ALLEN PARK, Mich. — The Detroit Lions’ defense was in need of a makeover, and it got one.
The Lions ranked 27th in the NFL in points allowed last season, 13th in total defense, 16th in run defense and 14th in pass defense.
Defensive ends Cliff Avril and Kyle Vanden Bosch are gone. So is linebacker Justin Durant. The secondary will also have a new look.
With the team currently in the middle of a mandatory minicamp, here are defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham’s early impressions of the key additions to his unit:
On first-round draft pick Ziggy Ansah, who grew up in Africa and has only three years of football experience:
“They (Brigham Young’s coaching staff) asked him to do more things than any college player I’ve ever seen at that position. He played every position up front. I don’t know how he learned all those things that quickly. He’s got a good feel for the game. He has good eyes. He sees the game. He has unique ability to slip gaps.
“The upside of Ziggy Ansah is his character. There’s no doubt in my mind about that. Those kids that come over like he did, they’re on a mission. It’s not just ‘Well, I’ve got a chance to play in the NFL.’ He made a path to go to the NFL. He worked hard to get here. He has tremendous physical talent.”
On second-round pick Darius Slay, who will compete for a starting job at cornerback:
“I don’t know if he knows he’s in the NFL or not. That is a good thing, trust me. He has no conscience. That may be the No. 1 criteria for any corner you want on your team. He doesn’t let things bother him. He’s very sharp. He was really well-coached in college (at Mississippi State).
“He’s touched the ball a lot. He’s had about three interceptions since he’s come out (after missing several offseason practices following arthroscopic knee surgery), maybe four, and he’s knocked a couple balls down.”
On safety Glover Quin, who played four seasons with the Houston Texans before signing a free-agent contract with Detroit:
“He is something. We had a meeting the other day and I turned to (Lions vice president of pro personnel) Sheldon White, ‘Quin?’ He goes ‘Professional.’ That’s the best description I’ve ever heard. That’s him. He doesn’t talk very much. It’s all business.
“He’s doing a great job in the deep middle of the field. He didn’t have a great background in that. Whatever the issues are, he works at them.”
On highly respected veteran coach Jim Washburn, who was added to the staff and is working closely with defensive line coach Kris Kocurek:
“He makes me smile every day that I see him. I think Jim’s one of the greatest coaches that I’ve ever been around. He’s personable. He’s tough. He’s consistent. Those linemen will respond.
“Jim coached him (Kocurek). He recruited him, spent a lot of time on that farm in Texas. They know each other real well. So the camaraderie between the two is kind of going through the group. I see a much more cohesive unit.”
BROYLES' RETURN
Receiver Ryan Broyles, coming off knee surgery about six months ago for a torn anterior cruciate ligament, is making a quicker-than-expected recovery.
Broyles, who missed the final four games last season, was impressive while participating in full practices the last two days.
He had done very little during most of the previous offseason workouts.
“No complaints,” Broyles said after Wednesday’s practice. “You don’t really know what your body is going to feel like until you go out there. I felt good going into yesterday’s practice and then I felt good after. Today, I feel good as well so I’m just going to continue to ride it out.”
BUSH SCARE
Reggie Bush, who is being counted on to provide a big-play threat at running back, tweaked his ankle while trying to make a cut during an 11-on-11 drill.
There were a few moments of uncertainty while Bush limped around, but he came back to finish practice.
“I just planted wrong,” Bush said. “Nothing I haven’t been through. I’m good.”
