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NFL1000 Scores

Coverage: 15.6/25

Run Defense: 15.8/25

Pass Rush: 7.4/15

Tackling: 17.6/25

Positional Value: 6/10

Overall: 62.3/100

2016 NFL1000 4-3 OLB Rank: 23/46



NFL1000 4-3 OLB scout Derrik Klassen

Josh Bynes is most valuable as a backup player. He is not bad, per se, but he falls a hair short of the quality of player that a team should want in its starting 11. Bynes has started 19 regular-season games for the Lions over the past two seasons, though that has more to do with the Lions’ lack of talent at linebacker than it has to do with what Bynes offers.

Athleticism is not a tool for Bynes. He tested poorly prior to the 2011 NFL draft and has done little to prove that he is more athletic than his numbers suggest. On film, Bynes’ lack of athleticism shows up whenever he is forced to make plays to the perimeter or in space. Bynes is slow to get going, and his change of direction is clunky.

Bynes is too often a tick late reacting to plays, which does not pair up well with his athleticism. His delayed reactions are a detriment when trying to make plays in space. He gets himself behind the eight ball early on in plays and tends to not be able to recover well. Bynes does make a few splash plays, though, primarily when shooting through gaps in the run game. He is more of a “point and shoot” type of linebacker than one who can be trusted to make reads and react on them.

If possible, Bynes should be left off the field on passing downs. He is a functional blitzer, but he does not generate pressure consistently enough to make up for being a questionable coverage piece. There is little value in keeping him on the field for third downs.

Bynes deserves a shot as a fourth or fifth linebacker. He does a fine job of controlling the box in the run game and is a sure-enough tackler when he gets to the ball-carrier. That being said, his lack of athleticism is a major concern and ultimately restricts him from being more than a reserve.

Doug's Quick Take: Bynes had a pretty decent season for the Lions as a starter in 2015 after injuries decimated the team's starting rotation, and he's continued to be a valuable player in reserve duty. If he doesn't get any serious looks in free agency, expect the Lions to reward his consistency with a nice new contract.

Potential Suitors: Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns