A 335-pound defensive tackle, Reader has always been more than just a run-stuffer but has consistently improved his ability to create pressure throughout his career. His last two years in Cincinnati were the best of his career from a pass-rushing standpoint, and he can singlehandedly destroy run plays with his power and quickness as he maneuvers into the backfield.
A former third-round pick, McNeill has improved each year of his professional career and was a star in 2023. He earned impressive PFF grades as both a run defender and a pass-rusher, resulting in an 86.8 overall mark that ranked him among the best players in the league.
If McNeill isn’t done improving, he could shoot up these rankings with an even better 2024.
Chris Jones was the top 3 Tech and Dexter Lawrence was the top NT.
Those rankings and comments sound about right for 2024. What fascinates me about the Lions in general is that there are obvious succession plans with credible upside potential, in this case BroMart and Mekhi Wingo. As a Lions fan since the Wars of the Roses, I feel oddly cared for and protected now, like Beaver must have with Ward and June. Don’t send me back to the orphanage.
Davenport missed most of 2023 due to an ankle injury but even before then was having the worst year of his career grades-wise. He’s in a new spot now, moving from Minnesota to Detroit in the offseason, and had four steady years in New Orleans before 2023. The hope is he can return to that form with the Lions.
Full List: PFF Edge Defender Rankings: Top 32 ahead of the 2024 NFL season
Holmes has put together a very good roster if they can stay healthy and continue to develop.
Let’s hope that translates into sacks this year because the pass defense was brutal and if they can start bringing down the QB on a more regular basis, this team could be unstoppable.
I don’t know why, but I keep forgetting about Reader. Every year i’m pounding the table for DT’s. There’s never enough DT’s. The bigger the better. Benito, and Buggs did a good job, and I credit AG for a lot of it because they’re back-ups at best. They’re not getting starting jobs, and will barely make it on another team. Which is why I was unhappy about Rakestraw being drafted even tho i love the player, but then I remind myself oh, they signed Reader. One of the best. I believed the biggest problem was the inside pass rush which Reader can do some, and he will give Alim more opportunities. Like, hey Alim, I got these guys, and no one is running passed me… go get that QB, and I really hope Wingo can help. especially if he can add weight.
I have been a big Davenport fan even prior to us signing him. He is a complete DE, who could provide very good run defense and 8-12 sacks if he remains healthy and plays 600+ snaps.
