Detroit Lions Season Preview 2014: Defense

Aug 22, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Bill Bentley (28) defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (94) defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) defensive end Jason Jones (91) defensive tackle Nick Fairley (98) and defensive tackle C.J. Mosley (99) pose for a picture during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field. Detroit won 13-12. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Line

Ziggy Ansah, Jason Jones, Devin Taylor, George Johnson, Larry Webster, Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley, C.J. Mosley, Caraun Reid

The Detroit Lions stout defensive line returns to the trenches in Detroit for the 2014 season. Ndamukong Suh and big Nick Fairley will be the starters at defensive tackle, even after Fairley demotion during the exhibition season. Fairley entered training camp at a hefty, 315 pounds. Coach Caldwell didn’t care for Fairley’s lack of conditioning in the offseason, subsequently benching the former Auburn Tiger.

Fairley responded well however, dropping 10 pounds and regaining his starting spot next to Suh.

Ziggy Ansah returns for his sophomore season in 2014 at defensive end, and Jason Jones returns to the team after suffering a season ending injury last year.

George Johnson was signed in the spring as a veteran who had yet to show much of his playing ability up until this season. Johnson was however impressive during camp and preseason, earing the vet a spot on the Lions roster.

Rookies Larry Webster and Caraun Reid rounded out the final spots at defensive end and defensive tackle, respectively.