Dave Birkett discusses the Detroit Lions' decision to use a franchise tag on Ziggy Ansah. Dave Birkett/Detroit Free Press
INDIANAPOLIS — During his five seasons as New England Patriots linebackers coach, Matt Patricia worked with some of the era’s most respected players at the position.
Junior Seau. Jerod Mayo. Mike Vrabel. Tedy Bruschi.
Patricia said at the NFL combine this week that his experience as a position coach colored the way he hopes to build his new defense with the Lions, from the inside out and with a strong linebacking corps.
“When you walk into a room with Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel, Junior Seau, Willie McGinest, Rosevelt Colvin, those are going to be the guys that you’re kind of building around from there,” Patricia said.