NFL teams get a total of 60 formal interviews with prospects at the NFL Combine. They aren't extensive by any means, but you can learn a lot about a player from even a brief conversation.
The Lions have been connected to quite a few players at the combine so far. That doesn't mean a whole lot considering they will likely talk to a wide variety of guys, but it's still interesting to check in on which players have chatted with the Lions, so I've assembled a list below. If I've missed anyone, feel free to let me know in the comments.
- USC offensive tackle Tyron Smith was expecting to meet with the Lions on Friday night.
- Central Michigan linebacker Nick Bellore had meetings with the Lions at the combine and the East-West Shrine Game. (UPDATE: Bellore says he did not meet with the Lions in Indy, but he confirmed meeting with them at the East-West Shrine Game.)
- UConn linebacker Scott Lutrus had an interview with the Lions.
- The Lions had a 15-minute meeting with Fresno State's Chris Carter. Dave Birkett reports that Lions defensive line coach Kris Kocurek held the meeting, so they could be looking at him as a defensive end rather than a linebacker.
- Dan Kadar from Mocking The Draft passed along news that Miami cornerback Brandon Harris informally talked with the Lions this week and has a meeting scheduled with them later this week.
- The Lions chatted with California (PA) quarterback Josh Portis, although it wasn't one of their 60 official interviews. The Lions simply "met casually" with him at his hotel. Martin Mayhew said that the Lions wouldn't use any of their 60 interviews on a quarterback, so perhaps this is how they will touch base with some QBs.
- Before coming to the combine, the Lions met with offensive tackles Nate Solder, Anthony Castonzo and Gabe Carimi at the Senior Bowl. They also talked with Michigan State linebacker Greg Jones at the Senior Bowl.
- UPDATE: The Lions met with UCLA linebacker Akeem Ayers on Saturday, and he said that the "whole organization was there."
- UPDATE: Boise State wide receiver Titus Young has met with the Lions.