Last week we had fun playing start, bench and cut with the Detroit Lions brand new secondary. So much fun that we’re back to do it again with another group. The defensive line. The Lions made some overhauls during the offseason now it’s time to talk about who’s going to start. Let’s jump right into it.
Start
The Lions initial starting defensive line will likely look something like this:
- Aidan Hutchinson
- DJ Reader
- Alim McNeill
- Marcus Davenport
We know why most of this group is where it’s at. Hutchinson is Hutchinson, McNeill was one of the best interior linemen in the league last year and DJ Reader is one of the NFL’s best nose tackles.
As for Davenport, he’s had issues staying healthy and that’s put a mark on his play to the point where people think he’s bad. He’s actually been quite good when he’s on the field. That’s going to be the big thing for him this year. Can he stay healthy? If he can, he’s a solid starting caliber player for the Lions.
Bench
James Houston had a big breakout rookie year, but there’s been a lot of questions about him ever since. Questions like what he can he do outside of rushing the passer? His struggle to offer up anything outside of that has kept him from being a guy that stays on the field all the time. His injury in 2023 really hurt his ability to continue his development. 2024 is going to be a telling year for him.
John Cominsky’s job doesn’t feel super safe at the moment. He’s got some guys coming after him in Josh Paschal and Mathieu Betts. Right now I have all three making it, but the team can only carry so many lineman into the season. Could he be the odd man out?
In the middle, Brodric Martin has changed his body a ton this offseason and he’s physically ready to take on a bigger role. We’ll see if he can once pads come on. Mehki Wingo was a big steal for the Lions, but he is bit undersized at defensive tackle. One has to wonder if he would ever be moved to the end.
Cut
Sometimes you have to make some hard decisions. One of those is to cut a former second-round pick. Levi Onwuzurkie is a great guy and someone you at least want to keep around on the practice squad. But he’s struggled during his time with the Lions. He’s had trouble with a back injury that’s kept him out and stunted his development.
He managed to stay healthy all year last year, but then he was taken out of the rotation and was a healthy scratch a few times. It just didn’t work out. Unless he has a really strong camp this year, he’s likely on the outside looking in.
Kyle Peko is a name to watch for a player that could maybe sneak his way onto the roster. The big thing that he has in experience. He’s not the best player in the world, but he can bring a Benito Jones type play to the Lions line as a depth guy. Nothing wrong with stopping the run. Ultimately I have him cut here though.
Isaac Ukwu, Nate Lynn and Chris Smith are others that should be cut. Lynn is someone to watch for the practice squad. The Lions showed a lot of interest in him. He was one of their top-30 visits and they attended his pro day. There’s something there that they like.