Tom Kowalski at MLive.com continues his summer individual scouting reports with new OL Daniel Loper. Killer says that while Jim Schwartz and Co. are emphasizing that there's no depth chart yet, Loper is getting a lot of reps at left guard with the starting unit.
Loper played for the Tennessee Titans so Lions head coach Jim Schwartz knows him very well. Schwartz has repeatedly said that Loper was capable of playing any of the guard or tackle spots but there was always somebody just a little bit better in front of him. That hasn't been the case with the left guard spot in Detroit, which has been a revolving door for several years. Loper will have to continue to prove that he belongs in that position - and reject some notions that a veteran tackle might get moved inside. Loper has some positives, though. At 6-6 and 320 pounds, he has the size to deal with the bigger defensive tackles in the league and, because of his abilities as a tackle, he's a better pass protector than most guards.The only person who appears to have a starting spot nailed down is C Dominic Raiola, Kowalski says. Hopefully the added depth this offseason will lead to some sorely needed competition. Discuss in The Den!
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