The Detroit Lions most interesting news of the offseason came at the wide receiver position. Calvin Johnson has retired and the team has tried to fill his void with former Bengal Marvin Jones. Matthew Stafford seems to think to team is somehow better off for whatever reason. Jim Caldwell was also foolishly retained as he is always famous for turning running back studs into duds. What else should we look at as it pertains to the Lions?
3 Position Battles To Watch:
- Center: Graham Glasglow vs. Travis Swanson
The rest of the Lions offensive line appears to be set outside of the center position. Rookie 3rd rounder Graham Glasglow is probably the center of the future while Swanson will likely get the opportunity to start the season. Swanson also has some injury history which could force the Lions hand.
2. Long Snapper: Don Muhlbach vs. Jimmy Landes
The Lions decided to draft a long snapper this season in Jimmy Landes despite the fact taht Mulbach has maned the position for more than a decade. This may be more of a situation where the Lions decide to go with the younger, cheaper option as long as Landes proves he is worthy of the spot.
3. Linebacker: Kyle Van Noy vs. Jon Bostic
Tahir Whitehead and DeAndre Levy will make up 2 of the 3 linebacker spots. The other will come down to this battle. Bostic should be the favorite in my opinion as he played well for the Patriots last season. Van Noy has been a disappointment since being drafted from BYU.
Ready For A Breakout Season: Ezekiel Ansah
I kind of cheated on this one considering Ansah had 14.5 sacks last season but they are not a lot of great options on the Lions roster. Ansah, 27, is entering the prime of his career and should be a double digit sack guy for the next 5-6 years.
Fantasy Sleeper: Theo Riddick
Riddick isn’t much of a threat in the running game but he is a factor in the passing attack. Riddick, 25, caught 80 passes out of the running back position and could have an even bigger season with the Calvin Johnson departure. Joique Bell is also out of town creating more carries for him as well.
Rookie To Watch: A’Shawn Robinson
The Lions snagged a steal when they selected Robinson in the 2nd round. The former Bama product slipped in the draft due to the number of elite defensive line prospects. The middle of the Lions defense along with Haloti Ngata will be a fun unit to watch. Caraun Reid from Princeton is also an exciting prospect as well.
Detroit is likely going to fight to stay out of the basement of the NFC North with Chicago. As long as Jim Caldwell is the coach I can’t take them as serious playoff contenders.
