Detroit Lions Weblog

Lions Bring Back TE Beverly, Mandatory Mini-Camps Begin

The Lions recently signed veteran TE Eric Beverly who, as many recall, has passed through the Lions organization once before.  Beverly appears to be competing solely for consideration in the mix at TE, and will no longer contribute on the offensive line.   At the very least, Beverly can compete with incumbent Sean McHugh for the FB/H-Back hybrid role and as “Jumbo”-package TE.

The Lions 3 day mandatory minicamp began yesterday.   Published reports make it seem that the camp has been relatively mundane, thus far.   However, one roster position battle is of interest.   In Mlive.Com’s Highlight Reel Blog, new Lions Defensive Coordinator Joe Barry makes some interesting statements in regards to the competition at Middle Linebacker.

Barry essentially crowns Paris Lenon the starter at MLB, and nearly anoints him as the second coming of Ray Lewis, with the number of superlatives he attaches to Lenon.   Barry is also supportive of Teddy Lehman, but one is left to wonder if Barry’s comments are meant to serve as a motivational tool for the competitors who are on the outside looking in at the position.  

It is without question that MLB is one of the more important positions in the Tampa-style Cover-2 zone defense that the team currently implements.   Last season, the various players who filled that position were far from successful and it, along with defensive end, are two areas that definitely need to improve if the Lions can dream of being even mediocre this season.