Detroit Lions roster review: Defensive tackle

As part of our season wrap-up series, we are going to examine how each player on the roster performed in 2014. Next, let's take a look at the Detroit Lions' defensive tackles. (Note: Stats are from regular-season games only.)

Ndamukong Suh - 16 games (16 starts) | 53 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 3 PD

In what could end up being his final season with the Lions, Suh was once again one of the top defensive tackles in the entire NFL. He made a consistent impact as the centerpiece of the Lions' No. 1 run defense, and he put constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks in the pass game. Quite simply, he was the top player on one of the top defenses in the NFL.

Nick Fairley - 8 games (8 starts) | 14 tackles, 1.0 sack, 1 FF

In the first half of the season, Fairley looked like he finally reached his potential. Between being in a contract year and being benched in the preseason, Fairley's motivation was at an all-time high, and his weight was finally under control. This combination led to Fairley becoming a dominant player, but an injury in London ended his season early. Now, like Suh, he's headed for free agency.

C.J. Mosley - 15 games (8 starts) | 26 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 FF

Mosley is another soon-to-be free agent. With Fairley out for the second half of the season, Mosley stepped into the starting lineup and performed quite well. He didn't make nearly as much of an impact as Fairley, but he was still a good contributor on defense.

Andre Fluellen - 8 games (0 starts) | 10 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 1 FR

Fairley's injury led to the annual re-signing of Fluellen. He stepped in as the Lions' top backup once Mosley moved into a starting spot. Fluellen didn't necessarily do a ton in his eight games with the Lions, but he did manage to set a career high in sacks.

Caraun Reid - 12 games (0 starts) | 2 tackles, 1 PD

Reid's role was quite limited during his rookie season. He saw an extensive amount of playing time in the game in London with Fairley injured and Mosley serving a suspension, but his snaps were pretty sparse the rest of the season. Given that he's the only defensive tackle from the 53-man roster currently under contract for next season, chances are his role will grow quite a bit in 2015.

Previously: Quarterback, running back, fullback, wide receiver, tight end, offensive tackle, offensive guard, center, defensive end