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.