It is, almost without question, the biggest need the Detroit Lions have on the roster entering the draft. The Lions desperately need linebackers, potentially both starters and some depth.
The franchise released DeAndre Levy in March. Tahir Whitehead is in the final year of his contract. Paul Worrilow signed a one-year deal. Other than Antwoine Williams, who was a fifth-round pick last season, the Lions have no real long-term options at the position.
The Lions have a cluster of players who are better fits as special-teams standouts and don’t have a premier playmaker at the position -- something Levy had become before he was released.