The hunt for a middle linebacker continues.
After trading the first selection of the third-round to the New York Jets, Detroit acquired an additional third, a fourth, and a seventh rounder.
The move gives the team the extra picks they sorely need.
Draft Analyst Chris Steuber |
Levy's an OLB who provides depth. I don't know why the Lions are avoiding the MLB position? It isn't a deep class, but the fact that they passed on Laurinaitis and Maualuga proves they don't believe it's a huge need. |
They spent their first selection in the third (76th overall) on Wisconsin's DeAndre Levy. But Levy projects as an outside linebacker, and likely won't patrol the middle -- where the Lions still have a massive void.
Levy is considered one of the more athletic players in the draft, however. He led the Badgers with five sacks and 9.5 tackles for a loss in his senior year, demonstrating the ability to both make the tackle and reach the quarterback. He finished with 210 tackles and six forced fumbles in his career.
During February's combine, his first interaction with any team was actually with the Lions.
"That was a good icebreaker," he said at the time. "It was probably the most relaxed bunch, they've got a lot of new guys, so it really helped me prepare for the rest of my interviews."
Levy's versatility is also a strong suit, as he can defend both the pass and run. But the Lions might have selected him more for his special teams play: he was considered Wiconsin's best ST player in 2008.
Levy, who claimed to be working the past two years on shedding blocks to improve in run defense, wanted to pick up notoriety for not just being an exceptional athlete, but also a football player.
"I know a lot of guys who are good athletes, but I think being a football player is a little more important," he told Scout.com. "I can do the small things that can make a difference, and I'm willing to learn. I take criticism well, and I'm a guy you can depend on day-in and day-out whether it's in the weight room, on the field or off the field."