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Tahir Whitehead | Linebacker

Team: Detroit Lions
Age / DOB:  (23) / 4/2/1990
Ht / Wt:  6'1' / 233
College: Temple
Contract: view contract details
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Recent News

The Detroit News expects the Lions to let LBs Tahir Whitehead, Travis Lewis and Ashlee Palmer compete for Justin Durant's old job on the strong-side.
Whitehead and Lewis were both late-round picks last spring, while Palmer is a four-year veteran. Whitehead and Lewis combined for just three snaps on defense as rookies, while Palmer has only made nine starts in four years. The Lions should be on the lookout for low-cost vets on the open market. Mar 26 - 2:51 PM
Source: Detroit News

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Date:
Tahir Whitehead - LB - Lions

Lions DC Gunther Cunningham believes fifth-round LB Tahir Whitehead is "much better than a fifth-round draft pick."

"He is something," Cunningham said. "That's by far the biggest surprise I've had in quite a while as a coach." Whitehead has been drawing raves all spring, and appears ticketed for more than just special teams as a rookie. A dynamo behind the line at Temple, Whitehead could see meaningful snaps as a nickel rusher.
Source: MLive.com
Tue, Jun 5, 2012 09:59:00 AM
Tahir Whitehead - LB - Lions

Fifth-round LB Tahir Whitehead impressed Lions coaches with his explosiveness at rookie minicamp.

Whitehead's new coaches were also impressed with his ability to "digest a new scheme." The Detroit Free Press believes Whitehead could "turn out to be the surprise pick of the draft this fall." If Whitehead makes an impression as a rookie, it will likely be on special teams and in the nickel defense.
Source: Detroit Free Press
Sat, May 19, 2012 09:43:00 AM
Tahir Whitehead - LB - Lions

Lions agreed to terms with fifth-round LB Tahir Whitehead on a four-year contract.

Whitehead was a nickel rusher at Temple, and he'll compete for a similar role in Detroit while also playing strong-side linebacker. Whitehead has a quick first step and posted an explosive 10-foot-7 broad jump at the Owls' Pro Day.
Thu, May 10, 2012 11:55:00 AM
Tahir Whitehead - LB - Lions

Lions traded up with the Vikings to select Temple LB Tahir Whitehead with the No. 138 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft.

The Lions also acquired the No. 223 pick, with the Vikes receiving a 2013 fourth-rounder in return. A situational pass rusher with the Owls, Whitehead is likely ticketed for the same role in Detroit. A tiny linebacker at 6'1" and 233 pounds, Whitehead has plus range and athletic ability to go with an array of moves. He rarely plays against the run because he struggles to get off blocks. Expect Whitehead to begin his career as a special teamer.
Related: Vikings
Sat, Apr 28, 2012 02:08:00 PM

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2Shaun Hill
3Kellen Moore
4Thaddeus Lewis
RB1Reggie Bush
2Mikel Leshoure
3Joique Bell
4Theo Riddick
5Steven Miller
GLB1Mikel Leshoure
2Reggie Bush
3RB1Reggie Bush
2Joique Bell
FB1Montell Owens
2Shaun Chapas
WR11Calvin Johnson
2Nate Burleson
3Mike Thomas
4Kris Durham
5Brian Robiskie
WR21Ryan Broyles
2Corey Fuller
3Patrick Edwards
4Micheal Spurlock
5Matt Willis
WR31Nate Burleson
TE1Brandon Pettigrew
2Tony Scheffler
3Michael Williams
4Matt Veldman
5Joseph Fauria
K1David Akers
2Havard Rugland