I can’t sleep, the CGJ news has me to pumped. I’m curious what everyone’s expectations of this defense is. I legitimately think they can be a top 10 unit. Let’s assess all of the players on this defensive roster right now that should be on the week 1 roster.
Edge
Aidan Hutchinson - Bordering on elite starter
Romeo Okwara - Could be solid starter.
John Cominsky - Capable starter, high end depth
Charles Harris - Very capable role player.
Josh Pascal - Wildcard. High end starter potential.
James Houston - Flashed all pro talent, could be major difference maker.
DT
Alim McNeil - Solid starter with elite potential. Not a 70%+ snap guy
Isaiah Buggs - Very good role player.
Levi Onwuzurike - Complete unknown, can’t be counted on.
LB’er
Alex Anzalone - Capable starter, great leader and communicator.
Malcolm Rodriguez - Very good role player with a lot of room to grow into a pretty good starter.
Derrick Barnes - Talented depth with excellent physical traits.
CB
Cameron Sutton - Very good starter.
Jeff Okudah - Flashed high end starter potential, but major unknown. Could make a huge impact if he takes a big step forward.
Emmanuel Moseley - Capable starter with room for growth.
Jerry Jacobs - Very scrappy high energy player. Would be comfortable if he started games.
Will Harris - Versatile and experienced depth.
Safety
Kerby Joseph - Ballhawk who flashed elite starter qualities. Year 2 jump?
Tracy Walker - Capable starter with top notch leadership and communication skills
Chauncey Gardner Johnson - Bordering on elite play-making NB. Movable chess piece.
Our depth at edge has got to be the best I’ve ever seen on a Lions squad. Cominsky/Pascal may have to bulk up and play inside more this year. I would love Will Anderson to fall and would take him in a heartbeat, but where the hell do we put him.
Our DT group is in bad shape. As I mentioned above, I think Cominsky and Pascal will play inside on passing downs a lot which will mitigate that issue some. Adding a difference maker here would make this one of the best DLines in the league.
The LBer group is thoroughly average and we need another capable body. I think this has to be a priority on day 2. A talented secondary and DLine could elevate this group.
We may be lacking a true star at CB if Okudah doesn’t take a big step forward, but I would be comfortable with any of the 4 starting. I would love to add one more in the draft at some point.
Our Safety group could be among the best in the league and I don’t think that is an exaggeration. That is huge for Glenn’s defense.