Detroit Jock City
Fansided

Detroit Lions Offseason Prediction: Linebackers

By Erik Schlitt

Dec 21, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detroit Lions outside linebacker Josh Bynes (57) gestures in the first quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detroit Lions outside linebacker Josh Bynes (57) gestures in the first quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Dec 11, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills inside linebacker
Dec 11, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills inside linebacker /

Free Agents

Dont’a Hightower is the top free agent linebacker in this cycle and has rumored to already declined an offer of $10 million per year from New England. Right now, only three linebacker in the league average over $10 million per year: Luke Kuechly, Bobby Wagner, and NaVorro Bowman. He has the skill set that belongs in that group of players but a lengthy injury history (knee, shoulder) and a current injury (shoulder) will keep teams wondering if he’s reliable enough to justify that type of money.

Zach Brown (Buffalo) was second in the league in tackles (149) in 2016, behind only Bobby Wagner. Athletically he grades out similarly to Tahir Whitehead but with better coverage skills and instincts. The chart below demonstrates their similarity:

A special thank you to Kent Platte (@MathBomb) for allowing me to develop this chart with his #RAS program.

Barkevious Mingo is someone Bob Quinn tried to acquire mid-season but was outbid for his services by New England. Mingo would have a chance to compete for the vacated Kyle Van Noy role as a pass rushing SAM linebacker.

Another linebacker that would bring more speed to the unit is Bruce Carter (NY Jets). Carter was a free agent last season and someone I hoped the Lions would bring in. He eventually signed with the Jets, expecting to compete for a starting role but he only played 122 snaps. This may result in him once again looking for a new home in 2017. He wouldn’t start in Detroit but he would challenge Josh Bynes for his role on the team.

Home/Detroit Lions