haloti Ngata
A'Shawn Robinson
Khyri Thornton

Key additions
Akeem Spence UFA Bucs
Jordan Hill FA
Jeremiah Ledbetter 6th round pick

Lost
Stefan Charles
Tyrunn Walker



Haloti Ngata 11th year in the NFL 3rd in Detroit
Trade 2015 Ravens
Regular Season: 27 games 47 tackles 3 sacks
Post Season 1 start 3 tackles 1 sack
preseason 3 tackles 1 sack
College: Utah 151 tackles 10 sacks
Combine: 6041 333 5.13 37 31.5 902 7.95 4.65
Contract: 1 year $7.7 Mil
PFF Rank: #69
SI.com Rank: #294
Snaps: 576 D 55 ST

Analysis:
The Lions are hoping to get one year out of Ngata. He will not play 16 games and should have limited snaps each game.


A'Shawn Robinson 2nd year in Detroit
2nd round pick 2016
Regular Season: 16 games 5 starts 30 tackles 2 sacks 7 PBU
Post Season: 1 starts 7 tackles
Preseason: 5 tackles 1 PBU
College: 42 games 30 starts 133 t 9 sacks 1 FF
Combine: 6035 307 5.13 22 26 810 7.8 4.74
Contract: 3 years $1.189
PFF Rank: #61
Snaps 450 D 43 ST

Analysis:
An ascending player who will settle in at the 3 technique. Showed good strength and hustle late in the season. Knocked down 7 passes.


Khyri Thornton 4th year in the NFL 3rd in Detroit
2015 FA Packers
Playoffs 1 games 2 tackles
Regular Season:  23 games 6 starts 27 tackles 1 sack
Preseason: 6 tackles 1 sack
College: Southern Miss 50 games 28 starts 116 tackles 5.5 sacks 2 FF
Combine: 6025 304 5.03 28 29 904 7.83 4.76

Analysis:
Suspended for the first 6 games. Was re-signed over Charles (#83) and Walker (#77) both had better ranking than Khyri. Had flashes but need to be consistent. Waived 11/21 after 4 games.



Akeem Spence 5th year in the NFL 1st in Detroit
UFA 2017 Bucs
NFL Career: 56 games 30 starts 96 t 5.5 sacks
College: Illinois 38 Starts 106 t 3.5 sacks 2 Ff 2 FR
Combine: 6006 307 5.15 37 30 811 7.82 4.62
Contract: 2 years $2.25
PFF rank: #124

Analysis:
Highly graded out of college. Started as a rookie, struggled last season. Lions hoping coaching and an opportunity can bring his best out.



Jordan Hill 5th year in the NFL 1st in Detroit
FA 2017 Jags, Seahawks
NFL Career 31 games 1 start 50 tackles 7 sacks 1 int 4 FR
College: Penn State 45 games 27 starts 171 tackles 9.5 sacks 4 FR 1 int
Combine: 6012 303 5.23 5.02 28 30 903 7.49 4.51
Contract: 1 year $695,000

Analysis:
Another guy trying to make a comeback. A rotational player in Seattle was cut last season.



Ego Ferguson 4th year in NFL 1st in Detroit
FA 2017 Bears
NFL Career: 20 games 1 starts 26 tackles 2 sacks 3 PD
College: LSU 38 games 12 starts 85 tackles 1 sack
Pro Day: 6027 315 5.1 29.5 803 7.99 5.03
Contract: 1 year $615,000

Analysis:
One of three former bears DL picked up this off season. A former 2nd round pick, Lions hope he can live up to his talent. Failed a physical this spring in Green Bay.



Bruce Gaston 4th year in the NFL 1st in Detroit
FA 2017 Bears and 8 other teams
NFL Career: 9 games 12 tackles 1 sack
College: Purdue 50 games 131 tackles 7 sacks
Pro Day: 6020 308 4.95 34 31 901 7.48 4.55
Contract: 1 year $615,000

Analysis:
Run stuffer who can push guys at the nose. Released 8/24



Jeremiah Ledbetter Rookie 6th Round pick
College: Arkansas 25 games 104 tackles 7.5 sacks 3 PBU 1 FF
Combine: 6027 281 4.84 29 37.5 1000 7.55 4.58
Contract: 4 years $501,040

Analysis:
A tweener with some athletic ability. Probably has to play inside. Interesting training camp for him.




Datone Jones 5th year in the NFL 1st in Detroit
Fa 2107 Vikings
NFL Stats 59 games 7 starts 73 tackles 9 sacks 7 PBU 1 int
College: UCLA 51 games 148 tackles 36.5 TFL 2 ff 5 PBU
Combine: 6037 283 4.8 29 31.5 904 7.32 4.32


Caraun Reid 5th year in the NFL 4th in Detroit
5th round in 2014
NFL Stats: 34 games 12 starts 36 tackles 2 sacks
Lions stats: 27 games 12 starts 31 tackles 2 sacks
Pre season Stats: 16 tackles 1 sack
College: Princeton 168 tackles 20.5 sacks 1ff 1int 10PBU 7 BLK
Combine: 6021 302 4.91 20 27.5 810 4.58 7.59

Sunday, June 25, 2017

Detroit Lions Defensive Ends


The Lions struggled on defense in 2016. Football Outsiders ranked the Lions dead last in the NFL. Defensive Line was ranked # 26 against the run and # 25 vs. the pass. The Lions spent very litte in terms of resources on the D-line.

2016 STATS
PLAYERGAMESTACKLESSACKSFF
Ziggy Ansah13352.00
Kerry Hyder Jr.16368.00
Cornelius Washington#15202.00
Armonty Bryant553.01
Anthony Zettel13131.00
Brandon Copeland16160.01
Pat O'Connor*13428.55
Alex Barrett*14537.50
Jeremiah Valoaga*10245.51

Leaders 2016

Snaps
Taylor 717
Hyder 705
Ansah 539
Zettel 224
Gilberry 125
Bryant 104

Stuffs
Hyder 4
Ansah 4
Taylor

Sacks
Hyder 8
Taylor 4.5
Bryant 3
Ansah 2
Zettel 1

TFL
Hyder 11
Ansah 7
Taylor 4

Hurries
Hyder 11
Ansah 9
Taylor 8

Return
Ziggy Ansah
Anthony Zettel
Armonty Bryant
Brandon Copeland
Kerry Hyder

Key additions
Cornelius Washington UFA Bears
Pat O'Connor 7th round pick

Losses
Devin Taylor






Ziggy Ansah 5th year in Detroit
1st round pick 2013
Regular season 163 tackles 32 sacks
Post Season: 2 starts 11 tackles 3 sacks
Pre season 14 tackles 1.5 sacks
College: BYU 31 starts 72 tackles 4.5 sacks 1 int
Combine: 6051 271 4.63 21 34.5 910 4.26 7.11
Contract: 1 year $12.7 mil
Pro Football Focus Rank: #51
Si.com Rank: #99
Snaps: 539

Analysis:
Final year on the contract for the Zig. He struggled in 2016. He has taken it easy this spring. I would not sign him to a long term contract. You have to wonder how many prime years he has left. Starting the season the PUP list.


Kerry Hyder 4th year in the NFL 3rd in Detroit
FA 2015 Jets
Regular Season 17 games 2 starts 8 sacks 36 tackles
Playoffs 2 tackles
Pre season 8 tackles 3 sacks 3 FR
College: Texas Tech 49 games 41 starts 176 tackles 11 sacks 6 FF
Combine: 6024 290 5.1 20 30 7.23 4.33
Contract: 1 year $540,000
Pro Football Focus: #42
Si.com rank: #351
Snaps: 705 D 49 ST

Analysis:
A great season for Kerry. He led the Lions in Sacks, TFL and stops. Could be in line for a starting spot replacing the banished Devin Taylor. Tore an Achilles early in the first quarter of the first pre-season game.


Cornelius Washington 5th year in the NFL 1st in Detroit
UFA 2017 Bears
NFL Career: 31 games 2 starts 30 tackles 3 sacks
College: Georgia 50 games 76 tackles 10.5 sacks 2 FR
Combine: 6040 255 4.55 3639 1008 7.47 4.74
Contract: 2 years $2.321 mil
PFF Rank: #54

Analysis:
Big strong player. A better scheme fit in the 4-3. Replaces Devin Taylor who ranked #108 by PFF. Needs a big year.


Armonty Bryant 5th year in the NFL 2nd in Detroit
Waivers 2016 Browns
Regular Season: 5 games 4 tackles 3 sacks
Preseason: 1 tackle
College: East Central 30 games 165 tackles 27.5 sacks 9 FF 3 FR 9 BLK
Combine: 6037 263 4.86 4.69 15 34.5 1001 7.14 4.43
Contract: 1 year $ 695,000
Si.com Rank: #382
Snaps: 104

Analysis:
A guy with talent but has been in trouble. Twice suspended in 2016 and torn his ACL. Will start the season on the PUP and was activated 8/7. Faces a four game suspension to start the season. Waived following the suspension without playing a game.



Anthony Zettel 2nd year in Detroit
6th round pick 2016
Regular Season: 13 games 13 tackles 1 sack
Playoffs 1 game
Preseason 7 tackles 2 sacks
College: Penn State 20 sacks 3 int
Combine: 6026 277 4.81 28 30 904 7.63 4.39
Contract: 3 years $570,930
Snaps: 224 D 55 ST

Analysis:
Could surprise this season. Came back in great shape. Worked out at Exos in Los Angeles in the offseason. Probably the 4th end.



Brandon Copeland 4th year in the NFL 3rd in Detroit
FA 2105 Ravens
Regular Season: 32 games 1 start 30 tackles 0.5 sacks
Playoffs 1 game
Preseason: 7 tackles 1 int
College: Penn 39 games 160 tackles 11 sacks
Super Regional Combine: 6021 265 4.72 30 32.5 1002 7.29 4.49
Contract: 1 year $615,000
Snaps: 142 D 324 ST

Analysis:
Played both end and Sam LB. A star special teams players probably will stick at the bottom of the roster. Tore a pec in the first preseson game. Out for the season.




Pat O'Connor Rookie 7th round pick
College: EMU 48 games 166 tackles 20 sacks 7 FF
Pro Day: 6056 277 5.01 17 31.5 906 7.34 4.56
Contract: 4 years $481,067

Analysis:
A big guy who plays really hard. Impressed at the Michigan pro day. Probably ends up on the practice squad.



Alex Barrett UDFA rookie
College: SDSU 51 games 6015 252 4.97 21 30 901 7.41 4.42
Pro day: 51 games 165 tackles 18 sacks 2 int 3 ff
Contract: 3 years $467,000

Analysis:
Small, Slow guy with great production. Long shot. Finds the ball.



Jeremiah Valoaga UDFA rookie
Lions stats: 9 games 5 tackles 1 Sack
Preseason 10 tackles 1 sack
College: UNLV 23 games 87 tackles 8,5 sacks 7 PD
Pro day: 6056 276 5.21 15 32 908 7.18 4.42
Contract: 3 years $469,000

Analysis:
A bit of a mystery. Kicked off the team at UNLV and injured during the spring. Started the season of the PUP list (activated 8/4). Long guy who can find the ball. Surprise in camp. Waived 11/24.


George Johnson 8th year in the NFL 2nd in Detroit
FA 2017 Bucs
Lions stats: 20 games 31 tackles 6 sacks
Preseason: 9 tackles 1 FF 2.5 sacks
NFL stats: 42 games 5 starts 61 tackles 6 sacks 2 FF
College: Rutgers 51 games 124 tackles 13 sacks 2 int 1 FF
Pro Day: 6043 268 4.79 29 31 905 6.96 4.57



Jacquies Smith 6th year in the NFL 1st in Detroit
FA 2017 Bucs
Lions Stats: 2 games 1 tackle
NFL stats 31 games 18 starts 40 tackles 13.5 sacks 3 PBU 4 FF
College: Missouri 31 games 142 tackles 9.5 sacks 1 int 9 PBU 3 FR 5 FF
Combine: 6025 253 4.81 4.59 21 31.5 902 4.31 7.25
Waived 11/13




Kasim Edebali 4th year in the NFL 1st in Detroit
2017 waivers Denver
Lions stats: 4 games
NFL stats: 61 games 2 starts 55 tackles 8 sacks 3 PBU
College: Boston College 49 games 166 tackles 11 sacks 24.5 TFL 15 PBU 4 ff 3 FR
Combine: 6020 253 4.79 19 34.5 907 7.2 4.35