The Lions improved this offseason. How much they improved will depend largely on a shaky--looking defense, especially in the back seven.
And how well that back seven plays will largely depend on the development of second-year linebacker DeAndre Levy.
Levy started eight of his ten games last season on the outside, but he’s switching to middle linebacker. The team’s coaching staff is smitten. “I’ve never seen a young linebacker like him,” defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham told MLive.com. “I can’t compare him to anybody. He’s really coming out of his shell.’'
The Lions like Levy’s ability against the pass, and believe he’ll improve his play against the run.
While the No. 2 overall pick of this year’s draft will get plenty of attention on Detroit’s revamped defensive line, Levy could ultimately be the most important player on the defense.