Where The Lions Roster Stands: Defensive End

by Sean Yuille on Jul 7, 2011 6:13 PM EDT in Detroit Lions Roster

Previously: Quarterback, Running Back, Fullback, Wide Receiver, Tight End, Offensive Tackle, Offensive Guard, Center

Returning from last season: Kyle Vanden Bosch, Lawrence Jackson, Willie Young, Barry Turner

Currently a free agent: Cliff Avril (he will likely be a restricted free agent since he's been in the league only three years), Turk McBride (he will likely be an unrestricted free agent), Jared DeVries

New to the team: None

Defensive end is one of the deepest positions on the Detroit Lions' roster thanks in part to some moves made last offseason. First the Lions signed free agent Kyle Vanden Bosch, who has become one of the top leaders on the team. Later on in the offseason the Lions acquired Lawrence Jackson, who came on late last season as a very good player for the Lions.

Two other players that contribute to this position's great depth are Cliff Avril and Turk McBride. Avril was tendered at a first- and third-round level earlier this offseason, and even in the new CBA he should be a restricted free agent. Avril wants to sign a long-term deal with the Lions, and based how he's played so far in his career, I'd be willing to bet Detroit will give him one. As for McBride, he will likely be an unrestricted free agent. He was tendered at a second-round level before the lockout began just in case he ends up being restricted, so the Lions have made it clear they want him back as well.

Three other defensive ends are currently listed on the Lions' roster. One is Willie Young, who was drafted last year. Another is Barry Turner, who was claimed off waivers from the Bears last December. The other DE on the roster is Jared DeVries, who has technically not become a free agent yet. He will be once the league year opens, and the Lions have already told him he's not in their future plans.

Need going forward?

Assuming the Lions re-sign both Avril and McBride, there will be no need to add any defensive ends before next season. Detroit would have a rotation that includes Avril, McBride, Vanden Bosch and Jackson, which is quite the collection of talent. Young is expected to be in the mix as well after spending last season on the 53-man roster, so outside of adding a body for camp, this position is pretty much set.

Tweet Comment 25 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Too bad the CB group doesn't have the same kind of depth

If they did, then the Lions would be really frightening. Signing Houston + NA or JJ would do that. Zero chance that happens, but a guy can dream, right?

by sJe on Jul 7, 2011 9:23 PM EDT reply actions

I wouldn't say Zero chance sJe

these guys are going to want to play for a team that has a bad as front line and we have that. Possibly the best D-line in all of football if you look at the entire group from starters to reserves. What corner wants to cover guys for extended periods of time? Exactly; none. The Lions are going to be able to get who they want at the CB position especially when we are going to have around 15 million or more to play with when FA actually starts.

How many lumps you want Doc?

by davis0169 on Jul 7, 2011 9:37 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't doubt players' interest in the Lions

Detroit won’t deter any free agents this year, as it has done in the past, and in fact, as you say, the strong DL here might even give some DBs some real interest in Detroit.

I’m coming from a salary cap perspective. That’s a helluva lot of money signing Asomugha, or even Jonathan Joseph, along with Chris Houston. I think a more likely option is getting a guy like Cromartie, along with resigning Houston. Antonio Cromartie fits exactly what the Lions seem to be looking for in a CB right now. Remember we nearly worked a trade for him a couple years ago, before the Jets snagged him. We have a bunch of slot-CB types, and they seem to be looking for a guy with size, a guy who can press and be physical on the outside. Cromartie would fit that bill. And most importantly, he’s come much cheaper than Nnamdi or Joseph, and might actually be a bit of a value right now.

by sJe on Jul 7, 2011 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm starting to think more and more that they will pursue

Chris Carr and Cromartie seeing there was interest in both player before and they both will demand good money, but not Nnamdi or even JJ kind of moeny…

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

by rames on Jul 7, 2011 10:58 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't think adding one player at CB gives us depth there

It just makes us not quite a terrible. In my opinion, depth at CB is when you have 3 or 4 guys who could start for other teams at that position. We are a long way away from having that at CB.

by WestsideLionsFan on Jul 7, 2011 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Houston would probably be a borderline starter on most teams

but Phonz is a nickle corner all the way, and the rest of our corners would be 4th and 5th corners if they didn’t get cut outright by other teams.

by WestsideLionsFan on Jul 7, 2011 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions

disagree

I’m with you on use not having many #2 CB guys and no one who’s truly a #1. But Houston would start at #2 for almost every team. Moreover, I actually think our nickel and dime corners are pretty good. They’re all very young with good upside (most notably Phonz and Berry). I don’t think many teams have much better #4s and #5s IMO

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

by rames on Jul 7, 2011 11:19 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't know man.

after three years in Atlanta the dude was labeled a bust, a guy that would never be a productive NFL player, a guy who was fourth on a depth chart that, at the time, didn’t have any big-name CB’s on it. It’s also the reason why we got him for the ridiculously low cost of a sixth round pick. Yes, he played decent last year, but he was also in his contract year, and we know how some players tend to bust their ass during said contract year in order to haul in a big payday (See: Haynesworth, Albert).

I’m hoping (praying?) that it has to do more with coaching then with trying to secure a fat-ass contract, but I can’t help but feel like we’re in a situation where we’re handing a guy a big contract while simultaneously praying that he doesn’t fuck us over.

The good news? This is the NFL, so if he does try to fuck us over, we can cut his ass after the season. Doesn’t do us much good right now, though.

by motown313 on Jul 8, 2011 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions

It's close

Aaron Berry + Alphonso Smith = Turk McBride + Lawrence Jackson

…as the third and fourth players on the depth chart at their positions. I’d give the edge to the two defensive ends, but it’s closer than people might think.

Berry and Smith are nickel guys, and that’s mostly where I’m coming from. They’re both very well suited for playing inside the numbers, and from that perspective, they aren’t bad players.

P.S. Jack Williams has some potential in the middle as well. If he proves he’s healthy, and hasn’t lost a step, he’ll be right up there with Smith and Berry. We have a little bit of depth in the secondary that I don’t think many people see.

Schwartz and Mayhew said as much at the end of the season. Mayhew (or Schwartz, I forget) mentioned last year they had DL depth (although not much depth elsewhere) but needed DL starters. They happened to snag KVB, Williams, and Suh in the offseason. Mayhew mentioned, when asked about back-seven improvements this offseason, that they’re in much of a similar place this year, as they were in last year with the defensive line. They have a little depth now, but need starters.

Antonio Cromartie is my bet. The Lions seem to like reclamation projects/guys that havent played up to their full potential, back there, and he’s a guy with all the tools, the size they’re looking for, and will come cheaper than other options.

by sJe on Jul 7, 2011 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't think we've seen enough play from Jack Williams or Aaron Berry to compare them to solid guys on the D-Line

They’ve both been mostly injured and there’s no guarantee how they’re going to play or if they’re even going to make the team.

by WestsideLionsFan on Jul 7, 2011 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions

don't forget

we’ll also have a healthy prince miller too, still don’t know how good or bad he is yet, but we’ll see this preseason

I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.

by yooperlionfan on Jul 7, 2011 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions

young

im so ready to see him play

by pwilhelm1 on Jul 7, 2011 10:04 PM EDT reply actions

He's going to need an even better preseason this year

And a much better training camp (he didn’t have a very good camp last year, and his preseason ended up saving his butt). I think that last DL roster spot may come down to him and Andre Fluellen, and possibly Robert Callaway (Big Saginaw) as well. Or who knows, maybe they won’t keep either. God knows we have enough strength of front with the 4 DEs and 4 DTs already.

by sJe on Jul 7, 2011 10:21 PM EDT up reply actions

he will need a good offseason (even if it's 2 weeks long!)

but Mayhew seemed real high on him. I really see him as stepping in Avril’s shoes and him being around for the next few years…he’s got that edge speed that no one else on our team has (except for Avril obviously) – something Schwartz highly covets with how we play our ends…

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

by rames on Jul 7, 2011 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm not sold on that

If KVB’s age starts showing (which has to happen sometime in the next couple years right?) we’ve got Avril, Jackson and Mc Bride. Two of which have had injuries in the past and might very well have injury problems in the future- we’ll have to wait and see. Young makes a good developmental project who will get his time when KVB retires or sub in when injuries hit.
Problem is, from my persepective, his preseason performance hyped him with our fan base. That’s forcing us into a make-or-break mindset in regards to him looking towards this year. I think Mayhew’s plans are more long-term. Just my opinion.

by NK14 on Jul 8, 2011 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions

I've got to see more out of him

honestly, if it’s between him and Flu, I’m going with Flu, because he got on the field and was productive, while Young did a whole lotta nothing during the season. A great preseason might change my mind though.

by motown313 on Jul 8, 2011 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Jared DeVries....

He is a classic blue chip kind of guy. Were it not for his injuries I think he could have had a really good career with the Lions. No matter what he does, he’ll always be a Lion to me. Best of luck Jared!

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

by BBlades on Jul 7, 2011 11:13 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Word

dude embodies the blue collar spirit that Motown is well known for. Wish him the best in the future.

by motown313 on Jul 8, 2011 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Cromartie to the Lions - forget it - ain't happening

When Mayhew inherited the Lions GM position, one of the initial quotes was that he was going to tweak the Millen system rather than replace it.

And if you look at the guys the Lions have obtained since Mayhew took over, it seems like every last one of them is a member of the choir. If there are any “character” issues the Lions have successfully kept those issues internal, but I believe one of the things Mayhew tweaked was character background check and the Lions roster is basically squeaky clean, outside of Raiola flipping the bird to the fans and allegedly involved in a barroom incident in Northville this past offseason.

Doesn’t Cromartie have something like 9 kids with 7 wives in 8 states, or something like that. And I seem to remember Cromartie getting a lot of press attention late last season, yapping this or that?

So, in my opinion, Cromartie, while talented, he does not match what the Lions under Mayhew are looking for as far as the character issue, as didn’t Pacman Jones.

by 5Bakerstreet on Jul 8, 2011 6:21 AM EDT reply actions

All I gotta say is...

Who the fuck is Barry Turner?

'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 8, 2011 2:08 PM EDT reply actions

played next to suh at nebraska

by yamahawarrior89 on Jul 8, 2011 2:35 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I think that the defensive end position is good

However… even though we do have good players at DE. I have yet to see a edge rusher to really give the defensive line the pressure needed to be consistant. I mean all of them have shown flashes. But honestly the way you put pressure on the quarterback will be from the edges…. and we don’t have a elite edge rusher. Now i am a big Lion fan but guys be realistic as to what we have. Good players but no elite edge pressence… KVB has seen his best days… Avril is developing and 9 sacks is good but can he step it up into the 10 to 12 plus sack range?… LoJack has the most potiental and 6 sacks as a back up that only played after game 6 isn’t bad but can he step it up?… Turk did well in spot duty but he hasn’t show elite edge rush skills… willie young was the best end during the preseason but could not get on the active roster….

So to me one of 2 things need to happen. Best case would be Avril and Lojack develop and provide more consistant edge rush…or KVB stays healthy and finds the fountain of youth….. or Turk improves alot. OOOR i could see a situation where the Lions still consider making moves get better pass rush off the edge.

With all of that being said i think that with Nick fairly and Suh you have a very unique DT tandom that could give the end rushers constant one on one match ups… or put it this way. If Fairly plays well it is game over because there really isn’t anything you can do about 2 dominating DT’s in a 4-3 but TRY to double one of them….and if the end guys are a threat then there is nothing you can do about it at all.. unless you commit to major pass protection sceme changes to play the Lions…. come to think of it i really don’t know if i remember 2 really good DT on the same team like this…. it could be a very unique situation that makes the DE in this systems unstoppable… because from a stats stand point the DEs really are the ones that will clean up on all of the pressure created by the Push in the middle.

by Shankdiddy on Jul 8, 2011 6:23 PM EDT reply actions

you might ad nick fairly toplayers who might play some de this year yes he will play alot at dt this year but ican sea the lions use ing him licke the player the lions try to get from new orlaens few years ago . can anyone thing of his name and help me out .he was great player and had lot sacks the year new orlaens won the supper bowel the lions will play all 3dt on some dowens belivve me i would not want to be a offensivelinemen wiith a the deffensive linmen we will be moveing around during the game.

by kwfords on Jul 8, 2011 7:35 PM EDT reply actions

You're thinking of Anthony Hargrove

He didn’t do anything last year though. Didn’t start a single game and only recorded 1 sack all year.

by WestsideLionsFan on Jul 8, 2011 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions

my main point is .. i do see the talent on the Dline... BUT!!!!!

If you don’t have a elite edge rusher you can NEVER claim to be one of the best….sowwie. That is just the state of todays NFL. Yes we have unique talent up the middle… but the edge rushers have to show more. Or this Dline will not have the impact that people are hoping for.. and that is truth. You need your edge rushers to get sacks..sack cause fumbles.. pressures.. or you just can’t be elite.. PERIOD.

by Shankdiddy on Jul 9, 2011 7:21 AM EDT up reply actions