Detroit Lions at the NFL Scouting Combine: What we took from Day 2

Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew stepped to the podium on day 2 of the NFL Scouting Combine, but it was comments made during his private session with the beat writers that drew more attention.

• Mayhew declared that the Lions are specifically going after nine of their 23 prospective unrestricted free agents as the March 12 start date to free agency approaches.
• Detroitlions.com columnist Mike O’Hara took a stab at guessing those nine prospective free agents.
• Mayhew endorsed his hiring of executive personnel assistant Brian Xanders. Denver Broncos’ executive vice president of players personnel – and Xanders’ former colleague – John Elway also had good things to say about Xanders.
• Mayhew also said he is continuing to lend support to former Lions’ wide receiver Titus Young, but that the door is shut as far as Young returning to Detroit.
• With Amari Spievey a restricted free agent and Louis Delmas an unrestricted free agent, the Detroit Lions’ safety group could look significantly different in 2013.

Also available Friday were offensive linemen, running backs, wide receivers and quarterbacks.

• Detroitlions.com lead writer Tim Twentyman speculated whether Alabama’s Chance Womack would become the first guard drafted in the top five since Bill Fralic in 1985.
• Arkansas-Pine Bluff tackle Terron Armstead has potential with his athletic ability to be a mid-round selection for the Detroit Lions.
• West Virginia’s Tavon Austin presents an intriguing option for the Lions as a triple-threat return man, wide receiver and running back.

Saturday’s availability will include more wide receivers and running backs, defensive linemen and linebackers. Offensive linemen will also begin on-field workouts.

Martin Mayhew still extending a helping hand to Titus Young

Titus Young may no longer be a member of the Detroit Lions, but that doesn’t mean general manager Martin Mayhew isn’t willing to extent a helping hand to a man in need.

“We’re going to try and work with him and support him in any way possible,” Mayhew said Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine. “I feel like I want to help him deal with his problems, whatever they are, and we support them.”

Mayhew said he’s been in contact with Young’s family since he was released by the Rams and said he’ll continue to be supportive to him.

Young’s troubles have been well documented in Detroit, which led to his release on the first day teams could do so following the season. Young was claimed off waivers by the Rams — the only team to put in a claim on him — but was later released after the interview process.

Mayhew did reiterate that although he’s extended a helping hand to Young, the door is shut on any possible return to the Lions.

Detroit Lions at the NFL Scouting Combine: What we took from Day 1

Day 1 of the NFL Scouting Combine consisted of head coach Jim Schwartz‘s media availability as well as interviews with some of the top offensive line prospects coming out for this year’s NFL Draft.

Schwartz spoke at the podium and then additionally to the local media outside the actual media room.

Key points from Day 1:

• There is high awareness toward Detroit’s need to create a big-play threat running the football. Schwartz says he is operating as though explosive RB Jahvid Best will not return for 2013, but also believes RB Mikel Leshoure – who had his share of ups and downs during the 2012 season – still has an upside.
• After three seasons of near-perfect personnel consistency along the offensive line, there is a chance the only returning starter from 2012 is guard Rob Sims.
• While many are calling for the Lions to take a defensive end with the No. 5-overall selection in this year’s draft, offensive tackles Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher could also be possibilities.
• Another possibility at offensive line is T Barrett Jones, though the jury is still out regarding his draft stock.
• Though defensive players were not available to the media on Thursday, news regarding the health status of Alabama’s Dee Milliner and Georgia’s Janoris Jones was reported.

Friday’s availability includes Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew, running backs and wide receivers.