I'm optimistic that this year's D could be much better than last year's, and here's why:

1. The sophomore slump for Suh is over - I think he will re-establish himself as an All-Pro DT

2. Cliff Avril will continue his progression and become a super star DE

3. The depth the Lions have created thru this year's draft will prove to be a winning combination at CB - look for Berry to be very good, Lacey to be better than Wright, and Bentley to be a big contributor. Green and Greenwood will also make their presence known and show they have great long term potential

4. Delmas and Spievey with Coleman and a yet to be identified player will really shore up the secondary this year

5. Durant, Tullock, and Levy will show that playing a year together makes them even better than last, and Hogue, Lewis, Lewis, and Whitehead prove valuable additions to this squad

6. Willie Young, Nick Fairley, Everette Brown, Lawrence Jackson, and Sammie Hill progress well and show they can be real difference makers at times

7. Kyle Vanden Bosch and Corey Williams are steady and strong as time tested and proven veterans

8. I also think Chris Houston, playing in a contract year, will have a super year