Detroit Lions headlines: Maurice Hurst, drafting a running back

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 01: Maurice Hurst #73 of the Michigan Wolverines rushes quarterback Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers during the second quarter of the game at Michigan Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 01: Maurice Hurst #73 of the Michigan Wolverines rushes quarterback Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers during the second quarter of the game at Michigan Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

After a heath scare, is Michigan defensive tackle Maurice Hurst still worth consideration for the Detroit Lions in the first round? That and more in today’s headlines!

Following the loss of Haloti Ngata this offseason, the defensive tackle position seems to be the most urgent for the Detroit Lions. Especially when you factor in that their new head coach, Matt Patricia, is the New England Patroits’ former defensive coordinator.

One of the names early on the radar for the Lions has to have been Michigan defensive tackle Maurice Hurst. Touted as a likely first round pick, an undiagnosed heart condition ousted Hurst from the Scouting Combine last month. Now, cleared by his doctors to play, will the Lions risk drafting him in the first round?

We’ll cover that hot topic and more as we dive into today’s headlines.

Michigan’s Maurice Hurst would fit Detroit Lions in NFL draft if heart checks out – Detroit Free Press

Defensive tackle is a big need for the Lions. Especially considering their new defensive philosophy, which calls for players who fit in both a 4-3 and 3-4 scheme. Hurst is certainly deserving of consideration with the 20th overall selection. But Detroit may be wise to wait things out and see if his medical concerns allow him to drop to them in the second round.

Lions should draft big-play running back to complement LeGarrette Blount – The Detroit News

The signing of LeGarrette Blount gives the Lions a lot of flexibility in the upcoming draft. His presence as a bridge player allows Detroit to take the highest rated player on their board in the first round over just trying to fill a need at running back. I believe they likely look to day two now to find their future franchise back.

Sylvester Williams could help boost Lions’ run defense – DetroitLions.com

Williams is the kind of run-stuffer Detroit needed last year after Haloti Ngata suffered a season-ending bicep injury in Week Five. But he’s just a good start as the Lions need to stock up at many defensive positions this offseason.

Luke Willson idolized Barry Sanders — now he’s a Detroit Lion himself – ESPN.com

Willson will help fill the void left by Darren Fells, who jetted in free agency. He should help improve the Lions’ run blocking while providing some options as a receiver. But I feel like Detroit still needs a pass catching tight end for the redzone. There are plenty of candidates in the upcoming draft.

Next: Lions should be applauded for free agency moves

Charles Davis mock draft 2.0: Darnold slips to Browns at No. 4 – NFL.com

In the above mock, Alabama defensive tackle Da’Ron Payne is the Lions’ top selection. The aforementioned Hurst drops out of the first round completely. Although Payne addresses a big issue for Detroit, this team has several areas it could address. Offensive line, pass rusher, tight end, linebacker and running back could all also be considerations here.