Tahir Whitehead

The Raiders continued to address defensive needs when they went out and signed a versatile stud at linebacker this offseason in Whitehead, who has amassed 242 total tackles with the Lions since the beginning of his 2016 campaign. Now entering his seventh year in the league, Whitehead is in the midst of his prime as he projects to start at outside linebacker for the silver and black across from pass rusher Bruce Irvin. If for some reason the Raiders are unable to re-sign starting middle linebacker NaVorro Bowman, Whitehead could be in line for even more opportunities to rack up tackles in 2018.

Whitehead posted strong part-time production for the Lions in 2014 and 2015, and last year he showed the ability to translate as a full-time player. Despite missing one game with a knee issue, Whitehead established himself as one of the league's top tackle sources. Although the arrival of first-round pick Jarrad Davis might move Whitehead from middle to outside linebacker, Whitehead likely still has a threedown role awaiting him again in 2017. He is a bit one-dimensional as an IDP, though -- he has just two sacks and three interceptions in his five-year career.

The Lions showed their faith in Whitehead by inking him to a two-year, $8 million extension in the offseason. Indications are that he has the inside track on becoming the club's primary option at the MLB position, which would give him some value as an IDP.

in admirably for Stephen Tulloch in the middle of Detroit's defense in 2014, Whitehead will slide over to the strong side in 2015, ahead of 2014 second-round pick Kyle Van Noy. Whitehead ranked second on the team in tackles in 2014 with 86.

Whitehead will be a backup linebacker and special teams player for the Lions.