Justin Durant Reportedly Tops Lions' List Of Linebacker Targets

by Sean Yuille on Jul 14, 2011 3:10 PM EDT in Detroit Lions News

When NFL free agency finally opens, the Detroit Lions are expected to make some calls to linebackers in an attempt to fill the holes that currently exist at the position. Right now only DeAndre Levy is locked in as a starter, and although guys like Bobby Carpenter and Ashlee Palmer could compete for starting jobs (once they are re-signed), the Lions could use a couple of new faces before the competition for the starting spots gets started.

One player that has commonly been mentioned as a possible target of the Lions is Tennessee's Stephen Tulloch, mainly because of the familiarity Jim Schwartz has with him. It's entirely possible Tulloch could end up in Detroit like many think, but Mike O'Hara reports that the Lions will actually make a run at Jacksonville's Justin Durant first.

A source familiar with the Lions’ plans said Durant rates ahead of Tulloch because of his athleticism and position flexibility. Durant can play outside and inside, which gives him the ability to be an every-down linebacker. Tulloch is strictly a middle linebacker.

Durant's versatility could be important because it would allow Levy to stay at middle linebacker. If Tulloch signed, Levy would likely be moved to one of the outside linebacker positions. That wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, but a guy like Durant would give the Lions the flexibility to move multiple linebackers around in case injuries happen or just to mix things up.

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Let's sign Durant, Nicholas, and Joseph, and call it a day

'The reality is - the police become necessary in human society, only at that junction in a society where it is split between those who have, and those who ain't got' - Omali Yeshitela

"In the absence of logic it is not uncommon that sanity can only be found by embracing lunacy." – Leonuro, circa 2011

by Nate D. on Jul 14, 2011 3:26 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Sounds good to me.

"Where in the World is Ndamukong Suh?
Probably pushing 800-pound gorillas out of their choice seats in movie theaters."
By: I voted for Kodos (Acme Packing Company)

P.C.P. supporter since March 2011 (Phonz Carpenter Pratt for all that don't know)

by Enforcer on Jul 14, 2011 3:32 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

And pick up

Herzlich, Belore, and Mims as UDFA’s.

So, what’s your bet on where Schwartz will be when FA opens up? Jonathan Joseph’s front steps? At Durant’s house? Stephan Nicholas’ bedroom window with a bottle of Detroits best and Eminem tickets?

Can’t wait until this damn lockout ends.

by Detroitfantc on Jul 14, 2011 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions

I think we should also sign an average WR to be #4

Replacement for Bryant Johnson with better hands.

by WestsideLionsFan on Jul 14, 2011 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions

I'd like to give the WR's we got a shot

Moore, Toone, Logan.
Hell, I’ll even give DWill another go, (but that’s your last chance Derrick)

I do agree tho, B Johnson should not be on our roster come September. In fact, we should try to trade him to a division rival. He’s kind of like just having another CB on the field. See? Those weren’t drops last year, they were passed defended!

by UndaDawg on Jul 14, 2011 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Bears need

a WR for Cutler to throw at. Plus, getting rid of BJ would free up some cash toward the cap and allow for a little more $ in FA on OLB’s and CB’s.

Personally, I’m not too worried about getting a WR in FA. I’d be more than happy going into the season with Megatron, Recepticon, and TDY as the wide outs. Sheff, Grew, Heller at the TE’s. And Best & Mikel in the backfield with Stafford as the Field General.
My concerns are at OLB & CB.

by Detroitfantc on Jul 14, 2011 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions

first impression best impression

see ya d williams

by smelllyfingers on Jul 14, 2011 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions

LMAO

See? Those weren’t drops last year, they were passed defended!

'The reality is - the police become necessary in human society, only at that junction in a society where it is split between those who have, and those who ain't got' - Omali Yeshitela

"In the absence of logic it is not uncommon that sanity can only be found by embracing lunacy." – Leonuro, circa 2011

by Nate D. on Jul 15, 2011 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions

TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON

by x$pcents IV on Jul 14, 2011 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions

I wouldn't mind seeing Sanzenbacher

the kid from Ohio State. He’s only 5’11" 182…so he’s not a big guy by any means…but I’d still like to see them give the kid a shot, even if he is from Ohio State.

LITTLE MAN IN BACKFIELD! LITTLE MAN IN BACKFIELD! GO STEFAN LOGAN!

by BBlades on Jul 14, 2011 9:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Lol

Did you let coach Gruden get to you too. “That Damn Sanzenbacher!”

by fiendishdr.wu on Jul 15, 2011 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh Gruden...

“I like to call guys like him Jokers, because they can fit anywhere!”

LITTLE MAN IN BACKFIELD! LITTLE MAN IN BACKFIELD! GO STEFAN LOGAN!

by BBlades on Jul 15, 2011 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions

You have no idea how conflicted I'll be over Joseph coming to the Lions.

It’s like, I can still root for him but hrrnnnnnnnnggggg

by Doc Scratch on Jul 14, 2011 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions

From what I've heard...

… Joseph is actually interested in returning to Cincy, so I wouldn’t worry about it too much, Doc. It’s also why I haven’t been joining in on the “We gotta sign Joseph!” talk that’s been rampant on POD.

I’m guessing you already knew this, but you also know that Mike Brown is a cheap bastard, so anything can happen… but it seems like he wants to stay.

by motown313 on Jul 14, 2011 9:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah and we will go the Chase and get a loan too

Damn thats gonna be expensive. I’d be for it though.

"I think the biggest thing for us and the city is that the mind-set is changed. We are not the same old Lions that have lost." - Ndamukong Suh

PCP 4 LIFE

by The Profiler on Jul 14, 2011 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Id be very happy

Solidify our linebackers and if we also can resign houston have decent starting corners as well

by CountChocula157 on Jul 14, 2011 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Injury questions

I’ve seen questions about Durant’s durability. Does anyone have details about his injuries?

by Hungry Lion on Jul 14, 2011 3:31 PM EDT reply actions

What the injuries were, I don’t know. But he missed 6 games last year, 3 in 2009 and 2 in ‘08. If the Lions think he can stay healthy, he’s got the edge over Tulloch because of his multi-dimensionality.

"To achieve victory, we must mass our forces at the hub of all power and movement, the enemies center of gravity." -Carl von Clausewitz

by BIGWalt2990 on Jul 14, 2011 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions

He's a lb

So that’s not terribly bad. Linebackers generally have one of the shortest lifespans of any position and get battered up. I trust guys like Palmer and Carpenter to fill in for two or three games a year.

House of Spears | My Detroit Lions/NFL Blog

by Latif Masud on Jul 14, 2011 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Early is the season he missed 3 games due to an ankle injury

and he missed 3 at the end due to a groin injury. Other than that Durant has been pretty much injury prone. Missing a game here and there in his first 3 season.

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the Lions D-Line: the Four Horsemen of the A-sack-alypse
Jim Schwart: Erasing the stink of Millen, one fist pump at a time.
P.C.P: It is not just for recreation anymore.

by JCruize on Jul 14, 2011 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions

that should read:

Other than that, Durant has not really had an injury problem.

by JCruize on Jul 14, 2011 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions

a trend?

Another guy with a groin injury? Don’t we have enough of those already?

by drgarnett on Jul 15, 2011 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Sweet

I think he’s really underrated because he plays in JAX. I’d probably prefer him over Nicholas or Tulloch. That way Deandre won’t have to move over and he can continue to develop as a leader of this D.

by fiendishdr.wu on Jul 14, 2011 3:38 PM EDT reply actions

I don't like him in coverage.

He gave up 34 receptions out of 45 times targeted (75.6%) for 362 yards, and yielded a whopping 255 YAC His QB rating against was a paltry 98.6.

Injuries, and poor coverage? No thank you.

by mikeyclaw on Jul 14, 2011 4:43 PM EDT reply actions

that could very well be a system issue

Or plays where the opposing team’s QB had all day to throw the ball, you can’t just look at stats and say he is horrible in coverage. For all you and me know he was in a zone coverage and they threw to the guy who was near him.

How many lumps you want Doc?

by davis0169 on Jul 14, 2011 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't care if he was playing the Nimzo-Indian defense. He's a bum.

Zero INTs, defended 2 passes in 45 targets? C’mon, man? He’s Julian Peterson light.

“Honey?! Where’s the Mayhew red phone?”

by mikeyclaw on Jul 14, 2011 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

He's a LB

I’m expecting him to intercept 10 passes a year

House of Spears | My Detroit Lions/NFL Blog

by Latif Masud on Jul 14, 2011 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Your NOT expecting him to pick off 10 right?

"Where in the World is Ndamukong Suh?
Probably pushing 800-pound gorillas out of their choice seats in movie theaters."
By: I voted for Kodos (Acme Packing Company)

P.C.P. supporter since March 2011 (Phonz Carpenter Pratt for all that don't know)

by Enforcer on Jul 14, 2011 5:30 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I certainly don't.

Look, we need an OLB who can play 600+ snaps. Durant isn’t the guy. 255 YAC on 34 receptions allowed?

A real superstar. In the UFL.

by mikeyclaw on Jul 14, 2011 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions

now thats funny

You’ve convinced me…next candidate?

"Common Sense, isn't" Solomon Short

by YpsilantiJeff on Jul 14, 2011 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm glad they agree!

Justin Durant has been the name that I’ve been bringing up over the past few months because I think he’s just what the Lions are looking for in a linebacker, so I’ll just quote one of my comments from a couple of months ago about Durant…

“a 2nd round pick out of Hampton in 2007, in addition to the 4.5 speed he’s a solid tackler who is strong in pursuit with good instincts, decent in coverage with potential to get better, and has improved at shedding blocks for a speedier linebacker. Pass-rushing nothing of note. Had a good season in 2009 but then missed 2 big chunks of time this past season due to injuries.”

So despite the frequent injuries, I think the Lions can definitely take a chance on him because they’ll have guys behind him on the depth chart with starting experience now like Palmer.

by Forward Down The Field on Jul 14, 2011 5:08 PM EDT reply actions

I like Durant

I think Nicholas would still be better. I think we can do much better than Tulloch though.

"I think the biggest thing for us and the city is that the mind-set is changed. We are not the same old Lions that have lost." - Ndamukong Suh

PCP 4 LIFE

by The Profiler on Jul 14, 2011 5:49 PM EDT reply actions

I dont know anything about Durant ...

but if Mayhew has him as his top target there must be something there that he likes. Stats dont lie and they scream " My name is Durant and i cant cover for shit."

I have to agree i like Nicholas alot better and the fact he openly stated he would love to play for Detroit has to put the guy at the top some where. If i had my choice it would be Rudd then Nicholas with Tulloch and Durant tied at the bottom.

Still would love to see Dhani signed to 1 or 2 year contract just to have that vet in the LB core because right now it doesnt exsist.

May not alway agree with what Mayhew does but the guy hasnt really made any bad choices and since the arival of Jim has made nothing but grand choices.

" Maybe for a writer...but i am sure most of you can tell i am not a writer". det32

by SmittyJ on Jul 14, 2011 7:36 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

He has the athletic ability to be a solid cover LB

but it does look like he’s gonna need some coaching in that department. I’m also with you on Dhani; he sets a great example for the young guys, and we can probably get him for the cheap. At this stage in his career though I can’t picture him playing OLB, which means we’d have to move Levy outside, but if nothing else I’d like for us to take a good look at him.

by motown313 on Jul 14, 2011 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Dhani...

the player and the mentor… there is know leadership in the middle and although we have great guys on D that vet is lacking largely in the middle.

If all Durant needs is to be coached up i wouldnt mind seeing him in the D. If they can coach up Bobby i am pretty damn sure they can teach a kid whose more athletic how to cover.

Man, is FA here yet?

" Maybe for a writer...but i am sure most of you can tell i am not a writer". det32

by SmittyJ on Jul 14, 2011 10:18 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Durant makes sense

this admin love versatility and athleticism. They tend to gamble on injuries and like players who come cheaper than they should be due to injuries and unfullfillled potential. With Schwartz and Gun being LB-focused coaches (at one point in time or another anyhow) – I won’t second guess them at this point…

I’m not huge on Durant, but I could see where he’d be a good player in D with our line and what we’d ask of him…

The Dis-Assembly Line - The unofficial, official name for the next best D-line in football.

by rames on Jul 15, 2011 1:06 AM EDT up reply actions

Durant vs. Tulloch

Durant has never played a full season.
Tulloch has never not played a full season.

I think we can do better than both…

by hobs on Jul 14, 2011 5:52 PM EDT reply actions

Except Tulloch played 16 games last season

And recorded 159 solo tackles and 209 overall and would be coming to a system that he already knows and is familiar with coaching staff compared to a guy who was injured more and terrible in pass coverage and not familiar with our coaching staff. I’d go with Tulloch and would be more than comfortable with Levy’s talent and wisdom in our system to switch to OLB.

by DetroitDub on Jul 14, 2011 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Completely Agree

Our system calls for coverage skills much more then rushing/penetration, so in this case, Tullochs is the easy choice. I’m not sure why everyone is so worried about moving Levy outside, he said he’d be fine with it and he could probably learn a lot from Tullochs and possibly take the position back in the future.

by Bwillie on Jul 15, 2011 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions

The Lions in Winter: Durant

linky

The dark horse of the OLB free agent class is Justin Durant, a 6’-1", 240-pound wrecking ball from the Jaguars—a wrecking ball with a couple of cracks. Just look at the radar chart above: Durant’s stonking +15.5 against the run is second-best in the NFL. His missed tackle rate, one per 8.1 made, is right in the middle of the pack. This suggests, like Bulluck, Durant is slicing through blocking to get to the correct lanes, over and over and over again, showing veteran savvy in just his fourth year. even if his finishing isn’t top-notch.

There are two big concerns about Durant: one is his inability to stay healthy; he’s missed at least two games in each of his first four seasons, plus six games last season. Second, he graded out as poorly against the pass as he did well against the run. His appalling –13.2 on coverage put him fourth-worst in the NFL, and his –1 in pass rush is below-average, too. He’s allowed a slightly-better-than-average 75.6% of his targets to be caught, and his passer rating allowed is dead on NFL average: 98.6, vs. 98.8 . . . but you don’t earn a –13.2 on only 491 snaps without being consistently poor in coverage. Durant has the physical tools to be an impact player, but so far it’s more potential than production.

by x$pcents IV on Jul 14, 2011 6:41 PM EDT reply actions

No coverage? no thanks. OLBs have to cover.

"To achieve victory, we must mass our forces at the hub of all power and movement, the enemies center of gravity." -Carl von Clausewitz

by BIGWalt2990 on Jul 14, 2011 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions

I will now put my soapbox away.

by mikeyclaw on Jul 14, 2011 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions

The thing is

As someone said above, PFF statistics give no indication whatsoever of the scheme or what was asked of the player.

I know it seems logical to think if someone grades out that poorly in a facet of their game, they are who we think they are, but still, I have a hard time beliving its all on him. Consider who he played around and against (AFC South, mind you)

'The reality is - the police become necessary in human society, only at that junction in a society where it is split between those who have, and those who ain't got' - Omali Yeshitela

"In the absence of logic it is not uncommon that sanity can only be found by embracing lunacy." – Leonuro, circa 2011

by Nate D. on Jul 15, 2011 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions

Think you might be overreacting a bit.

His coverage skills definitely need improvement, but as I said in a post above, he also definitely has the athletic ability to be a solid cover LB. Gun will get in that ass until the dude can show competence in coverage, which I’m guessing/hoping won’t take too long. His problems in coverage come down to mental errors, which can be fixed with coaching.

by motown313 on Jul 15, 2011 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Is there no chance of getting both?

Can we afford it? We could certainly use 2 quality LB’s. Add a decent DB or 2 and an OL and i’d be pretty stoked. Am i asking for too much though?

by kavehnj on Jul 14, 2011 6:41 PM EDT reply actions

sorry

but yes! Your bound to be dissapointed with those hopes…

The Dis-Assembly Line - The unofficial, official name for the next best D-line in football.

by rames on Jul 15, 2011 1:09 AM EDT up reply actions

in gunther i trust

durant is a beast, i figure he doesnt have to cover for long with our d-line so im good with that. dude can tackle i do know that and is fast if he can help the run defense i take my chances on him in coverage,

by Timberlandking on Jul 14, 2011 11:35 PM EDT reply actions

The thing is we as fans sitting on the outside

can not really make a proper judgement on any of these players. This FO and coaching have shown that they have the ability to coach up these players. They look for certain skill sets and put the players in the right game situations that allow these guys to be productive. Look at LoJack, if you were just going by what PFF had to say. Jason Hunter who the FO let go of. Was rated much higher than LoJack coming off of the ’09 season.

Yes, Durant has had some issues in coverage. But that could be coached up. One thing though, he is a solid against the run

by JCruize on Jul 14, 2011 11:54 PM EDT reply actions

He'd be alright

That coverage performance worries, but the run stopping ability is a big plus.

by Hyperion Ecta on Jul 15, 2011 7:20 AM EDT reply actions

Mass

regardless, he’ll add some nice speed and mass to the second tier defenders. Nothing against Levy, but he’s a little on the light side to be a consistent run stopper. Pass rushing and coverage, he’s excellent, and he’s great getting to the ball, but now with more running backs (and some recievers) topping in at 220+ body weight makes a big difference. Look at Ernie Sims. He kept getting injured because he tried to play like Brian Urlacher minus 30 lbs. Sims would do better to convert to SS and be another John Lynch.

by Mtrbach on Jul 15, 2011 9:17 AM EDT reply actions

Levy is 240lb How is that on the light side?

by JCruize on Jul 15, 2011 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions

To everyone knocking Durant's coverage abilities

Could one of you provide me Zack Follett’s coverage stats? Hahaha.

'The reality is - the police become necessary in human society, only at that junction in a society where it is split between those who have, and those who ain't got' - Omali Yeshitela

"In the absence of logic it is not uncommon that sanity can only be found by embracing lunacy." – Leonuro, circa 2011

by Nate D. on Jul 15, 2011 9:26 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs

Can we get Tulloch and Nicholas?

The LB core would be set with proven talent(Tulloch,Nicholas,Levy), good depth(Carpenter,Palmer,Johnson?) and developmental players(Houge,CC,Follett?). Has anyone else noticed that Mayhew and JS like to build a specific position on both sides of the ball each season. Is it possible that they will do that when FA starts? Sign LBs and Develop our young inexperienced DBs but make moves to upgrade that position in the form of trades or the waiver wire.

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by M10 LIONS FAN on Jul 15, 2011 12:07 PM EDT reply actions

there is nothing wrong with wanting durant

He is young but still has experience. If he was good/great at everything, he would cost an arm and a leg. No reason to break the bank on one guy… ( cough cough nmamdi)

by yamahawarrior89 on Jul 15, 2011 12:32 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

I'm guessing that's why the Coaches like the guy

he won’t be expensive, but has the tools to be a good NFL player, and is young. I’m sure we wouldn’t have him at the top of our list of targets if the Staff didn’t think they could correct whatever problems he has. If we can fix his coverage issues, this dude could be a steal for us.

by motown313 on Jul 15, 2011 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Durant

Jacksonville hasnt exactly had pro bowlers on their defensive line, so if opposing qbs have all day to scan the field, linebackers and corners will surrender completions. I think durant would do just fine playing behind the maulers on this line.

by big smoove on Jul 16, 2011 8:49 AM EDT via mobile reply actions