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5 Young Players Set to Break Out For the Detroit Lions in 2015

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By @DaveCuff

5 Young Players Set to Break Out For the Detroit Lions in 2015

Theo Riddick Detroit Lions
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The Detroit Lions had a rough ending to their season, but next year is looking bright. They have a lot of young players who are looking to step up in 2015. Here are the top five young players set to break out.

5. Caraun Reid

Caraun Reid
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5. Caraun Reid

Caraun Reid
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Caraun Reid is a raw talent who played limited snaps as a rookie this season. He has the ability, however, to really break out next season. With Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley both hitting free agency, the Lions will look for Reid to step up. With a full offseason to learn the schemes better and improve his technique, we should see that raw talent start to produce on the field.

4. Kyle Van Noy

Kyle Van Noy
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4. Kyle Van Noy

Kyle Van Noy
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Kyle Van Noy was a second-round draft pick for the Lions in 2014, but he had a disappointing rookie season. He missed the first eight games of the season due to injury and played limited snaps in the team’s last eight games. Next season could be a big one for Van Noy. He will be competing for a starting job at linebacker and could make an impact on an already great defense for Detroit.

3. Travis Swanson

Travis Swanson
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3. Travis Swanson

Travis Swanson
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Travis Swanson started five games during the regular season at guard and center for the Lions. He also started their playoff game. With the futures of veterans Rob Sims and Dominic Raiola both up in the air on the offensive line, Swanson could become a full-time starter next season. He has the ability to be a solid, long-term starter on the offensive line.

2. Theo Riddick

Theo Riddick
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2. Theo Riddick

Theo Riddick
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There are rumors that the Lions may release Reggie Bush in the offseason. If that happens, Riddick will be leaned on heavily as a complement to starting running back Joique Bell. Riddick didn’t do much of anything running the ball this season, but he was great as a receiver. He caught 34 passes for 316 yards and four touchdowns. If he can add that same type of dynamic in the running game, he could be a great weapon for Detroit next year.

1. Eric Ebron

Eric Ebron
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1. Eric Ebron

Eric Ebron
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Ebron has all the ability in the world, but he was never able to have that big, breakout game for Detroit this season. The 2014 first-round pick did do a great job of improving his blocking, and now he can turn his focus back to what made him a top pick. He had a few drops this season but showed the potential that made him great at North Carolina. 2015 will be a big year for him as he looks to become the dynamic pass catcher he is capable of.

David Cuff is a University of Michigan Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DaveCuff, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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