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Reunited and it feels so good! Friday night OLB Kyle Van Noy was drafted by the Lions at 40th overall. Kyle Van Noy will join a gritty and tough defense with the Lions. When Van Noy was asked how he would feel getting drafted by the Lions and play alongside former teammate Ziggy he said, "Dude, I am not even kidding," Van Noy said. "That would be awesome." Van Noy could not be more excited to join the Lions and get to work!
Let's gooooo Lions!!!! I bleed Blue!!!! Can't wait... Let's work to get that respect!
— Kyle Van Noy (@KVN_03) May 10, 2014
Ziggy Ansah himself was pretty excited once the word broke that Van Noy as well.
Man I can't stop smiling !!! Welcome to the D @KVN_03. Let's continue what we started. #BYUFootball #OnePride
— Ezekiel Ansah (@Ziggy_Ansah) May 10, 2014
Van Noy will be able to step in immediately and contribute to the Lions already strong defense. He will be joining an all star defense with players like Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley, Stephen Tulloch and of course Ziggy. There is no doubt that Van Noy is needed in a tough and rivalry based division. He will face superstars like Aaron Rodgers, Adrian Pederson and Matt Forte multiple times a year. If he is going to help the Lions make it back to the playoffs, he must step up his game against some of the world’s finest players. Lions' head coach Jim Caldwell told the Detroit Free Press that he expects Van Noy to come in an contribute right away on defense and special teams. While Lions' General Manager, Martin Mayhew really likes Van Noy's versatility:
“When you put him on, he’s going to be chasing down ball carriers, he’s got a lot of range, makes plays on the ball in the passing game, sacks the quarterback. He’s just really, really productive and versatile. I think he’ll be a great fit for our defense.”
Van Noy and Ansah's former head coach, Bronco Mendenhall shared this on his Twitter account:
Lions are starting a BYU pipeline, congrats to Kyle! Detroit will not be disappointed!
— Coach Mendenhall (@BYU_Football) May 9, 2014
It is expected that Van Noy will jump in right away and see plenty of playing time, and rightfully so. The Lions had a chance to clinch the NFC North last year with injuries to Rodgers and Cutler, but after losing six of their last seven games, ended up missing the playoffs for the second year in a row.
Van Noy is a good fit for the Lions because they can plug him in on the outside to help compliment their defensive front. He has the speed to move quickly and play sideline to sideline. He will help the Lions improve from having the 17th overall defense and help get to the quarterback more. The Lions were only ranked 28th in total sacks, Van Noy is a strong edge rusher who will be able to bring that intensity and speed the Lions need from that position. Make sure you keep an eye on the draft today to watch other Cougars get their big chance in the NFL.