Funktopus

I look at Lenon as a proven commodity, a measuring stick with which to compare the rookies. If the rookie out performs the veteran, then the quality of that position is better than the benchmark. So, I hope Appleby does well for this year not only future years.

Synovia

Because 120 tackles doesn't mean anything, and being a great special teamer doesn't mean hes a good LB. Bad defenses spend a lot of downs on the field, and linebacker tackle numbers get inflated by that.


Detroit was terrible against the run (32nd). Their pass defense against TEs was terrible(32nd). Their pass defense against RBs is the only good spot (8th). I see very little reason to believe that any of the LBs on detroit are any good, let alone the one they didn't even make a vet min offer to keep.

WhiZa

I don't think Appleby will be able to beat out Lenon just because Lenon is looking like a solid contributor on ST. My only hope if Appleby can make it on the PS and not get picked up. If he does well in the preseason i don't think he'll last very long.

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PushnPencils

Yay!

Let's get all excited about an UDRFA whom we honestly know nothing about other than what draft websites wrote about him and throw Paris Lenon to the curb, because after-all, he's just an NFL veteran who's had good production and the unfortunate luck of playing for some crappy teams.

Weird stuff.

I will guarantee Lenon not only makes the team but also get significant reps at ILB.

Appleby...I know nothing about the dude. I know he fell off the draft board. I hope he is a diamond in the rough and is able to contribute.

Synovia

Yay, lets get exited about a 7 year veteran who has been cut by 5 different teams, had to spend a year in the XFL, and didn't even get a contract offer to return to the DETROIT LIONS.


Hes a special teamer. Circui is the one who needs to worry about his roster spot.

PushnPencils

I don't think anyone's excited about Lenon. Just happy he adds some depth that was lacking. My opinion is he'll be more than just a special teams contributor. Not because he's a late blooming star. More because I believe our LB situation is even worse than advertised at this point.

Based upon pure proven production to date, who would you wager $1000 on to contribute the most to the team this year at the LB position:

Appleby, Redd, Guyton, Woods, Crable, Alexander, or Lenon?

If you're picking anyone other than Lenon, I know a bookie that would love to do some business with you.

Synovia

Betting on Pure Proven Production?


I'd bet on Guyton. He's the starter this year.


Lenon is on a 1 year deal with minimum contract. THats classic "lets see if he sticks in camp". I wouldn't even bet $10 that he makes the 53.

ivanfears

all you need is 1 or 2 injuries and youll be kissing lenons butt, appleby wasnt even invited to the combine, at least lenon knows how to tackle in the nfl and has experience something you cant teach rookies

FarScapeR

Are you serious?

If you'd said Appleby, Alexander or Lenon, maybe you'd have made some sense. Guyton was an undrafted rookie who surprised many in his first year at ILB in the pats system. He can only get better in his second year. Crable is a third round pick that the pats have a lot of confidence in. Woods started a few games and carried the load until breaking his jaw. I don't think the pats would have traded Vrabel if they didn't think they could get some decent production out of those two. Each of these three has a legitimate shot at starting due to youth and upside.

That's not to say Lenon may not be a surprise in this system, but right now, he's on a lower rung than the three I just mentioned.

Synovia

Neither was Wes Welker.


The NFL doesn't keep track of missed tackles, so I don't see 120 tackles as all that important of a stat. Tracking defensive player quality by tackles is patently absurd.