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NFL Draft 2011: Chris Culliver Reportedly Visited Detroit Lions

Defensive back Chris Culliver tackles quarterback Greg McElroy.
Defensive back Chris Culliver tackles quarterback Greg McElroy.

National Football Post reports that the Detroit Lions hosted South Carolina cornerback Chris Culliver for a visit "late in the draft process." A specific date wasn't mentioned, but I'm assuming the visit happened last week as the Lions made their final preparations for the 2011 NFL Draft.

Culliver also recently visited with the Miami Dolphins. National Football Post mentions that he privately worked out with four teams: the Oakland Raiders, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs. His earlier visits included stops with the Minnesota Vikings and Houston Texans.

Culliver apparently was originally projected to go in the fourth round. According to NFP, he has received some second- and third-round grades from teams, so perhaps the Lions could be looking at him as a late day two or early day three pick that could fill a need in the secondary or serve as depth.

Culliver is the Gamecocks' all-time kick return leader with 2,476 yards. Culliver dealt with a torn pectoral last season, but has recovered from his injury. He was moved from safety to cornerback prior to last season. As a junior, Culliver was a second-team All-Southeastern Conference selection when he recorded 52 tackles and returned 26 kickoffs for 585 yards.

The Lions NFL Draft visit/workout tracker, which now includes a total of 31 players, has been updated with this news.

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