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Detroit Lions camp observations: Ricky Jean Francois, the teacher

Ricky Jean Francois didn't sign with the Detroit Lions until right before training camp, but the veteran defensive lineman could turn out to be one of the team's most important free-agent additions of the offseason.

Jean Francois has consistently taken first-team reps over the last week with A'Shawn Robinson and Ziggy Ansah missing time (both returned to practice on a limited basis Monday), and while he has never been a big sack producer in his career, there aren't many better players in the locker room.

Almost every day after practice, Jean Francois leads his fellow defensive linemen through an assortment of post-practice drills focused on pass-rushing technique.