2017 Detroit Lions roster review: Injury prevented Zac Kerin from displaying his value as depth

We continue our series of reviewing every player from the 2017 season with yet another restricted free agent: offensive guard Zac Kerin.

Zac Kerin

Expectations before 2017

Kerin was added to the roster just days after the Detroit Lions cut down their roster to 53 men. Kerin was awarded to the Lions via waivers, along with offensive tackle Brian Mihalik.

Detroit was in massive need of offensive line depth. Taylor Decker would be out for a couple more months, as would Corey Robinson. That left the Lions pretty low on offensive tackle help, and with Joe Dahl as the only reserve guard, Kerin had a realistic shot at getting some playing time should the Lions’ starters incur injury.

In his two previous years with the Vikings, Kerin did not start a single game, but made 13 separate game appearances as a backup.

Actual role in 2017

2017 stats: 1 game (1 start)

PFF Grade: 39.9 (Not enough to qualify for ranking)

Kerin didn’t have to wait long before getting a chance to play. Just three weeks after joining Detroit, Kerin earned a starting role against the Atlanta Falcons while Travis Swanson and Joe Dahl sat with injuries.

It... did not go well. According to Pro Football Focus, Kerin allowed four pressures in the game and came out with a horrible 35.5 run blocking grade. To make matters worse, Kerin was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury just six days after the game.

Outlook for 2017

Contract status: Restricted free agent

It’s highly unlikely the Lions throw Kerin a tender offer this offseason. The 26-year-old guard didn’t have much of any opportunities in 2017, but in his one shot, he was a big liability.

That doesn’t mean the Lions will part ways completely. The fact that they put in a waiver claim for Kerin proves that general manager Bob Quinn sees something in the former Toledo Rocket. However, if the Lions do choose to bring him back, it won’t be for much more than the league minimum.

Previously: RB Zach Zenner, LB Brandon Copeland