10. Ndamukong Suh
Yes, he was chosen with the second overall pick, but the defensive line is really strong around him, so he isn't going to be relied upon to do it all on the D-Line. Still, he has to produce something, particularly against the run. (US Presswire)
- 10. Ndamukong Suh Yes, he was chosen with the second overall pick, but the defensive line is really strong around him, so he isn't going to be relied upon to do it all on the D-Line. Still, he has to produce something, particularly against the run. (US Presswire)
- 9. Calvin Johnson Johnson is probably still the most talented player on the Lions, but wide receivers just aren't as valuable as other positions. Plus, the offense is better around him. However, Matthew Stafford is going to have to rely on him in the passing game. (Getty Images)
- 8. Jahvid Best The running game has been iffy for the Lions, and Kevin Smith is coming off an injury. Detroit needs Best to be a game breaker by providing big plays. (Getty Images)
- 7. Deandre Levy Levy is stepping in as the starting middle linebacker, which means he's going to be relied on to do a lot of tackling, and some pass defending. He's got a lot of talent, but is he ready for such a big role? (Getty Images)
- 6. Amari Spievey Sure, he's only a rookie, but the secondary was the biggest weakness of the Lions last offseason, and Spievey might be forced into a starting role. You can't expect too much from him, but he's going to have to provide some pass defending value. (AP Photo)
- 5. Louis Delmas Delmas is the key to the Lions secondary, and perhaps still the best player on their defense for the time being. He's got to be the playmaker of the secondary, while also providing run support. Fortunately, he has Pro Bowl potential. (Getty Images)
- 4. Jeff Backus Yes, we know what Backus is at this point, but that doesn't mean he isn't important. Somebody has to keep Stafford upright. Somebody has to help spring Best and Kevin Smith. If it isn't Backus, it's not going to be anybody. (Getty Images)
- 3. Chris Houston (he's the guy on the left) Houston is the top cornerback for the Lions. Last year, they were the worst team against the pass. The bar isn't high for Houston, but he has to be a good CB, or there is no way the Lions have even a decent defense. (US Presswire)
- 2. Kyle Vanden Bosch As important as Houston and Spievey are, a good pass rush will help out the passing game in a big way. Vanden Bosch is the key there. He has the potential to disrupt quarterbacks, and also has a better chance of making big plays (i.e. sacks) than a defensive back. (AP photo)
- 1. Matthew Stafford Who else was it going to be? Stafford is the franchise quarterback for the Lions. The offense will thrive or fail largely based upon how well he plays. He needs to make a lot of improvements this season, because a bad season for Stafford probably means four wins at best. (US Presswire)
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