Bold predictions for players taken in the top 10 of the 2013 draft seem to be a thing this week, and the Lions defensive coaching staff says that Ezekiel Ansah can reach 20 sacks in 2016.
“If you ask (defensive line coach) Kris (Kocurek), it’s 20 sacks,” Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin told MLive.com.
Ansah, drafted fifth overall in 2013, had a career-high 14.5 sacks in 2015. The franchise record for a season is 15 by Robert Porcher in 1999. The 20-sack barrier has only been broken 11 times since 1982, when sacks became an official stat. Michael Strahan holds the single-season record with 22.5 in 2001.
The Lions host the Packers in the regular-season finale. If Ansah needs one more sack to get to 20, don’t expect Aaron Rodgers to lay down for him like his predecessor did for Strahan.
