Six Detroit Lions players the national media are sleeping on
By Ash Thompson
The little linebacker
Jalen Reeves-Maybin came to the Lions with an impressive highlight reel, but an injury history that makes him a question mark. The Lions brought in players who would be “good enough” to not force them to rely on the rookie. Those players: Paul Worrilow and Nick Bellore, are either gone or out of the way.
The reason the Lions could move on was Reeves-Maybin’s solid play to close out the season. He earned a positive grade from pro football focus in three of the last four games. His earned a positive grade on the season for his pass coverage.
JRM will still have to battle for a larger role. The Lions brought in relative veteran linebacker Christian Jones to act as a stumbling block for the second year pro. Jones is a solid if an unspectacular player that will ensure Reeves-Maybin earns whatever his role turns out to be.
What Reeves-Maybin will not be battling in 2017 is the coaching staff. The Jim Caldwell led Lions staff were notoriously biased toward veterans. They valued experience over talent almost exclusively. They preferred a player who would be in the right place, whether they had the ability to do the right thing. Matt Patricia has used the best tools at his disposal whether they were undrafted rookies or superstars.