Detroit Lions Training Camp: Position Battles Aplenty

Dec 20, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Kyle Van Noy (3) reacts after blocking a punt during the third quarter against the San Diego State Aztecs at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Strong Side Linebacker:

Ashlee Palmer started opposite of DeAndre Levy last season. This year however, it’s a whole new ball game.

Levy had a great season, leading the team in interceptions and racking up 118 tackles along the way. Palmer accumulated only 33 tackles and like Levy, had zero sacks.

That is where new defensive coordinator Teryl Austin and Lions second-round pick in this years NFL Draft, Kyle Van Noy come in.

We can expect to see a lot — and I mean a lot more blitzing from the linebackers in Detroit this year, as well as plenty of 4-3 looks vs. nickel packages. Lots of blitzing is something Palmer is currently unfamiliar with, but Van Noy is.

My Early Prediction: Van Noy’s versatility wins him the job opposite Levy. Hopefully he is able to heal up to 100% from the nagging back issues that kept him from participating in a majority of the offseason workouts.