The Detroit Lions’ defensive ends are mostly a young bunch. They played well last season, but here are four reasons they will be better this year:

1. Ziggy Ansah improved throughout last season. His future is bright and his development will continue under the same defensive line coaches as last year — Kris Kocurek and Jim Washburn. Ansah had shoulder surgery in February and didn’t participate in minicamp but was on the field. It’s not certain he’ll be ready for training camp, but it should be close.

2. Devin Taylor was the other rookie last year. Coaches loved his development and, like Ansah, he should just get better this season. He worked in the offseason to change his body composition adding strength in his upper body and speed in his legs. He could become a special player.

3. Jason Jones is healthy. He injured his knee in the third game last year and was gone for the season. He’s a young veteran who should start opposite Ansah. He’s also versatile and can line up inside on certain packages.

4. The addition of veteran Darryl Tapp gives this group a little more experience.

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