Detroit Lions Take Your Pick: Robert Porcher or Cliff Avril?

Who will go down as the better defensive end to wear a Detroit Lions uniform, Robert Porcher or Cliff Avril?

A question that seemed outrageous only two years ago must now be taken seriously by the football community.

Cliff Avril has burst onto the proverbial scene, amassing 19.5 sacks in the last two seasons, and a total of 30 over the course of his four year career.

A great pass rusher, he is reminiscent of the player he is being compared to, Robert Porcher.

Porcher, a first round draft choice in 1992, recorded 95.5 sacks during his 13 seasons in a Honolulu Blue and Silver uniform, more than any other player.

Over those 13 seasons he played in 187 games, third most in Lions history, and earned three trips to the Pro Bowl.

His best stretch came from 1996 to 2001. During those six years he had 68 sacks, second most in the NFL for that time frame.

But is that enough to still claim he is better than the young Avril?

After all, the Lions third round pick in the 2008 draft has those 30 sacks in his first four NFL seasons, Porcher had 17.5.

What is certain is that both players have had the benefit of excellent defensive lineman next to them.

Porcher lined up with the likes of Shaun Rogers and Luther Ellis, while Avril has Ndamukong Suh, Corey Williams and Nick Fairley by his side.

Avril's career is only just beginning, with seemingly endless potential, while Porcher's 13 seasons are already completed.

So the question I pose to the Bleacher Report community and the Detroit Lions fan base is this:

When creating the ultimate roster for the Detroit Lions, who is higher on the depth chart, Cliff Avril or Robert Porcher?

Place your vote in the sidebar and leave your comments and reasoning below.