NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero is reporting that Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn has been spotted at University of Michigan’s Pro Day.
It’s no surprise that Quinn — and several other scouts — made the short trip down the road to Ann Arbor this morning, as the Wolverines have four defensive players who are all expected to be drafted in the first 100 picks of the upcoming NFL Draft — EDGE Rashan Gary, EDGE Chase Winovich, off-the-ball linebacker Devin Bush and corner David Long.
There was chatter surrounding Gary potentially being in play for the Lions at pick No. 8 but the addition of Trey Flowers likely puts those speculations to rest as they play the same role on defense and Romeo Okwara is already in the fold as depth.
Winovich could be in play on Day 2 — if he is still available — as he has a lot more positional range than Gary. After exploding at the Combine, Winovich’s stock has been on the rise and if the Lions believe he has the ability to rush from a standing position — he played some linebacker in college early in his career — he could be very appealing to Detroit.
Bush would be fantastic in the Lions WILL role but taking an off-the-ball linebacker at No. 8 is likely too rich and it is extremely unlikely he’s available in round 2. If the Lions trade back, Bush’s value increases and he could be an instant upgrade.
Long could be the likeliest of the Michigan player the Lions could be targeting as he fills a glaring need at cornerback, has the positional range to play both outside and in, and had an elite 3-cone score — the best predictor of cornerback success in the NFL — at the Combine with a ridiculous 6.45 seconds. If he is there at pick No. 43, Long could be the target.
