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Analyzing the opponent: Ranking NFC North Defensive Line Groups

By Parker Hurley

Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) prepares to throw the ball as Chicago Bears defensive end Akiem Hicks (96) defends during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) prepares to throw the ball as Chicago Bears defensive end Akiem Hicks (96) defends during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Who has the best Defensive Line group in the division?

As we enter the dog days of the offseason it is time to turn our attention to the season coming. For this series, we will examine every position group in the NFC North and see where the Bears group of players fit in. This will include depth as well as top end talent. This should be a good exercise to see where the Bears stand in both depth and talent, then look back at the end of the season and see who exceeded or failed to meet expectations. For the first position, we will look at the interior defensive line.

Nov 24, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (92) smiles during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Lions win 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (92) smiles during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Lions win 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Lions:

Haloti Ngata, A’shawn Robinson, Khyri Thornton, Akeem Spence, Jordan Hill, Jeremiah Ledbetter
The Lions biggest name on the line is Ngata, and at this point, that is all he is, a name. Ngata is going to be 33 this season, and it is clear the Ravens knew what they were doing when they let him go. He just does not have the upfield burst he used to.

The issue in Detroit is that no one is here to unseat him. Robinson had a decent rookie season seeing rotational snaps, but he did look like a rotational player. The team started Khyri Thornton in six games last season, but he is what helped in exposing this position as so weak. Detroit brought in Akeem Spence, but Spence is on a similar level as Thornton. Robinson brings in some promise, but there is not a lot to be excited about on this unit. It is quite easily at the bottom of the division and closer to the bottom of the NFL.

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