Ziggy Ansah, Ashawn Robinson, Sylvester Williams (!) and Anthony Zettel. At this point last year, this was the Lions projected starting defensive line. Even the most optimistic of Lions lovers would give this group, at best, a mild chance to be merely solid. From health concerns to lack of production, it was clearly a unit that could use improvement.
A universal sigh of relief came over Lions nation with the addition of Ricky Jean Francois in late July. No offense to Mr. Francois, but it was clear the cupboards seemed bare whenever a guy like him comes in and is immediately viewed as a Day 1 starter.