@ZakarianFollett Ready for your closeup, Mr. Follett?
@Schottey ya i will be getting a chance.. you know im going to hit it full speed
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Second-year linebacker Zack Follett believes he will get a chance for a lot more playing time in 2010--perhaps even a shot at the starting lineup.
In fact, Tim Twentyman of the Detroit News is reporting that defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham is hoping that Zack Follett IS the answer.
Physically, he has all the tools to succeed and is known for his attitude and work ethic. So far, he has excelled mostly as a pass rusher, but was fine in coverage as a linebacker at California.
His biggest problem has always been biting on play action, but it can be said that making mistakes at full speed is better than playing scared of making one.
Follett isn't the only man for the job though.
Free agent linebacker Keith Bulluck is a "Schwartz Disciple" from Tennessee whose name has been bandied about as a possible addition. Bulluck denied any interest over a month ago, but league sources have recently told me that a reunion is possible.
The addition of a 30+ linebacker with ACL issues is never a huge positive, but Bulluck is the type of leader that Schwartz wants to impose on this football team in an effort to chance the culture.
Obviously Bulluck is not an answer at WLB, but the versatility of DeAndre Levy is a key component for next year. It is likely that multiple players will fill the role to replace Sims, unless one guy steps out as a do-it-all starter.
Even Sims never "did-it-all" either. He was a liability in coverage and not much of a pass ruser.
Other candidates:
Jordan Dizon--one of the last Millen holdovers on this defense, Dizon made headlines last year when Cunningham said he often mistook him for Julian Peterson. Yet, Dizon didn't see much action in '09. This training camp might be his last chance in Detroit.
Landon Johnson--brought over from Carolina as a special teams ace, Johnson was a young standout in Cincinnati before becoming a Panther. More of a downhill runner, he would bring a strength and physicality that Sims never did.
Ryan Fowler (FA)--A Schwartz connection that didn't last long in New York, could come in and back up all three linebacker positions, primarily MLB.
Ashlee Palmer-- Started at WLB (Tampa 2-style) last year for Buffalo. A thicker body than Sims and a much better pass rusher--certainly a darkhorse in the race.
Michael Schottey operates Blue And Silver Pride and is a Detroit Lions featured columnist for Bleacher Report. He also serves as a team correspondent for DraftTek.com and is a guest blogger for Mlive's Highlight Reel. Check out his Podcasts and add him on Twitter!
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