Detroit Lions: 3 Players who should be on block at NFL Trade Deadline
By Zac Snyder
Kerry Hyder
Switching to the defensive side of the ball, defensive lineman Kerry Hyder has become a forgotten man. He looked like a potential diamond in the rough during his surprising 2016 season in which he totaled eight sacks. The Lions defense suffered a big loss when Hyder tore his Achilles in the 2017 preseason opener but he worked his way back to be ready for 2018.
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Unfortunately, Hyder hasn’t looked like a fit for the new coaching staff under Matt Patricia. He has played in just three games this season after being left inactive again in week eight against the Seahawks.
The injury to Hyder allowed Anthony Zettel to step in and put together a surprisingly solid season in 2017 much like Hyder did in 2016. Perhaps not coincidentally, Zettel is no longer with the Lions and Hyder remains but without a role. That kind of thing can happen when there is a coaching change. It doesn’t necessarily mean Hyder doesn’t have something to contribute to someone just because he can’t seem to crack through with the new staff and scheme in Detroit.
A team looking for a potential in-season boost to their pass rush could look back at what Hyder was able to do in 2016 and want to bring him in in hopes of coaxing out similar results down the stretch. A lack of playing time should mean Hyder is fresh and change of defensive scheme could be to his benefit.