Lions Linebackers situation ( 2021 season )

[D6]

Detroit Lions are optimistic about turning around linebacker situation, not done yet

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This new thread is a continuation of the following thread:

Lions Linebackers situation ( 2020 season )

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/749/lions-linebackers-situation-2020-season


This new thread relates to the following thread

NFL Free Agency Preview: Linebackers ( 2021 )

NFL Draft Preview: Linebackers ( 2021 )

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/988/nfl-draft-preview-linebackers-2021

NFL Free Agency Preview: Linebackers ( 2021

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/929/free-agency-preview-linebackers-2021

The Lions need at least 2 more additions to the LB corp. With a LB draft selection in the first 3 rounds close to being imperative.

It's more likely than not that two years from now, not one current Lions LB will still be with the Lions. It could even be the case a year from now.

Jamie Collins and Jahlani Tavai are the only Lions LBs under contract for the 2022 season. Collins turns 32 in October. It wouldn't be surprising if Collins is a salary cap casualty in 2022. Tavai is not even close to a lock to be with the Lions when training camp begins this summer.

[frenchylions]

The Lions need way more speed than Collins and Tavai can provide.

[D6]

That much more compared to what Jahlani Tavai displayed in the field.

Unless with the possibility that Tavai playing at a much lower weight than 250 lbs. makes a noticeable positive difference in his play, I think he's probably going be traded ( Patriots seem like the most likely destination for Tavai ) for next to nothing, or released by the Lions, by the time the Lions are down to 53 players in early September.

[D6]

Lions camp battle preview: Sorting out the crowd at LB

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While the Lions have plenty of quantity when it comes to off the ball LBs in the mix for roster spots, the quality level is questionable at best. This position subunit looks like the 2nd greatest concern on the Lions Defense at this point of time. With Safety being the # 1 concern.

[D6]

Derrick Barnes injury allowing other Lions LBs to shine in his absence

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Interestingly, Jahlani Tavai wasn't mentioned in the article.

Shaun Dion Hamilton is more experienced than Anthony Portman and Tavante Beckett, and at least for now appears to be the most likely of the 3 to be on the Lions 53 man roster when the regular season begins.

It's way to early to tell whether the Lions ILB/ off the ball LB situation is better than I anticipated. At least though, despite Derrick Barnes' hamstring injury, there are encouraging reports about the unit.

Special Teams are critical for backup LBs battling for roster spots.

[D6]

Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn: 'I'm excited about the guys we have' at off-ball LB

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One thing in particular I'm encouraged about, at least at present, is the competition the Lions have at the Inside/ Off the Ball LB positions. Hopefully, this shows up in the pre-season games.

[D6]

Detroit Lions expect to rotate Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Derrick Barnes at linebacker mor

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This thread relates to the following threads:

Packers 35, Lions 17 : Game # 2 ( 2021 )

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/1189/packers-35-lions-game-2021

Round 4b: LB Derrick Barnes ( Purdue ) : Pick # 113 ( 2021 )

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/1035/round-derrick-barnes-purdue-pick

Jamie Collins quotes/ info: 2021 season

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/1079/jamie-collins-quotes-info-season

When considering the Lions options for a 4th ILB / Off the Ball LB for the game against the Ravens, I inadvertently overlooked Anthony Pittman. With Pittman already on the Lions 53 man roster, it makes it less likely that Tavante Beckett will be a Practice Squad Call up for the game.

JRM is arguably the Lions best Special Teams Coverage player. Dan Campbell's concern about over using JRM at LB, certainly has merit. Finding the right mix ( or close it to ) for rookie Derrick Barnes and JRM at LB, is important. Though also Barnes contributes heavily on Special Teams, the greater concern from my point of view is Barnes not to have too much on his plate ( from a mental standpoint. )at LB.