The Detroit Lions continued their preparations for the 2011 NFL Draft by hosting two players from the Big 12 for a visit today: Oklahoma running back DeMarco Murray and Missouri defensive end Aldon Smith.

This is Murray's first pre-draft visit, and he enjoyed getting the chance to meet with the coaches, especially running backs coach Sam Gash.

"Each meeting that I’ve had so far, I thought, went really well. Coach Gash is a great guy, definitely seems like someone I could play for and someone that can relate to his players. He’s done it first hand, he’s been a part of it and knows and understands what it means to be a running back and a fullback."

Smith got a chance to talk with defensive line coach Kris Kocurek, who gave him a preview of what it would be like to play on the Lions' defensive line.

"I definitely like coach Kris Kocurek, our meeting went well and I would love to play out here. He showed me how the d-line attacks everything and I really like their style."

The Lions NFL Draft visit tracker has been updated to include this news.