Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions DL Devin Taylor can play end or tackle

Published Jul. 21, 2015 1:19 p.m. ET

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Detroit Lions defensive lineman Devin Taylor hopes some old-fashioned versatility will earn him more playing time in 2015. Although he appeared in all 16 games last season, Taylor did not start once and only played 21 percent of Detroit's defensive snaps, according to Carlos Monnarez of the Detroit Free Press.

After spending his first two seasons as a reserve defensive end, Taylor is now trying to show the Lions what he can bring to the table as a tackle.

"I guess it gives me another additional bonus to my repertoire of things," Taylor said of his versatility to play both inside and out, via the Free Press. "Defensive end is my primary position—a little bit of D-tackle won’t be bad there, either."

Taylor is still learning the intricate differences between the end and tackle positions. For example, at 275 pounds, he's not heavy enough to rely on his strength and size when playing tackle. To make an impact from the interior D-line, Taylor must use his speed.

"Really, a lot of it is getting on and getting off and staying low," Taylor told the Free Press. "That's the main thing as far as being inside like that because everyone's going to be bigger than you—well, bigger than me at least. So it's just one of those (things). I've got to use my speed to my advantage."

Taylor, a 25-year-old former fourth-round draft pick, is diversifying his repertoire by trying out a new position. Already, he's a more valuable player than he was in past seasons.

(h/t Detroit Free Press)

Photo Credit: Mike Dinovo/Contract Photographer