Leonard

Davis

The mammoth one has played well in his first season at tackle. L.J. Shelton should take over.

He’ll be back as a starter with the Cardinals next season. They need to invest draft picks to help on the O-line.

Reggie Wells will take over for Davis at left guard, and L.J. Shelton is now a second-string player. Coach Denny Green is high on Davis: ''He could be one of the best at any position in the league. I think we want him to get accustomed to (tackle).’' Shelton must lose some weight to get out of Green’s doghouse.

Davis drew little free agent interest last summer and didn’t sign with the Lions until November. He didn’t play a single down in 2011. Turning 34 in September, Davis may be viewed as insurance in case the Niners lose free agent RG Adam Snyder.

Davis wasn’t known to be hurt as he struggled to find a job last season, and was reportedly in “decent shape” when he signed with the Lions in November. He’ll need to be 100 percent healthy by the start of training camp to have a realistic chance of landing a roster spot during his age-34 season. He visited the 49ers last week.

The Lions would rather re-sign Kevin Smith as insurance for Mikel Leshoure and Jahvid Best. In addition to Morris, the Lions are also expected to move on from LB Bobby Carpenter, safeties Erik Coleman and Chris Harris, CB Brandon McDonald, WR Maurice Stovall, and OG Leonard Davis.

The 33-year-old Davis has starting experience at both tackle positions and guard, although his best position is the latter at this stage of his career. Davis has not played in the NFL this season after Dallas cut him on July 26.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Davis is in “decent shape.” Now 33, the powerful run blocker started all 64 games for the Cowboys between 2007-10. He won’t be a starter for the Lions, but should see plenty of snaps on running downs, providing a boost to a rushing offense ranked just 27th in the league.

Davis was expected to be 100 percent this summer after undergoing foot surgery early in the offseason. Failing to land a job before November, Davis didn’t play a single snap for the Lions in 2011. No lock to make the roster, Davis is merely a veteran fallback in case Alex Boone and Daniel Kilgore struggle while battling for the right guard job.

Davis is enjoying a fine first season at tackle. He could be a future Pro Bowler.