Lions put the tag on DE Avril: Cliff Avril was given the franchise tender by the Lions on Monday, all but ensuring he'll be back with the team in 2012. He's coming off a career-best year where he had 11 sacks, four passes defensed, his first career interception returned for a touchdown and six forced fumbles along with 36 total tackles. (Updated 03/05/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/27/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Avril doesn't have the tackle totals to excite Fantasy owners but does enough of everything else to be serviceable. We like him as a No. 2 DL in leagues that reward tackles and a No. 1 DL in leagues that do not. (Updated 03/05/2012).
The Lions franchised defensive end Cliff Avril, keeping him in town after a banner 2011 campaign. Avril finished as a Top 5 Fantasy defensive lineman thanks to his team-best 11 sacks, 36 total tackles, six forced fumbles, four passes defensed and interception-return for a touchdown. Basically, Avril played great in his contract year, and he might be in a contract year again in 2012 if he signs the franchise tender. His cumulative numbers have improved year after year, making him a fairly safe No. 1 DL worth a mid-round pick. (Updated 4/23/12)
