Detroit Lions interior lineman

The Lions have some depth and interesting decisions. Signing TJ Lang to add to the young guys at the other positions has created competition. I will boldly predict Joe Dahl will emerge as the right guard.

2016 STATS
PLAYER	GAMES	SACKS ALLOWED	PENALTIES
T.J. Lang#	13	1.0	4
Travis Swanson	12	2.0	3
Graham Glasgow	15	3.5	6
Laken Tomlinson	16	3.5	3
Joe Dahl	6	0.0	0
Matt Rotheram^	0	0.0	0
Brandon Thomas^	0	0.0	0
Leo Koloamatangi*	13	1.0	N/A

2016 Penalties
Glascow 6
Swanson 3
Tomlinson 3
Warford 2

Returning:
Laken Tomlinson
Graham Glascow
Joe Dahl
Travis Swanson

Key Addition:
OG TJ Lang UFA Packers

Lost:
Larry Warford Saints

TJ Lang 9th year in the NFL 1st in Detroit
2017 UFA Packers
NFL Career: 119 games 94 starts
College: EMU 36 starts
Pro Day: 6040 316 5.15 30 26.5 4.42
Contract: 3 years $5.869 mil
Pro football Focus Rank: #8
Si.com Rank: #128

Analysis:
One of the best guards in football, ranking # 2 pass protection.. Very good at the jump set the Lions use. He replaces Larry Warford who was ranked # 20 last year. Coming off of hip surgery. Has played in 16 career playoff games.

Travis Swanson 4th year in Detroit
3rd round pick 2014
Regular Season: 42 games 31 starts
Post Season: 1 Start
College: Arkansas 50 starts
Combine: 6050 312 20 26 711 7.73 4.65
Contract: 1 year $1.951
PFF rank: #17

Analysis:
Much improved in 2016. He did miss the last part of the season with a head injury. Goes into a contract year.

Graham Glascow 2nd year in Detroit
3rd round pick 2016
Regular season: 15 games 11 starts
Post season: 1 start
College: Michigan 42 games 37 starts
Combine: 6057 307 5.13 23 25 810 7.63 4.63
Contract: 3 years $719,855
PFF rank: # 37

Analysis:
A better center than a guard. Can be serviceable at both. Looks much stronger this year. In competition at the left guard spot.

Laken Tomlinson 3rd year in Detroit
1st round pick 2015
Regular season: 32 games 24 starts
Post season: 1 start
College: Duke 52 starts
Combine: 6033 332 5.31 25 31.5 900 7.77 4.71
Contract: 1 year: $2.331
PFF rank: #64

Analysis:
Bust pick by Mayhew. Has not developed into a quality lineman. Will not have his 5th year option picked up. He ranked in the bottom five guards in run blocking in 2016.

Joe Dahl 2nd year in Detroit
5th round pick 2016
Regular Season: 6 games
Post season: 1 game
College: WSU 34 starts
Combine: 6041 304 5.18 28 31 901 7.64 4.77
contract: 3 years $600,000

Analysis:
Strong guy with some feet. I think he will emerge as the starter.

Brandon Thomas 4th year in the NFL 2nd year in Detroit
trade 2016 with 49ers (Jeremy Kerley)
College: Clemson 49 games 36 starts
Combine: 6032 317 5.09 35 29 802 8.13 4.83
Contract: 2 year $540,000

Analysis:
A talented guy. Injured his knee during a predraft workout. Never has made it back on the field. Started the season of the PUP list and was activated 8/7

Matt Rotheram 3rd year in the NFL 2nd in Detroit
Free agent 2016
College: Pitt 46 games 40 starts
Pro Day: 6050 325 22 38 808 7.63 4.53
Contract: 2 years $465,000

Analysis:
A guy with a NFL future. A tackle in college moved to guard in the NFL. Will push a for spot.

Leo Kolomatangi Rookie UDFA
College: Hawaii 20 starts
Pro Day: 6040 312 5.43 16 27.5 803 8 4.94
Contract: 3 years $465,000

Analysis:
Really improved in his final year at Hawaii.Taking all third team reps at center. Maybe the practice squad.

Tim Lelito 5th year in NFL 1st in Detroit
FA 2017 Titans
Lions Stats: 2 games snaps 28 O 18 ST
NFL Stats: 65 games 24 starts for the Saints
College: Grand Valley State 45 starts
Pro Day: 6036 308 5.27 29 33 811 4.8

Detroit Lions Offensive Tackles

A spot that seemed to be a strength going in has become a nightmare. The injury and surgery to Taylor Decker has put the franchise into a tailspin. The Lions have brought in a number of players to try replace Decker.

2016 STATS
PLAYER	GAMES	STARTS	SACKS ALLOWED	PENALTIES
Taylor Decker	16	16	4.5	6
Rick Wagner^	15	14	2.0	3
Greg Robinson#	14	14	7.0	11
Cyrus Kouandjio+	12	5	1.0	1
Corey Robinson	14	3	1.0	1
Cornelius Lucas	5	0	1.0	0
Tony Hills=	11	0	0.5	3
Storm Norton*	13	13	1.0	N/A

2016 Penalties
Decker 8
Reiff 5

Returning:
Cornelius Lucas
Corey Robinson

Key additions:
Greg Robinson Trade Rams
Cyrus Kouandjio UFA Bills
Rick Wagner UFA Ravens

Lost
Taylor Decker
Riley Reiff

Oline rank by Football Outsiders
Run # 31
Pass # 18

Taylor Decker 2nd year in Detroit
1st round pick in 2016
Regular Season: 16 starts
Post season 1 start
College: Ohio State 54 games 42 starts
Combine: 6070 315 5.16 22 29 805 7.7 4.76 Arms 33 3/4
Contract: 3 years $2.492 mil
Pro Football Focus Rank: #23
Si.com Rank: #183
Snaps: 1092 O 70 ST

Analysis:
Likely to miss the season with a torn labrum. A devastating blow to Lions. Decker was supposed to lock down the left side. He ranked # 25 in pass protection. Started the season on the PUP.

Rick Wagner 5th year in the NFL 1st in Detroit
UFA 2017 Ravens
NFL Career: 62 games 47 starts
College: Wisconsin 52 games 37 starts
Combine: 6060 308 5.17 4.91 20 31.5 804 7.94 4.91
Contract: 5 years $5.9 mil
PFF Ranks: #18
Si.Com Rank: #188

Analysis:
Signed with the largest contract in the history of the NFL for a right tackle. Replaces Reiff who ranked #48 in PFF last season. Should be an upgrade as he ranked #9 in pass protection last season.

Cornelius Lucas 4th year in Detroit
UDFA 2014
Regular Season: 35 games 6 starts
Playoffs: 2 starts
College: Kansas State 38 games 26 starts
Contract: 1 year $1.797 mil
Snaps: 96 O 25 ST

Analysis:
Veteran tackle who has not nailed down a spot. A natural left tackle. He will see action there this season.

Corey Robinson 3rd year in Detroit
7th round pick 2015
Regular Season: 15 games 3 starts
College: 38 games 35 starts
Pro Day: 6065 324 5.34 28 31 900 8.4 4.81 arms 35 5/8
Contract: 2 years $629,477
Snaps: 164 O 57 ST

Analysis:
A talented player who has played well when called on. Problem is injuries. Missed the off-season with surgery on his foot. Starts the season on the PUP.

Greg Robinson 4th year in the NFL 1st in Detroit
Trade Rams 2017
Lions stats: 6 starts
NFL Career: 52 games 48 starts
College: Auburn 26 starts
Combine: 6050 332 4.86 32 28.5 905 7.8 4.92
Contract:1 year $3.322 mil guaranteed
PFF Rank: #71

Analysis:
After the Decker injury, Lions traded a 6th round pick for Rams bust Robinson. He struggled in the NFL but has talent. Bleacher Report columnist Geoff Schwartz said the Robinson will be a perfect fit for the Lions and help them in the future. Coming off an injury may start the season the PUP (Activated 7/30). He has scored under 47 in his first seasons in the NFL. Under 60 is considered poor.

Cyrus Koundjio 4th year in the NFL 1st in Detroit
Free Agent 2017 Bills
NFL Career 25 games 7 starts
College: Alabama 26 starts
Combine: 6066 322 5.59 21 27.5 800 7.71 4.84
Contract: 1 year $765,000

Analysis:
Another talented player with a bust history. Injured in the off season Will contend for a roster spot. Activated from the PUP list 7/30. Waived 8/29.

Tony Hills 9th year in the NFL 1st in Detroit
FA 2017 Saints (11 teams)
NFL Career: 32 games 1 start
College: 42 games
Combine: 6051 309 24 reps
Contract: 1 year $695,000

Analysis:
Total stop gap. Hopefully won't make the team.

Storm Norton UDFA 2017
College: Toledo
Pro Day: 6075 308 5.12 12 28.5 810 7.4 4.63
Contract: 3 years $465,000

Analysis:

Big guy. Needs strength. Probably a right tackle. Practice Squad.

Bryce Harris 6th year in the NFL 1st in Detroit
FA 2017 Saints
NFL Stats: 37 games 4 starts
College: Fresno State 39 starts
Pro Day: 6061 300 5.21 20 30 901 7.57 4.69

Detroit Lions Tight Ends

A new group will look improve its play this season. Blocking Tight Ends Fells and Roberts brought in to complement Ebron. Lions might keep 4 on the 53.

2016 STATS
PLAYER	GAMES	REC	YDS	AVG	LONG	TD
Eric Ebron	13	61	711	11.7	61	1
Darren Fells^	14	14	154	11.0	37	1
Michael Roberts*	13	45	533	11.8	41	16
Cole Wick	6	2	18	9.0	13	0
Khari Lee	8	0	0	0	0	0
Brandon Barnes*	5	5	85	17.0	39	1
Robert Tonyan*	11	56	699	12.5	65	10
^ with ARZ     * college stats

2016 Leaders
Touchdowns
Ebron 1

Penalities
Ebron 5

YAC
Ebron 276 (#7 in NFL for TE)

Drops
Ebron 7 (3rd most in the NFL)

Returning:
Eric Ebron
Cole Wick
Khari Lee

Key additions:
Darren Fells UFA Cards
Michael Roberts 4th round pick

Gone:
Matthew Mulligan 8 games
Clay Harbor 12 games 2 starts

Eric Ebron 4th year in Detroit 39 games 27 starts
1st round pick in 2014
Regular Season: 127/1435/7
Playoffs: 2 starts 5/44/0 rec
Preseason: 9/109/0 rec
College: UNC 18 games 50/832/5 rec
Combine: 6043 250 4.6 24 32 1000 7.49 4.45
Contract: 2 years $3.897 mil
Football Outsider Rank: #6
PFF rank: #49
Si.Com rank #238
Snaps: 751

Analysis:
Ebron enters a critical season. He cannot block (ranked as the worst run blocking TE in the NFL) and his hands are inconsistent. At his best, he can stretch the middle of the field and create mismatches.

Darren Fells 4th year in the NFL 1st in Detroit
UFA 2017 Cards
NFL Career: 38 g 24 starts 40/536/4 rec
College basketball: UC-Irvine 123 games 10.2 pts 6.3 reb
Contract:  1 year $975,000

Analysis:
A dominant blocker and a decent receiver. He is a really big guy. Played Pro basketball in Belgium, Mexico, France and Finland. Should see plenty of snaps as an inline TE.

Michael Roberts Rookie 4th round pick
College: Toledo 27 games 70/832/20 rec
Combine: 6041 261 4.86 21 30 902 7.05 4.22
Contract: 4 years $615,784

Analysis:
A good two way tight end. Big guy who moves better than you think. Can catch in traffic. Will be a solid player.

Cole Wick 2nd year in Detroit
2016 UDFA
Regular season: 6 games 2/18 rec
Pre season: 5/56 rec
College: Incarnate Word 31 games 61/832/5 rec
Pro day: 6053 256 4.93 14 36.5 1005 7.12 4.32
Contract: 2 years $543,333
Snaps: 43 O 32 ST

Analysis:
A surprise in 2016. Hurt his knee and packed on 15 lbs of muscle. Can be a solid two TE. Could make it as the 4th TE.

Khari Lee 3rd year in the NFL 2nd in Detroit
Waivers 2016 Bears
Regular Season: 8 games
College: Bowie State 40 games 107/1255/4 rec
Pro day: 6042 258 5.05 18 36 907 7.62 4.45
Contract: 2 years $615,000
Snaps: 101 O 39 ST

Analysis:
Another blocking TE. Could challenge for a 4th TE spot. Probably will catch on in the league sometime this season.

Brandon Barnes UDFA Rookie
College: Alabama State 38 games 26/436/6 rec
Pro day: 6043 255 4.72 20 35.5 906 7.03 4.69
Contract: 3 years $468,000

Analysis:
Good athlete. Size and speed. Limited receiving experience. Needs time on the practice squad. Waived 8/9

Robert Tonyan UDFA Rookie
College: Indiana State 150/2047/20 rec
Pro day: 6047 231 4.58 16 35 1005 7.12 4.34
Contract: 3 years $465,000

Analysis:
Intriguing Athlete. A rocked up WR. Can be a move a guy. Has a future in the NFL.

Detroit Lions Wide Receivers

Lions did not expend a lot of resources to upgrade the receivers this season. Drafted Kenny Golladay in the third. Main competition will be the for the fourth spot.

016 STATS
PLAYER	GAMES	REC	YDS	AVG	LONG	TD
Golden Tate	16	91	1,077	11.8	67	4
Marvin Jones Jr.	15	55	930	16.9	73	4
Kenny Golladay*	12	87	1,156	13.3	49	8
TJ Jones	3	5	93	18.6	36	0
Jace Billingsley^	0	0	0	0	0	0
Jared Abbrederis+	5	1	8	8.0	8	0
Ryan Spadola#	0	0	0	0	0	0
Keshawn Martin%	1	0	0	0	0	0
Noel Thomas*	12	100	1,179	11.8	62	3
Dontez Ford*	8	17	288	16.9	19	2
Michael Rector*	13	32	367	11.5	44	3

2016 leaders
Touchdowns
Boldin 8
Jones 4
Roberts 3

Penalties
Boldin 5
Tate 3

YAC
Tate 635 (#4 NFL)
Jones 237
Boldin 218

Drops
Jones (#8 NFL)
Boldin 4
Tate 4
TJ Jones 2
Roberts

Returning:
Marvin Jones
Golden Tate
TJ Jones

Key additions
Kenny Golladay 3rd round pick:


Gone:
Andre Roberts
Anquan Boldin

Golden Tate 8th in the NFL 4th in Detroit 48 starts
UFA 2014 Seahawks
Regular Season: 278/3187/14 rec
Post Season: 2 starts 9/114/1 rec
Preseason: 20/330/3
College: Notre Dame 37 games 22 starts 157/2707/26 rec 909 KOR
Combine: 5102 202 4.42 17 35 1000 7.12 4.34
Contract: 2 years $8.351 mil
Football Outsiders rank: #48
PFF Rank: #57
Si.com Rank: #253
Snaps: 914 O

Analysis:
Slow start last season. Turned it up. Still catches the quick screens and makes defenders miss. Not a dependable downfield target.

Marvin Jones 6th year in the NFL 2nd in Detroit 15 starts
UFA Bengals 2016
Regular season: 55/930/4 rec
Post Season 4/81/0 rec
Preseason: 8/106/0 rec
College: Cal 43/38 156/2270/13 rec
Combine: 6017 199 4.42 22 33 904 6.81 4.11
Contract: 4 years $8.6 mil
Football Outsiders Rank: # 20
PFF Ranks: #45
SI.com Rank: #288
Snaps: 930 O

Analysis:
Failed to live up to billing. Could not separate from coverage. Struggled with the jam. Better built as a # 2 receiver.

TJ Jones 4th year in Detroit 13 games
6th round pick 2014
Regular Season: 15/225/1 rec
Post Season: 1 game
Pre season: 9/163/1 rec
College: 51 games 181/2429/19 rec
Combine: 5115 188 4.48 33 911 6.82 4.27
Contract 1 year $615,000
Snaps: 60 O 31 ST

Analysis:
TJ has bounced around the organization. Injuries hampered him his first two years. Showed flashes but has never been consistent. Probably his last chance to make the rotation.

Ryan Spadola 4th year in the NFL 3rd in Detroit
FA 2015 Cards, Falcons, Jets
NFL Career 4 games
College: Lehigh 38 games 232/3611/24 rec
Combine: 6012 204 4.48 15 37 911 6.72 4.07
Contract: 1 year $540,000

Analysis:
Guy with good size and some speed. Tore a pec last year. Still on the roster. Last shot at the roster. Waived/injured 8/8

Jace Billingsley 2nd year in Detroit
UDFA 2016
Lions stats: 2 games 2 tackles
Preseason: 22/252/2 rec 6/132 KOR 9/78 PR
College: Eastern Oregon 242/2522/42 rec 5911 all purpose yards
Pro Day: 5081 192 4.48 24 35.5 908 6.88 4.1
Contract: 1 year $465,000

Analysis:
Jace surprised a lot people with an exciting preseason. Made the practice squad and was given a promotion to the 53 man roster.  Has a chance to stick at the return man.

Jared Abberdaris 4th year in the NFL 1st in Detroit
2017 FA Green Bay Packers
Lions Stats: 7 games 3/44 rec 3 tackles 1 FF
Preseason: 8/84/1 rec 2/44 KOR 6/30 PR
NFL Career: 22 games 13/153/0 rec
College: Wisconsin 202/3140/23 rec
Combine: 6010 195 4.5 4 30.5 909 6.8 4.08


Analysis:
Quick guy who runs sharp routes. Has return ability. Could stick at the 4th spot. Waived 11/14

Kenny Golladay Rookie 3rd round pick
College: Northern Illinois 47 games 34 starts 259/3598/27 rec
Combine: 6036 218 4.5 18 35.5 1000 7.0 4.15
Contract 4 years

Analysis:
Size, speed guy. Good hands. Showed well in the spring. Could be the 3rd WR and a good complement to Golden and MJ.

Keshawn Martin 6th year in the NFL 1st in Detroit
FA 2017 Texans, Pats
NFL Career 58 games 10 starts 62/685/5 rec 94/858/1 PR 80/2001/0 KOR
College: MSU 48 games 127/1714/10 rec
Combine: 5114 182 4.45 13 39.5 1002 6.85 4.13
Contract 1 year $695,000

Analysis:
Guy who can return kicks. Play a little WR. I don't think he make the original 53 but could be brought back. Waived August 28.

Dontez Ford UDFA rookie
College: Pitt 23 games 46/843/5 rec
Pro Day: 6012 212 4.58 16 36 1007 6.98 4.47
Contract 3 years: $465,000

Analysis:
A strong guy coming off an injury at Pitt. Has a shot at the practice squad.

Michael Rector UDFA rookie
College: Stanford 104/1681/15 rec
Combine: 6001 187 4.42 13 36.5 1009 6.77 4.19
Contract: 3 years $465,000

Analysis:
Speed guy with questionable hands. Will compete for the practice squad.

Noel Thomas UDFA Rookie
College: UCONN 183/2235/10 rec
Combine: 6001 200 4.63 4.52 9 33 910
Contract: 3 years $465,000

Analysis:
A productive receiver without an outstanding trait. Slow 40 time. Made the practice squad.

Detroit Lions running backs

Injuries made this group really difficult to evaluate. If everyone is healthy it is versatile and deep but as the Lions found out last year it might not been enough. Pro Football Focus ranked the backfield # 25 in the NFL.

2016 STATS
PLAYER	GAMES	ATT	YDS	AVG	TD	REC	YDS	TD
Ameer Abdullah	2	18	101	5.6	0	5	57	1
Theo Riddick	10	92	357	3.9	1	53	371	5
Zach Zenner	14	88	334	3.8	4	18	196	0
Dwayne Washington	12	90	265	2.9	1	10	62	0
Mike James^	4	4	19	4.8	0	4	22	0
Matt Asiata#	16	121	402	3.3	6	32	263	0
Tion Green*	12	159	743	4.7	2	29	167	0

2016 Leaders

Touchdowns
Riddick 6
Zenner 4
Washington
Abdullah

Turnovers
Zenner

Penalties
Zenner 2
Washington
Bell

YAC
Riddick 389
Zenner 204
Washington 76
Abdullah 59

Drops
Riddick 2
Forsett
Washington

Returning:
Ameer Abdullah
Zach Zenner
Theo Riddick

Lost:
Joquie Bell
Michael Burton

Ameer Abdullah 3rd year in Detroit 18 games 11 starts
2nd round pick in 2015
Regular Season: 161/698/2 30/240/2 rec 2 fl
Pre season: 16/980/0 rush
Nebraska: 53 games 8/13/4598/39 73/690/7 rec
Combine: 5086 205 4.6 24 42.5 1010 6.79 3.95
Contract: 2 years $1.1 mil
Snaps in 2016: 57

Analysis:
Explosive player who can make people miss. Injuries have derailed his first two seasons. Given his lack of size, durability is his Achilles heel.

Theo Riddick 5th year in Detroit 54 games 11 starts
6th round pick 2013
Regular Season: 164/566/2 171/1410/12 rec
Post Season: 1 game 4/39 rec
pre season: 54/183/1 19/132/2 rec
College: Notre Dame: 244/1169/5 120/1262/8 rec
Combine: 5101 201 4.68 14 32 910 6.99 4.32
Pro Football Focus Rank: #12
Si.com Rank: # 306
Contracts: 3 years $2.4 mil
Snaps: 423

Analysis:
A big question mark coming in to camp. He missed the off season with two wrist surgeries. The offense tanked once Theo was injured. His ability in the open field is essential to the Lions attack. He ranked # 3 in receiving for a running back by PFF.

Zach Zenner 3rd year in Detroit 20 games 5 starts
UDFA 2015
Regular Season: 105/394/4 20/207/0 Rec
Post Season: 1 start 11/340 6/54 rec
Pre season: 54/230/2 13/121/1 rec
College: South Dakota State: 1095/6538/61 95/909/8 rec
Combine: 5113 223 4.6 25 41 1001 7.08 4.14
PFF Rank: #52
Contract: 1 year $616,668
Snaps: 346 O 126 ST

Analysis:
Perfect # 3 back. Can do everything well including play of the special teams. He showed he is not a starter but a valuable reserve.

Dwayne Washington 2nd year in Detroit 12 games 2 starts
7th round pick in 2016
Regular Season: 90/265/1 10/62/0 rec
Post Season 1 game
Pre season: 18/104/2 1/15 rec
College: Washington: 31 games 226/1311/17 41/411/4 rec
Pro Day: 6010 223 4.48 21 37.5 1007 6.85 4.22
Contract: 3 years $558,941
Snaps: 231 O 78 ST

Analysis:
Struggled as a rookie. Showed very little feel as a runner. Stiff in the passing game. An intriguing athlete who can return kicks and play special teams. Will compete for the 4th back.

Matt Asiata 1st year in Detroit 7th in the NFL 74 games 16 starts
Free agent 2017
Regular Season: 361/ 1259/18 101/722/1 rec
Playoffs 1 game 1 /13 rec
College: Utah 31 games 379/1748/24 54/394/2 rec
Combine: 5110 229 4.77 22 30 808 7.06 4.37
PFF rank: # 34
Contract 1 year $775,000

Analysis:
Spring pick up to contend for the 4th back. Is a clone of Zenner, can do everything well and play special teams.

Mike James 2nd year in Detroit 4th in the NFL 23 games 3 starts
FA 2016
Regular Season: 83/351/0 15/60 rec
College: Miami 50 games 304/1340/17 67/585/5 rec
Combine: 5104 223 4.53 28 35 907 6.93 4.34
Contract: 1 year $615,000

Analysis:
Picked a couple times in 2016 to the practice squad. Has some experience with the Bucs. A long shot to make the team. Injured throughout camp.

Tion Green Rookie
UDFA 2017
College: Cincinnati 48 games 445/2072/19 47/295/0
Pro Day: 5110 221 4.79 18 31.5 900 7.38 4.58
Contracts: 3 years $465,000

Analysis:
Bigger back but lacks speed. Plays on the special teams but probably not an NFL running back. Surprised many by making the 53 man roster. Strong special teams and a great game 4.