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

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LANDOVER, MD – JANUARY 01: Outside linebacker Devon Kennard #59 of the New York Giants reacts after sacking quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins (not pictured) while tackle Morgan Moses #76 of the Washington Redskins looks on in the third quarter at FedExField on January 1, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

2. Devon Kennard, OLB (from New York Giants)

As has been previously mentioned, the Lions will have a pair of new starters at outside linebacker this fall. Christian Jones comes over from the Chicago Bears and four-year pro Devon Kennard, late of the New York Giants, joins the Men from Motown this year. Roughly a month ago, he inked a three-year, $17.25 million (courtesy of Spotrac) to join Matt Patricia’s squad.

In four seasons with Big Blue, the former USC Trojan and fifth-round pick in 2014 showed the potential to be a playmaker as a rookie. That year, he played in 12 games and made six starts. Kennard totaled 43 tackles, 4.5 sacks and a pair of forced fumbles. One year later, he was limited to nine contests and starts. But he rolled up 56 stops, knocked down four passes and totaled his first and only interception.

The 26-year old pro comes off a campaign in which he made a career-best 11 starts. Kennard racked up 41 tackles, four sacks and two passes defensed on a unit that gave up the second-most total yards in the league.

There were changes ahead for a Lions’ defense that ranked 27th in the NFL in both total yards per game allowed and passing yards permitted. The 6-3, 249-pound Kennard could offer a little versatility to this group. And perhaps he could help the Lions improve on that so-so total of 35 sacks in 2017.

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