Are these 3 Lions defensive lineman on the roster bubble?

SideLion Report

The Detroit Lions installed a new regime this offseason. And with a new front office and coaching staff in place, massive changes on the roster have to be expected.

This offseason, the Lions began their rebuild investing in the trenches. Especially along their defensive line. Detroit traded for veteran defensive tackle Michael Brockers. And they used both their second and a third-round selection in the 2021 draft on defensive lineman as well.

With so many new faces added to the defensive line, that means some familiar faces are likely on their way out of the Motor City this summer. Here are three veteran defenders who are likely on the roster bubble this summer because of these changes and additions.

Da’Shawn Hand, DL

When the Lions traded back into the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft to nab Alabama defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand, they appeared to snag one of the biggest steals of the night. During his rookie season, Hand started eight games and recorded 27 total tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, and 3.0 sacks.

Unfortunately, injuries have derailed what appeared to be a promising young career for Hand. The 25-year old has played just 13 games over the past two seasons, starting in only three contests since 2019.

Under yet another defensive coordinator in Aaron Glenn and considering the offseason additions made to the defensive line, Hand could very well be on the roster bubble this summer.

Austin Bryant, DL

A fourth-round selection by the Lions out of Clemson in 2019, defensive end Austin Bryant was expected to be a contributor as a rookie, even if it was as a developmental project. But a pectoral injury limited him to just four games in his first year in Motown.

In his second season, Bryant only played in six games and posted his first NFL start. He recorded 17 total tackles and one tackle for loss. Over his first two seasons in Detroit, he has yet to record a sack. Entering year three, Bryant faces more competition than ever and any sponsor he once had is likely long gone.

Nick Williams, DT

Coming off a career year with the Chicago Bears in 2019 where he recorded 6.0 sacks in five starts, veteran defensive tackle Nick Williams signed a two-year, $10 million deal to join the Lions as a free agent last year.

Starting a career-high 13 games in his first year in Detroit, Williams’ debut was disappointing recording just 23 tackles, three QB hits, and a sack playing nearly 50% of the defensive snaps. In order to remain with the Lions this offseason, the 31-year old defensive tackle agreed to take a pay cut dropping his base salary to $1.25 million in 2021.

Like Da’Shawn Hand and Austin Bryant, Nick Williams faces an abundance of new competition this summer along the defensive line. Combined with a new front office and coaching staff, all three seemingly face an uphill battle to make the final roster in Detroit following training camp.

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