Blogs > Lions Lowdown

One thing you can count on with the Detroit Lions is that they are never, ever boring. Follow the latest news including injuries, roster moves and more here daily from Oakland Press beat writer Paula Pasche. Plus you'll find regular commentary about the team.

6/23/2014

Detroit Lions — Three reasons Rodney Austin likely to make 53-man roster


Rodney Austin was undrafted coming out of football powerhouse Elon. But his growth has been no joke. The offensive lineman was signed by the Lions after the 2012 draft and spent that season on the practice squad. He played in one game in 2013.

Here are three reasons he is likely to make the 53-man roster:

1. He’s versatile with the ability to play center and guard. This is key. It’s unlikely he’ll be a starter this season, but the Lions will have seven active offensive linemen on game days — five starters, a backup tackle and a backup guard/center.  With Dylan Gandy gone, that backup role should fit Austin.

2. His future is bright and eventually he could win a role as a starter. 

3. Jim Caldwell likes him. “Rodney’s smart. Rodney’s tough. Rodney’s a good leader and he has skills and ability. (He is) a strong and powerful guy. He’s developing,’’ Caldwell said.

(Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Order her book,  “100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die’’ here. It’s also available at bookstores.)

2 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Then it comes down to Rodney Austin and Travis Swanson ..... who wins that match ?

2:23 PM 
Anonymous Torey Todd said...

I was thinking same thing.. if Lions are only going to dress 1 backup guard\center what do you do with Samsonite? (Yes that's a little dumb and dumber humor)

7:58 AM 

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home