Grading the Detroit Lions defensive starters.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Dec 14, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (94) runs onto the field giving fans high fives before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Ezekiel Ansah: Ziggy just continues to impress. The fact that this guy has only been playing the game for a short period of time is shocking. He was well worth the 5th pick last year. Imagine Ansah fully developed, it could get even scarier for offensive lineman in the near future.

Grade: 20

Nick Fairley: While I appreciate that Fairley took a step forward in his maturation process this year, it really bugs me that yet again he winds up on the sideline. No player can prepare themselves for an injury, they just happen, and they always seem to just happen to Fairley.

Grade: 14

C.J. Mosley: Could you ask for a better depth guy at this position? sure. But what the Lions got out of Mosley this season was great. Mosley may not be as good as Fairley but when he took over the line didn’t seem to miss a beat.

Grade: 16

Jason Jones: There are a lot of people out there that believe Jones put forth a poor year for a starter. I believe he was simply outshined. When asked, Jones put forth some great performances. Notably against the Vikings when he notched a drive killing sack and followed it up by blocking a field goal. He may be a cap casualty, but this writer believes he should stay.

Grade: 15