Lions host Marqise Lee, two others for pre-draft visits

Three more 2014 NFL Draft prospects visited the Detroit Lions on Thursday, according to Tim Twentyman: USC wide receiver Marqise Lee, Iowa tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz and Mississippi State defensive end Denico Autry.

Lee was at one time considered one of the top receivers in this year's draft, but Sammy Watkins and Mike Evans have really separated themselves from the pack. Lee seems unlikely to be an option at No. 10 as a result, but if the Lions move down in the first round, he could be a candidate to be picked.

The interesting thing about Lee is how much better his numbers were in 2012 compared to 2013. This past season, he had 57 catches for 791 yards and 4 touchdowns. In 2012, though, Lee's numbers were incredible: 118 catches for 1,721 yards and 14 touchdowns. The talent is there, but injuries and quarterback/coaching issues led to a rough 2013.

Fiedorowicz is the latest tight end to visit the Lions. They previously hosted Eric Ebron and Austin Seferian-Jenkins, who both had much better stats in college from a receiving standpoint. Fiedorowicz caught only 30 passes for 299 yards last season, although he did have 6 touchdowns. Over the course of his entire career, he had only 91 catches for 899 yards and 10 touchdowns, so he seems like a more balanced tight end rather than an explosive player in the passing game. I suppose playing in Iowa's offense could have limited his opportunities as a receiver, though.

As for Autry, he is the third defensive end known to have visited the Lions so far (they previously brought in Larry Webster and Jadeveon Clowney). Autry transferred to Mississippi State after spending some time at a junior college, and he had 6.0 sacks and 16.0 tackles for loss in two seasons with the Bulldogs.