Detroit Lions Draft Preview Linebacker

Lions have all of their Off the Line backers back. They weren't very good, especially Jarrad Davis.  JRM is not a starting caliber player but an excellent special team player. Signed Reggie Ragland to compete inside.

Linebackers

Kenneth Murray Oklahoma 6024 241 4.52 21 38" 1009 6.9 Round 1
Fast LB who makes plays all over the field. Flashes on tape with sideline to sideline ability. Future Pro bowl player. 442 games 334 tackles 9.5 sacks

Patrick Queen LSU 6002 229 4.5 18 35 1005 6.5 top 40
Fast LB who played out of his mind during the last part of the season. A little small. In the right system he will thrive. Lions will not be interested him. 40 games 131 tackles 4 sacks 1 int

Malik Harrison Ohio State 6025 246 4.66 36" 1002 6.83 4.32 6.4 Round 3
One of favorite players in the draft. The type of LB the Lions prize. Big with some speed. Can cover the middle well enough. Thumper against the run. Played on the North in the Senior Bowl. Watch for this guy. 52 game 205 tackles 10 sacks 1 int

Troy Dye Oregon 6032 231 2nd-3rd  round
Excellent in space. Not a great point of attack LB. Can play on all three downs. Very active. A great coverage LB. 50 g 397 t 15 sacks 5 int

William Gay Miss State 6011 243 4.46 21 39.5 1104 7.08 4.3 6.6 Round unknown
Gifted athlete. Poor off the field character. The Lions won't be interested in him but has potential.
31 games 99 tackles 6 sacks 3 int

Logan Wilson Wyoming 6021 241 4.63 21 32 1001 7.07 4.27 6.3 Early Day 3 round.
Type of LB the Lions want. Fast enough with good size. Not a plus athlete but can find the ball. Special teams will be a key component of his game.  Played for the North at the Senior Bowl52 games 421 tackles 10 int

Jordyn Brooks Texas Tech 6000 240 4.54 6.2 3rd round
Fast player who makes plays. More of space guy than a thumper. The Lions probably don't like this guy. 47 games 367 tackles 7 sacks 2 int.

Cam Brown Penn State 6053 232 4.72 16 35.5" 1003 4th/5th round
Physical specimen. Has the tools to play on all three downs. Did not really put it together at Penn State. Might need some time to develop. Has upside.

Khaleke Hudson Michigan 5111 224 4.56 30 33" 1000 4th-5th Round
Tweener player. Played hybrid safety at Michigan. Lined up at box (371),  slot (210) and 200 on line.  Played LB at the Senior Bowl for the North. Will be a special teams player while finding a role on the defense.

Tanner Muse Clemson 6020 227 4.41 20 34.5" 1004 6.94 4.12 4th/5th round
Played the safety opposite of Simmons at Clemson. Best around the LOS. Can hit like a truck. Great speed. A miles Killebrew type of player but with big game experience. Will be an All-Pro special teams player.

Evan Weaver Cal 6021 237 4.76 15 32 909 7.02 4.21 5th round.
Slow, weak playmaker. All over the field. Played at the Senior Bowl for the North. Old school football mind. 49 games 411 tackles 8.5 sacks 2 Int

Jacob Phillips LSU 6030 229 4.66 39" 1006 7.38 4.33 5.8 Day 3
Find the ball LB. He will hit you. Limited in coverage. Special teams guru.
39 g 218 1 int

Shaun Bradley 6005 235 4.51 14 32.5" 1001 7.07 4.24 5.9 Day 3
Undersized but Temple tough. Ran a 4.51 at the combine. Will have to make it as special teams player and back up LB.

Akeem Davis-Gaither App State 6014 224 21 reps 3rd round
Played outside LB . Both on the edge (315) and walked out (254). 308 snaps at ILB.  Smart player, runs well. Around the ball. Can dip well on the blitz. Needs to get stronger to play LB in the NFL. Prime special teams player. 56g 258 t 8 sacks 1 int

Shaq Quarterman Miami 6004 234 4.74 23 31" 1000 Day 3
Hard Hitter. A little undersized and has average speed. Great experience at the U. Best defensive player at the Shrine game. 52 games 356 t 2.5 sacks

Cam Gill Wagner 6021 238 4.58 21 32.5" 1002 7.65 4.64 Day 3-FA
Hit and run LB. Best suited for 4-3 will. Special teams will be a strength. Great Shrine game week.
45 g 188 t 36 sacks 59 TFL 8 FF

Justin Strnad Wake Forest 6033 238 4.74 29" 905 4.49 Free Agent
Active player with great football IQ. Always around the ball. Big hitter, poor tackler. Will have to make his way on special teams.

Francis Bernard Utah 6004 234 4.81 19 32.5" 1000 Day 3
Played for the North at the Senior Bowl. Heady player who finds the ball. Slow in coverage. Does not have the size the Lions are looking for at LB.

Kamal Martin Minnesota 6027 240 Day 3
Physical player. Not a great athlete. Good football player. Special teams player.
46 g 177 t 3.5 sacks 4 int

Late round or Free agents
Markus Bailey Purdue 6001 235 15 Torn ACL
Cale Garrett Missouri 6016 234 4.92 32" 1004 6.91 4.13
Scoota Harris Arkansas 5115 234 4.69 18 33.5" 903 7.06 4.32
Clay Johnston Baylor 6010 227 18 reps
Chapelle Russell Temple 6020 236 4.69 21 35"1001 7.38 4.41 NFLPA
Jordan Glasgow Michigan 6001 221 Shrine Game
David Woodward Utah State 6016 230 4.79 16 33.5" 906 7.34 4.47
TJ Brunson South Carolina 6004 219 NFLPA
Dele Harding Illinois 6004 232 4.89 19 34" 910 7.18 4.45