Sammie

Hill

A designated run-stuffer, Hill increased his snap count by nearly 100 while rotating in on early downs for Ndamukong Suh and Corey Williams last season. He’ll remain in the same role for 2012.

Levy has been tendered at the second-round level ($1.93 million), while Hill and Hilliard drew original-round tenders ($1.26 million). Levy is coming off a 109 tackle age-24 season, and keeping him figures to be a priority for the Lions. He could be an in-house candidate to take over at middle linebacker if Stephen Tulloch is lost to free agency.

Hill has drawn hype as a potential breakout player, but even he expects to remain a situational run stuffer. “I feel like I’m more a run stopper than anything else,” Hill said. “It is what it is. As a big guy, it’s easier for me to stop the run while on my way to the passer.” Playing 99 more snaps (468) than he did in 2010, Hill notched 24 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 2011.

The injury is not serious. Hill, 26, started three games this season and registered 15 tackles. Even though he didn’t record a sack on the season, Pro Football Focus gave him a very solid grade in pass rush situations. Hill was credited with 17 quarterback hurries. He’s one of several Detroit defensive players scheduled to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason.

None of the teams that are interested are known, but Hill, 26, is expected to have a decent market as a young, pocket-pushing tackle. Coming off a down year that saw Hill register just 15 tackles in 15 games, he should come relatively cheap.

Hill is 26 years old and entering his fifth year out of Stillman. While he’s flashed potential and certainly possesses some upside, Hill is a bit of a misfit as a 6-foot-4, 329-pound interior tackle whose strength is penetrating the pocket. He’s weak against the run. The Titans have doled out numerous big contracts over the past 24-26 hours. We’re just not sure they’ve gotten much better.

Hill played just 419 snaps for the Lions last season, and only 437 in 2011. The Titans also view Hill as more of a run-stuffer than pass rusher. Hill is a 329-pound defensive tackle, but has always been better at creating pressure than plugging gaps. To date, the Titans have had a curious offseason to put it kindly.

The Lions are negotiating with Cliff Avril and Chris Houston after re-upping DeAndre Levy, and probably never even submitted Hill an offer. Just 26 years old, 329-pound Hill could be a cheap sleeper for defensive tackle-needy teams.

Branch, a behemoth at 6-foot-6 and 331 pounds, would be a nice fit next to the short and stout, pile-moving Vince Wilfork on the Patriots’ interior line. Branch excels as a run-stuffer, and he could draw plenty of interest on the open market after turning his career around in Seattle. Shaughnessy has the versatility up front that coach Bill Belichick likes. Hill is a pass-rushing wide body.

The Titans are moving fast. Hill is reportedly drawing interest from four teams, but Tennessee is his first known visit. It’s possible he won’t leave town without a deal.