Dave Birkett

Detroit Free Press

Caraun Reid had the best season of his young career last year, making 12 starts at defensive tackle and logging his first two NFL sacks.

But Reid sprained his ankle midway through the preseason and played with the injury all year. He then spent the off-season watching impatiently from the sideline after undergoing January surgery.

“I just wish I had more time,” said Reid, who was held out of minicamp and organized team activities this spring. “That time is, like, invaluable. You make big strides there, just mentally -- and physically, a little bit. But I caught up. I was here for the rookie stuff (at the start of training camp), so I caught up.”

A key rotational piece of the Lions’ defensive line, Reid has worked primarily as a second-team tackle during training camp, behind Haloti Ngata and Tyrunn Walker.

The Lions signed Stefan Charles for depth at the position in free agency, drafted A’Shawn Robinson in the second round and have gotten good play from Khyri Thornton so far in camp. But even in a deep front, Reid has the motor and pass-rush ability to play significant snaps this year.

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“I think it’s awesome to be able to compete with guys that are always going to push you, and that’s going to make us a lot better, when guys are always fresh, fresh bodies coming in and out, and are talented,” Reid said. “It’s huge for us.”

Reid said his ankle, which kept him out of the first two regular-season games of last fall, “feels awesome” now.

“No complaints,” he said. “It feels good not to be sitting on the sideline watching everyone.”

And after spending part of his off-season last year training with Ndamukong Suh and showing up in the best shape of his life, Reid said he’s leaning on Ngata to help with the next evolution of his game and become more aware on the field.

“Just noticing more things,” he said. “Just continue to learn from Haloti. He’s been out here for a while now, so he’s a great vet to learn from and to learn how he plays the game the right way.”

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Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett

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