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Detroit Lions: Rookie Contributions a Bright Spot in 2016 Season

By Zac Snyder

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Taylor Decker (Ohio State) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Detroit Lions as the number sixteen overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Taylor Decker (Ohio State) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Detroit Lions as the number sixteen overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell shakes hands with offensive guard Joe Dahl (66) before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell shakes hands with offensive guard Joe Dahl (66) before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

Joe Dahl

Seeing action in just two games as a rookie, Joe Dahl didn’t have much of a chance to leave a strong impression as a rookie. Even so, his standing with the team was always more about the future, and that was reflected in the scenarios.

"Best-case scenario: Comes in and is the versatile depth lineman the Lions hoped for in making him one of their two fifth round picks, letting the Lions keep their options open as the offensive line makeover continues. Worst-case scenario: Doesn’t show as much versatility as thought in training camp and gets pigeon-holed in as depth at just one position, drawing into question his long-term status with the team."

It looks like Dahl may be locked in at guard rather than getting any looks at right tackle considering Reiff, Corey Robinson and Cornelius Lucas saw snaps there ahead of Dahl. That may have more to do with the plans the Lions have for Dahl rather than an indictment of his versatility and Dahl projected more as a guard anyway.

There figures to be more uncertainty at guard with Tomlinson still inconsistent and Warford heading towards free agency. With Dahl already in the fold, the Lions have options.

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