Kerry Hyder

One of the team's most welcomed surprises in 2016, Hyder is two years removed from an eight-sack campaign. However, he's also on the mend from a ruptured Achilles that cost him the entire 2017 season. These kinds of injuries, historically speaking, are known to have the potential to sap a player's explosiveness, making it uncertain that Hyder will ever return to his previous form. While there remains hope that Hyder can still be a productive player while serving in a rotational role behind Ziggy Ansah and Anthony Zettel, it's very possible we've already seen the best Hyder has to offer.

Hyder, who came out of nowhere to post eight sacks as a rookie, was the Lions' best pass-rusher while stud DE Ezekiel Ansah struggled with an ankle injury last season. Ansah is expected to return to full health in time for the 2017 campaign, but that doesn't necessarily mean Hyder is in store for a drop in production. Ansah will command the attention of opposing offenses and second-round rookie CB Teez Tabor figures to improve coverage downfield, potentially giving Hyder more coverage-sack opportunities.