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Detroit Lions: Akeem Spence Is Powerhouse Defense Needed

By Genna Preston

Nov 15, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Akeem Spence (97) looks at the replay board during the second half of a football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Akeem Spence (97) looks at the replay board during the second half of a football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Defensive tackle Akeem Spence will be a key element in the 2017 Detroit Lions defense as they locked him up early in NFL free agency.

The 2017 NFL free agency period has officially opened. Aside from the draft, this is the most exciting, yet stressful time of the offseason. Your favorite players get released, traded or left out in the wind in hopes of landing a spot on someone’s roster.

This is also the time when teams try to land the best players to fill in the gaps until the draft happens; it also helps key in on essential draft needs. With this is in mind, it’s no surprise the Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn, jumped right into the deep end. His first big play was addressing the offensive line. The Lions signed offensive tackle Ricky Wagner and then moved on to other needs, the defense.

Another great power move by Quinn, the Lions signed ex-Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Akeem Spence. Not only is Spence incredibly athletic but, he is just what the Lions need to fill the voids. Don’t let his looks fool you. He may be a tad smaller than most but, he’s a strong rotational player. Spence is also smart and quick to understand plays which, helps him defend the run.

While on the Buccaneers, Spence played in 56 games. He had 98 combined tackles; 65 tackles and 33 assists. Spence also had almost six sacks, three fumble recoveries and nine stuffs; I’d like to see that number increase especially for someone who excels at blocking the run.

Not only does Spence have the athleticism the Lions need but, he has heart and soul. Spence has been speaking with college teammate Tavon Wilson, who obviously spoke very highly of the team. There was no doubt Spence wanted to join the team.

Via Tim Twentyman of the DetroitLions.com, Spence made the following statement during a press conference on Friday:

"‘When you look at (Detroit) on film, guys are jumping out of their stance, are two, three yards in the backfield making plays and that’s exciting, man,’ Spence said. ‘That’s something you want to be a part of.’"

It will be interesting to see how he performs during organized team activities (OTA) and training camp. He is the overall package, and I can see him beating out A’Shawn Robinson and Haloti Ngata for the start this season.

Next: 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Full Three Rounds

One thing is for sure, the Lions are coming in hard during the 2017 NFL free agency. Spence is only one example of what the future Lions roster will look like. Be sure to stay tuned for more 2017 NFL free agency updates.

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