Just because the main role is support, does not mean that it cant excel at any other role.
And heres why.
Pros of support class:
-CC -Utility -Multiple build paths -not expected outside of support -some form of peel(usually) -Excellent gank potential, especially in solo lanes.(Great for carry jungler's like udyr and yi)
Cons of support class:
-squishy early unless melee, which is unfavorable -not huge amounts of damage (Unless building AP or AD) -not a carry -no huge mobility(usually)
Really they can only not do adc and jungle.
So why do I bring this up? Because its relevant. Ive been struggling with the CC-assassin meta, and don't like playing tanks(I feel like a huge useless lump) and thats where support became apparent. Lulu thresh bard, all great examples of potential solo laners, lulu already making the scene because of her utility. But I've found bard to be an absolute gem, and heres why:
AP Bard top:
you may call me a troll on this one, but I shit you not, this is legit. A high utility support and a powerful laner, due to innate sustain(Chimes and shrines) and powerful burst(q auto meep thunderlords) while also having massive roam potential(E) and anti-gank and gank potential(ult q e plus auto slows) Bard makes an ideal top laner, being extremely safe and powerful. most melees will have a hard time keeping up with your constant and safe harass. not to mention you are practically begging them to push with your weak early game wave clear(will change once you get 25, 55 chimes) you set up ganks and start snowballing, your constant autos force them to back off, and when they come forward to farm, there minions are unpushed and you stun auto again, maybe denying farm.
late game you start to hurt, mid game too. Pick up a ludens, sorc shoes and a lich bane and you will start nuking for up to 700 damage, you hurt and the enemy will come to fear you. You will also be the most mobile guy on the map with teleport, e, boots(distortion) and 17% ms from those 2 damage items.
this Niche pick is a great opening pick to, people think "oh bard support!" PSYCHE! ap bard top.
Now heres the great thing about picking bard top that really takes all. He's still a support, by kit. He can still support an adc(great for hyper carries) and can still dish out the beatings. Death may be the best cc but being consta-slowed and stunned is just as good.
So Attention, next time you see a off meta support in a different lane, don't question it, it just works.