Following an impressive 2014 season, the Lions’ defense took a big backward step in 2015, falling from the 2nd-ranked defense to the 23rd. The decline was largely a byproduct of losing both Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley in free agency. Not having star linebacker DeAndre Levy for most of the season played a big role in the drop off as well.
This off-season, the team added safety Rafael Bush in free agency and traded for linebacker Jonathan Bostic from the New England Patriots. In the draft, they grabbed defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson in the 2nd-round and strong safety Miles Killebrew in the 4th.