Detroit Lions: Ranking the team’s top 2018 offseason additions

4. Christian Jones, LB (from Chicago Bears)

Last April, the Detroit Lions made a very solid addition to their defensive unit. The club use the 21st overall selection on University of Florida linebacker Jarrad Davis. He would play and start in 14 games and finished with 96 tackles. Add to that two sacks, one interceptions, three passes defense and both a forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. When it was all said and done, the one-time Gator enjoyed a very-respectable debut campaign. And that’s because after a so-so start, he improved his game in many aspects (via Pro Football Focus).

This season, it appears that Davis will be flanked by a pair of new starters. Gone is outside linebacker Tahir Whitehead, who led the team in tackles each of the past two seasons but is now a member of the Oakland Raiders. Paul Worrilow opened at the other outside spot for eight games when called upon but recently signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. Of course, the Lions had already added free agents Christian Jones and Devon Kennard. More on the latter down the road.

As for Jones, he joins Matt Patricia’s club after four years with the NFC North rival Chicago Bears. He missed only one game during his stint in the Windy City and comes off a season in which he finished second on the team with 84 tackles. Two years earlier, the former undrafted free agent from Florida State led the Bears with 83 stops. The versatile performer is an ideal fit for a unit now under the guidance of veteran coach and new defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni.

Next: No. 3