The Detroit Lions have a fierce defensive line. The starters aren’t just good; they have a couple of pro-bowl caliber players spread out across the defensive front.
The Detroit Lions added a veteran pro bowl interior pass rusher in Mike Daniels who was released from the division rival Green Bay Packers. Daniels joins a group of linemen anchored by Damon Harrison and newly signed Trey Flowers.
That’s three All-Pro type forces on the DL. We haven’t even mentioned A’Shawn Robinson who will primarily play on run-down & distances. When the team wants to rotate in a body for a pass rush, Daniels will enter. A spectacular rotation also helps the Lions keep fresh bodies on the field at all time.
I initially thought Da’Shawn Hand would run away with the starting spot opposite of Trey Flowers, but Romeo Okwara might remain the better option. The hope was Hand would take a tremendous leap forward in his second year, working himself into a starting role. Okwara started 14 games last year with the Detroit Lions recording a team-leading 7.5 sacks. In comparison, Hand notched 3 total sacks.
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Romeo Okwara caught the eye of Matt Patricia during the joint practices with the New York Giants last offseason. He’s a player that needed the right opportunity, plus the New York Giants are very dysfunctional. The 24-year-old pass rusher could excel this year while the offensive line doubles Snacks Harrison inside and chips Flowers with a tight-end or running back. That leaves Mike Daniels, or Robsinson inside singled up, a battle either can win more times than not. It also leaves Okwara one on one with many teams’ right-tackle. Another battle he proved he can win last year more times than not.
Hand will still play a role with the Detroit Lions. He may start the year playing alongside Robinson in run first situations before yielding to Okwara on the passing downs. Austin Bryant, along with Eric Lee, are both competing for a spot in the rotation.
I am intrigued by Bryant; he was drafted with the 117th pick in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Bryant played his college ball as a member of the Clemson Tigers. He was often overlooked by the superstar talent spread across that Tigers’ defense but was also beneficiary of playing against single blocking much of his collegiate career. Bryant could be effective in this Matt Patricia style offense as a stand-up edge rusher.
Their DL will define the Detroit Lions defense. Everything starts in the trenches; they will allow the linebackers to flow to the play without much resistance if their opponents’ offensive line can’t get to the second level. The pass rush allows the secondary to only cover receivers for a minimal amount of time, which is critical. They will force quarterbacks to make errant throws. The light shines on the stars, but the unsung heroes of this DL are the rotational players opposing offenses forget about.