The Lions feel the former third-round DL needs to be more reliable now.
The Detroit Lions are a team with a rich history, full of ups and downs, and their roster is consistently evolving to meet the demands of the modern NFL. One area of particular importance for the team in recent seasons has been their defensive line (DL). As of recent years, one player has stood at the forefront of their defensive line aspirations: a former third-round draft pick. While he showed flashes of potential early in his career, the Lions are now finding themselves in a position where they need more from him—not just in terms of raw talent, but in terms of reliability and consistency.
This player, whose journey in Detroit began with high expectations, has been both a source of hope and frustration. His ability to make big plays, particularly when it matters most, has been undeniable. However, the Lions’ coaching staff and front office have made it clear that they expect more from him as his career progresses. In the NFL, where the window of opportunity is often small, players who can provide consistent, reliable performances are more highly valued than those who can only shine occasionally.
The Lions’ focus on improving their defensive line is driven by several factors. First, the need to stop opposing offenses—especially in a division like the NFC North, where physicality and tough, gritty football are emphasized—is critical. A strong defensive line can disrupt the flow of the opposing offense, create pressures, and force turnovers. Second, a reliable DL can set the tone for the entire defense. When the defensive line plays well, it allows the linebackers and secondary players to focus more on coverage and less on having to make tackles near the line of scrimmage. In a league where offenses are becoming more sophisticated, the importance of a consistent, high-performing defensive line cannot be overstated.
The Importance of Consistency in the NFL
At any position in the NFL, the ability to be consistent is paramount. Coaches, players, and fans all understand that the best players aren’t necessarily the ones who show up every once in a while, but those who consistently bring their best to the table week in and week out. For a defensive lineman, this is especially true. The game’s demands are physically taxing, and the margin between success and failure can be razor-thin. A defensive lineman’s job is often to disrupt plays in the trenches, collapse the pocket, and stop the run. These responsibilities can often be overlooked in the stat sheet, but the impact they have on the game is immense.
When we talk about reliability for a defensive lineman, we’re referring to a few different aspects. First, it’s about health. A player can be incredibly talented, but if he spends more time on the sideline than on the field, his value diminishes significantly. Injuries have been a concern at times, but the Lions need this player to stay healthy and durable over the course of an entire season. Second, reliability means showing up when it matters most. While making plays in garbage time or in meaningless games is great, the Lions need this player to perform in the clutch moments: the big third-down stops, the critical sacks late in games, the hustle plays that change momentum.
Lastly, consistency is also about showing up on a game-to-game basis. It’s about playing at a high level every week, not just showing flashes of greatness against certain opponents or in isolated situations. The Lions know that if their defensive line is to be successful, it needs to be an ever-present force, disrupting the opponent’s offense every time they step on the field.
The Expectations for a Former Third-Round Pick
Being selected in the third round of the NFL draft means a lot. For most teams, it’s a sign of faith in a player’s potential. The third round is often a sweet spot in the draft, where teams find players who have the talent to be starters but may need some development to refine their skills. For the Detroit Lions, this former third-round defensive lineman was seen as a player with tremendous upside, someone who could make an immediate impact on the field.
In the early stages of his career, the signs were promising. He had the physical attributes teams covet in a defensive lineman: size, strength, quickness, and the ability to wreak havoc in the backfield. But while he showed moments of brilliance, he also showed the inconsistencies that would become a defining feature of his early career. At times, he looked like a potential star, disrupting offenses and flashing his potential. However, those flashes were often too infrequent to sustain a high level of performance over the course of a season.
Now, several years into his NFL career, the Lions’ front office, coaching staff, and fanbase are looking for more. They want a player who can be counted on every single week, one who will be a reliable force on the defensive line. The Lions’ defense has been in the process of rebuilding and evolving, and a key part of that process is having dependable players at every level of the defense, especially on the defensive line. The pressure is mounting for this player to elevate his game and become the cornerstone of their defensive front.
The Challenges Faced by the Defensive Line
The life of a defensive lineman in the NFL is not easy. They are tasked with engaging offensive linemen on nearly every play, taking on double teams, and fighting through blockers to get to the quarterback or stop a running back in his tracks. The physical toll of the position is immense, and consistency is hard to come by. However, this is what separates good players from great ones.
Defensive line play is also becoming more nuanced in the modern NFL. Defensive linemen are asked to do more than just rush the passer or clog up running lanes. They need to be versatile, able to read plays, and adjust their approach based on the situation. Defensive coordinators are continually evolving their schemes, and the players who can adapt and execute consistently are the ones who become the foundation of a team’s defense. The challenges a defensive lineman faces go beyond physical attributes; they also require mental sharpness and adaptability.
For this Lions player, this means a couple of things. First, it means improving his technique. While his raw talent may have gotten him by early in his career, it’s now time to refine his skills. Whether it’s hand placement, pass-rush moves, or reading blocking schemes, these finer points of the game will separate him from average players. Second, it means staying healthy. Durability has been an issue for many defensive linemen, and the physicality of the position takes its toll on the body. To be reliable, a player must find ways to stay in top physical condition and minimize injury. Finally, it means staying mentally sharp. It’s not just about being big and strong; it’s about recognizing offensive line tendencies, adjusting to schemes, and knowing when to take risks or play it safe.
Why the Lions Need More
The Lions’ defense, like many other NFL teams, has been in a rebuilding phase for some time now. They’ve made strides in other areas of their roster, but the defensive line has often been a weak spot. The pressure on their former third-round pick to perform consistently is immense because of the lack of depth and reliability at his position. Simply put, the Lions cannot afford to have a player with such potential not reach his ceiling. They need him to be the rock of their defensive line, providing consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, collapsing the pocket, and helping in run defense.
For the Lions to make a push toward being a legitimate contender, they need a defensive line that can consistently win battles in the trenches. That starts with a player like him—a player who can change the course of a game. But it also requires him to bring that level of intensity and performance every time he takes the field. The Lions have put in the effort to surround him with better players, coaching, and resources, but the time has come for him to show that he can step up and be that reliable force.
For the Detroit Lions, the future of their defensive line rests on the shoulders of this once-promising third-round pick. His early career was filled with promise, but it’s now time for him to step up and deliver on that potential. The Lions need a reliable defensive lineman—someone who will show up every week, stay healthy, and provide consistent performances. In the NFL, where every game is crucial and the margin for error is small, consistency and reliability are key. The Lions’ aspirations to build a top-tier defense hinge on the development of their defensive line, and the player in question must rise to the occasion. He has the tools; now it’s up to him to prove that he can consistently be a dominant force on the field.
