NFL 2015: Ranking each defense from 32-1

17 of 33

Nov 28, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions outside linebacker DeAndre Levy (54) intercepts a pass during the third quarter of a NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

17. Detroit Lions

The Lions might have a good defense in 2015, but the group will have a much different look to it. General manager Martin Mayhew was not able to retain either of his defensive tackles in Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley, watching both leave in free agency for the Miami Dolphins and St. Louis Rams, respectively. Suh’s loss is particularly devastating with him becoming the best defensive tackle in the game.

Replacing Suh is Haloti Ngata, the 31-year-old nose tackle who was dealt to the Lions from the Baltimore Ravens for a pair of draft picks. Ngata was suspended last year for violating the league’s performance enhancing drug policy, but was still able to post 31 tackles and a pair of sacks in 2014. Ngata has not been able to eclipse five sacks in a year since 2010, something Suh has done every year but one since that time.

The main concern is the secondary, where the Lions will be relying on a pass-rush to mask the issues here. Golver Quin has turned into a quality safety, but the rest of this group is underwhelming. Darius Slay is a middling player while Rashean Mathis is a respectable talent. James Ihedigbo needs to be replaced, but head coach Jim Caldwell will have to deal with him for the time being.

Next: 16. Minnesota Vikings

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