Analyzing the opponent: Ranking NFC North Linebacker Groups

Sep 19, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman (50) reacts after making a tackle against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman (50) reacts after making a tackle against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
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Sep 19, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Keanu Neal (42) and linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) celebrate during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium. Florida defeated Kentucky 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Keanu Neal (42) and linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) celebrate during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium. Florida defeated Kentucky 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

3. Lions:

Paul Worrilow, Jarrad Davis, Tahir Whitehead, Nick Bellore, Jalen Reeves-Maybin
The lack of depth and talent on the Lions roster is why so many players on their current depth chart were not on the team last season. Tahir Whitehead is the returning starter and while he led the team in tackles, he was not necessarily an above average defender. Worrilow lost his job in Atlanta and will be competing for a spot in Detroit this season. He is not a very reliable athlete and is more of a depth option.
Bellore and Reeves-Maybin are other additions who are more than likely depth options. Bellore is limited but is a great special teams contributor and will be an asset. Reeves-Maybin has some upside to see the field. He is undersized and has a medical history which caused him to fall in the draft. However, he has great range and speed and has some upside.
Davis is the addition that will have to make an impact. He was their first round pick but does have some questions as to whether or not he will make a year one impact. He has an injury history and is still raw in his play recognition which leads to over pursuing. Still, he is a first round athlete. There are a lot of questions in this group. However, their young talent has some more pedigree than what is currently on Green Bay, and it gives them the slight edge.

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