5 Reasons The Detroit Lions D-Line Will Live Up To Expectations In 2013

4.  Jim Washburn

Aug 24, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive line coach Jim Washburn against Cleveland Browns in a preseason game at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-US Presswire

With the losses of Kyle Vanden Bosch, Corey Williams, Lawrence Jackson, and Cliff Avril the Lions are going to be depending on the quick development of several young lineman.  DE Willie Young was spared because he has shown flashes of potential, and Martin Mayhew would love to get a great contribution from a cheap 7th round pick.  Ziggy Ansah and Devin Taylor are athletic freaks, but it is expected that they will have a learning curve to deal with entering their rookie NFL seasons.  Ndomakong Suh and Nick fairley are potentially dominant tackles, but they must find a way to consistantly work off of each other to make significant plays.

By bringing in defensive line coach Jim Washburn to work with Kris Kocurek and Gunther Cunninghm, the Lions have added the ability to mentor young defensive lineman and get all of the players on one page together.  After many fans have doubted the wide-9 technique, perhaps Washburn will bring that missing link which will get the players and the scheme working like a charm.