Lions likely to address ‘D'

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The Detroit Lions finally achieved some of the success seemingly predicted annually for them over the past couple of years. But the NFC North isnt standing still and the Lions wont stand still addressing needs.

Detroit should look at middle linebacker, cornerback and wide receiver, in that order, according to a breakdown by ProFootballFocus.com. Not sure wideout would be at in the top three of most lists, given Nate Burleson and Titus Young supporting Calvin Johnson, but the number of drops by Burleson and Young were part of the thinking.

Teams dont typically go hard after middle linebackers in either the draft or free agency. The reason MLB is on the list is the uncertainty over Stephen Tulloch, a highly rated every down linebacker who is a free agent. But the Lions dont sound like they intend to let Tulloch walk without a contest.

Stephens a guy that fit our system very well, said defense-based Detroit coach Jim Schwartz. Hes young, hes tremendously durable, hes tremendously productive and I think he can be a big part of what were doing in Detroit. I think that our linebackers were much improved last year. We still have a lot of work to do on defense but guys like Justin Durant and Stephen Tulloch made a big difference on our defense.

Cornerback is always a concern in a division that has Green Bay with Aaron Rodgers and his corps. Chris Houston and Eric Wright didnt hurt the Lions terribly but neither is rated a top corner and PFF mentions Tim Jennings as a reasonably priced option, although that assumes the Bears wouldnt have him back at the right price, and theyve got more money to spend than do the Lions.

Unstated were any concerns over the age of left tackle Jeff Backus, turning 35, a fixture since he arrived in 2001, or center Dominic Raiola, who was selected a round after Backus. Offensive lineman can play well into their 30s but protecting Matthew Stafford is a franchise priority.

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