The Detroit Lions open training camp on August 3 and with it, the 2015 season will commence. In a change from most seasons, the Lions are coming off a playoff berth and one of the best seasons in franchise history.
Can the Lions repeat that? Each day from now until training camp, we will look at one position group to prepare for the 2015 season.
Position: Linebacker
Starters: DeAndre Levy (WILL), Stephen Tulloch (MIKE), Tahir Whitehead (SAM)
Backups: Kyle Van Noy, Travis Lewis, Josh Bynes, Julian Stanford, Brandon Copeland, Kevin Snyder, Jerrell Harris
Position status: Extremely stable.
Position thoughts: There is competition everywhere among Detroit's linebackers -- and this is a massive benefit for the Lions. Unlike some other positions we've covered on the Lions roster, where there are multiple question marks that are causing the competition, there aren't a ton of questions with the linebackers. Yes, there's a competition at the SAM spot between Tahir Whitehead and Kyle Van Noy, but both will be on the roster and both are expected to be major contributors.
It also helps Detroit that its marquee players at the position also have something to prove still. DeAndre Levy is in a contract year (for now) and is in the prime of his career after being tied for second in the NFL in interceptions in 2013 and finishing second in the league in solo tackles last season. At age 28, he's entering the prime of his career. Meanwhile, the 30-year-old Tulloch is coming off the first major injury of his career (a torn ACL) and has been rehabbing intensely to try and show he can come back just as strong as he was when he left.
The search beyond the top four includes candidates who have skill and special teams capabilities. Travis Lewis and Josh Bynes have been core special teams players for the Lions. Brandon Copeland was brought in to push both of those guys and Kevin Snyder is an intriguing rookie free agent who could make a push.
That's a lot of talent to sort out, but as Detroit showed last season after the injury to Tulloch, this is a deep, talented group that hasn't lost much from 2014.
What the Lions need to see in camp: It starts with health, as do so many of these positions. Levy and Tulloch sat out team periods during spring workouts as they were rehabilitating from injuries. Both are expected to be on the field and ready to go next week when training camp starts, but the strength of Detroit's defense in 2015 starts here -- and if either one of those guys gets hurt it will leave defensive coordinator Teryl Austin having to scheme even better than he did a season ago.
Otherwise, there are a bunch of players who are vying for backup roles with special teams expectations. Pay specific attention to what linebackers are working with the first unit in punt and kick return and coverage units. That could tell you who the Nos. 5 and 6 linebackers will be.
Who ends up on the roster: Levy, Tulloch, Whitehead, Van Noy, Bynes, Lewis.
