Detroit Lions headlines: The next Barry Sanders, Bye bye Jones?

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions rushes the football against the Washington Huskies during the second half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions rushes the football against the Washington Huskies during the second half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Will the Detroit Lions trade up to draft the next Barry Sanders? That question and more as we dive into today’s edition of headlines!

For decades, the Detroit Lions have had to deal with the ghost of Barry Sanders. The Hall of Fame running back hasn’t stepped on a football field as a professional in nearly 20 years. Still, it feels at times like the Lions are chasing his ghosts.

Detroit has struggled to find a suitable replacement for the legend and may never do so. But Sanders was also the third player taken in the 1989 NFL draft. Could the Lions reach that high to draft this year’s version “B”? That question and more in today’s headlines.

What we learned at Combine: Barkley emulates Barry Sanders – NFL.com

If Penn State running back Saquon Barkley is truly the Lions best chance at drafting a new Barry Sanders, Detroit must take it. Whatever the cost. Sanders was a transcendent player who’s exploits still haunt the franchise today. Adding Barkley to an offense that features Matthew Stafford under center would instantly make Detroit perennial playoff contenders … at a minimum.

TWENTYMAN: Comparing the top six running back prospects – DetroitLions.com

Yet, here’s the reason why the Lions may not feel like they need to make a move for Barkley. Here’s a list of five other running backs deem nearly as talented, with the majority having been touted as possible first round selections as well. Even though Barkley is the clear cut number one, his price tag causes hesitation because this running back class is so deep. But in the 1989 draft, Florida State running back Sammie Smith was selected ninth overall by the Miami Dolphins. Barry Sanders was selected third overall. How’d that work out?

TJ Jones expected to test market as Detroit Lions won’t use RFA tender – Detroit Free Press

I understand why the Lions aren’t going to tender restricted free agent wide receiver T.J. Jones, but I hope he lands back with the team anyways. I thought he was a clutch receiver at times for Detroit and liked his upside.

Lions linebacker Brandon Copeland cleared to resume football activities – Pro Football Talk

This is good news for the Lions as they figured to have a need for more linebackers this season as new head coach Matt Patricia likes to run multiple schemes, matching offenses in different ways from week to week.

Next: Lions NFL Combine and draft primer - Running backs

Detroit Lions hire former QB Dylan Thompson as character coach – ESPN.com

This is the reality of the NFL today. Franchises have more invested in their players now than ever before. And they need to do everything they can to protect that investment. Hiring personnel who help insure these players grow both personally as well as professionally is key to running a successful team in the modern NFL.