Detroit Lions remain thin at defensive tackle after releasing Daylon Mack

The Detroit Lions waived the recently claimed defensive tackle, Daylon Mack, just five days after bringing him.

The Baltimore Ravens opted to cut their roster down from 90 players to 80 rather than splitting up their rookies and second-year players from the veteran’s on the roster.  One of the players that received the ax had been nose tackle, Daylon Mack.  The Detroit Lions placed a claim on the 340-pound second-year tackle after their own John Atkins decided to opt-out of the 2020 NFL season.

The Detroit Lions placed a waiver claim on Mack, a fifth-round pick of the 2019 NFL Draft way of Texas A&M.  Mack is a monster of a man standing a stout 6-foot-1 but 340-pounds.  He appears to be the perfect Matt Patricia-type nose tackle.

Mack earned a spot on the Ravens 53-man roster last season but only made an appearance in one contest.  He’s been released just five days after his claim after reportedly failing his physical, leaving the Detroit Lions thin up front.

More from Detroit Lions

• Lions vs. Bears Week 14 Opening Odds Disrespect Detroit
• Signing This Former Pro-Bowl CB Would Be Huge Mistake for Lions
• Forecasting the Rest of This Lions Season (Score Predictions)
• Lions Get Exciting Injury Update on Rookie QB Hendon Hooker
• Betting Preview: Best Bets for Lions vs. Packers Thanksgiving Day Game

Detroit will enter the season with starting nose tackle Danny Shelton and a host of question marks following. John Atkins had expected to be the first next early-down tackle in if Shelton became sidelined with an injury or became winded.  I expect Da’Shawn Hand to play plenty of snaps inside this season, leaving Nick Williams as the third-down pass-rushing tackle.

It’s extremely thin for the Lions after Williams leaving just Kevin Strong Jr, Olive Sagapolu, and rookie John Penisini.  The Lions will undoubtedly look to add some depth in either free agency or as other teams start to make their roster cuts as the offseason grows old.

The Lions should consider a reunion with Mike Daniels, who battled injuries all of last season.  He’s been in the film room; he understands the Lions system after being in it for a season.  With the shortened training camp, terminated preseason, and questions surrounding the regular season, Detroit will significantly benefit from adding a familiar face.

Other options to keep tabs on in free agency will be Tim Jernigan. He played with the Eagles last season and is familiar with the Lions newly appointed defensive coordinator Cory Undlin.  Detroit may also be inclined to kick the tire on the likes of Xavier Williams or Ryan Glasgow.