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.

Jim Schwartz kicks off NFL Combine coverage for Detroitlions.com in Indianapolis

The NFL Scouting Combine is officially underway with coverage beginning on Detroitlions.com today.

Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz was available to media in attendance this morning, covering a wide range of topics including personnel along the offensive line and Jahvid Best‘s status heading into the offseason.

Detroitlions.com lead writer Tim Twentyman and columnist Mike O’Hara will have plenty to read throughout the day, but – to wet the appetite of Lions fans – here are some tweets they have already sent out:

@ttwentyman: “Schwartz said there is no update yet on the futures of Jeff Backus or Jason Hanson.”

@ttwentyman: “Schwartz said he was impressed by Ziggy Ansah at the Senior Bowl.”

@ttwentyman: “Lions have hired former Wayne State offensive line coach Terry Heffernan to be their new offensive line assistant under Jeremiah Washburn”

@MikeOHaraNFL: “Jim Schwartz joking about Nate Burleson campaigning for Reggie Bush: “is tampering season officially open?”"

@MikeOHaraNFL: “Jim Schwartz on adding to Lions run game: “one thing I’d like to see from our run game is more explosive runs.”"

@MikeOHaraNFL: “Jim Schwartz on what 2013 draft means to Lions: “we’re going to need help from this draft.” He means not just the first round.”