Positional Analysis: Defensive Tackles...

1. Cory Redding: The unquestioned leader of the defensive line is now Redding, who has started in every game since 2004. His sack production fell from a career high 8 in 2006 to a low of 1 last year, but he was productive nonetheless. He set a career high in tackles with 78 (47 solo), and his 30 defeated run blocks, and 32.3 defeated block percentage (per K.C. Joyner, ESPN Insider) were Pro-Bowl type numbers for a Defensive Tackle.

2. Charles Darby: Although he's being brought in to start, Darby will not have "starter's minutes", meaning he will be used mostly on run downs, and will leave the field when pass rushers are needed. This will keep him fresh, and he should keep others fresh by being the warrior type on tougher downs and on the goalline. I wasn't expecting much of him, but he does show better than expected movement laterally. He can get up and down the line well, but doesn't rush the passer well.

3. Shaun Cody: Although it looked like he might have been the odd man out, Cody is probably going to make the roster, and will be given a chance because of his versatility to earn another contract. This is a make or break season for Cody, and he knows it. He got 1.5 sacks in a game as a rookie against the Panthers, and hasn't had one since.

4. Langston Moore: Moore came out of nowhere, and produced better than Shaun Cody, and got more snaps as a result. Like Cody, he had 37 tackles, but had four sacks, and one forced fumble. His penchant for big plays made him a personal favorite. He needs to play better against the run, since his aggressiveness gets him out of position at times, so he needs to play under control more often.

5. Andre Fluellen: Coach Rod Marinelli obviously saw something he liked from Fluellen, since he flew to FSU to witness Fluellen's predraft workout, and also had Fluellen visit Allen Park before the draft. He has shown his quick step already, as he recorded a sack in the first exhibition game against the Giants. He also has shown that he was stout against the run, as teams averaged only 1.74 yards per carry when they ran at him in his Sr. season at Florida State. He could very well become a force in a year.

6. Landon Cohen: Considerably undersized for a DT, but maybe not in the Lions system. Cohen has shown enough that he's a strong candidate for the practice squad, since there probably isn't a spot for him right now. I foresee him making the practice squad, and being activated due to an injury. Other teams may view him as a 3-4 left end.

Positional Analysis: I see this as a solid position for the Lions, as they have good depth right now, and have added some young talent. They are not at the level with the rest of the division, where DT is the strength of all the teams in the NFC North.