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When the Detroit Lions signed Jason Jones earlier this week, there was some confusion over what position they had in mind for him. He has played both defensive end and defensive tackle in his career, and there were conflicting reports over what would be his main position with the Lions.
Lions head coach Jim Schwartz put the questions about Jones' position to rest by confirming that they see him primarily as a defensive end. Schwartz didn't rule out the possibility of Jones sliding inside to play defensive tackle in certain situations, but his main position will be defensive end. From MLive:
"He can play end, he can play tackle, he's stood up, he's done a lot of things," Schwartz said. "He's probably going to hold most of his time at defensive end, but he can rush inside, he can play inside. He obviously has great length. He affects the game, he affects the passer. Combined with the other guys we have, notably (Ndamukong) Suh and (Nick) Fairley inside, we think it's a good match."
For what it's worth, Pro Football Focus is not on board with the idea of Jones primarily playing defensive end.
Seriously Jason Jones at DE? Can't understand logic there. Best play come lined up at DT, struggled at DE for TEN in 2011.
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) March 13, 2013
When it comes to their starters, the Lions are set at defensive tackle with Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley. Their depth isn't great behind them, though, so it would make sense for Jones to spend at least some time at defensive tackle.
At defensive end, there isn't really any depth. Ronnell Lewis, Willie Young and Jones are the only defensive ends in the mix right now, so it's not tough to understand why the Lions are planning to have Jones spend most of his time at that position. I suppose their plans could change if they go out and sign a defensive end and draft a couple in April, but for now, Jones is projected to be a defensive end first and a situational defensive tackle second.
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