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Initial Detroit Lions draft outlook: Linebackers

The college all-star games are coming up over the next two weeks with the NFL combine on the horizon in February.

Many of the players drafted will have played in one of the three games for seniors or from the underclassmen pool. Over the next two weeks, along with our positional outlooks, we’ll give a few names to pay attention to over the next month. Remember, these lists will be fluid as the draft process continues.

Previous outlooks: Quarterbacks; Running backs; Receivers; Tight ends; Offensive tackles; Interior offensive linemen; defensive line

Senior Bowl:

No. 10 North, Hayes Pullard, ILB, USC (6-0, 230): A four-year starter inside at USC, Pullard led the Trojans with 95 tackles. He also had 5.5 tackles for loss, eight pass breakups and nine passes defended. He’s rated as the No. 4 inside linebacker by ESPN’s scouting service and is rated as having exceptional range versus the run and above average third-down skills.

No. 96 North, Zack Hodges, OLB, Harvard (6-3, 245): He played defensive end with the Crimson, making 118 tackles with 26 sacks in his career. He would likely be more of a project player, but both Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay raved about him earlier this year. His size and ability to have flexibility could make him an intriguing backup to Kyle Van Noy if Ashlee Palmer is not brought back.

No. 42 South, Stephone Anthony, ILB, Clemson (6-2, 245): He was named first-team All-ACC this season. He had an extremely productive career, making 330 tackles, 34.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, three interceptions and 13 pass breakups. He’s rated as average or above average in every category by ESPN’s scouting service.

No. 97 South, Lynden Trail, OLB, Norfolk State (6-6, 260): He originally started his career at Florida before transferring to Norfolk State. He had 255 tackles in his career with 41 tackles for loss, 18 passes defended, eight forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries. He also had 19.5 career sacks and two interceptions. He’s likely a late-round prospect but that’s probably where Detroit would take a linebacker.

Others:

Jake Ryan, OLB, Michigan (6-3, 236): He played three positions at Michigan -- defensive end, outside linebacker and inside linebacker -- but was most effective at outside linebacker. Had 267 career tackles, 9.5 sacks, 45.5 tackles for loss and seven forced fumbles. He’s a very instinctual player, which makes up for some of his lack of pure physical gifts.

Taiwan Jones, OLB, Michigan State (6-3, 252): He had 183 career tackles, 5.5 sacks, 25.5 tackles for loss and six passes defended in his career. He was second-team All-Big Ten this season. He has good size for his position.

Mike Hull, OLB, Penn State (6-0, 232): He has good pedigree as his dad played in the NFL for San Francisco and Green Bay. He led Penn State in tackles with 140, including 10.5 tackles for loss, four passes defended and two sacks. He has good speed for the position, as well.

Eli Harold, OLB, Virginia (6-4, 250): He played defensive end at Virginia, so Harold has some flexibility in terms of positions. He had 17.5 sacks and 36.5 tackles for loss in his career with the Cavaliers. Watching his side-to-side movement will be crucial during the combine.

Trey Depriest, ILB, Alabama (6-2, 242): He finished third on the Crimson Tide in tackles last season with 88, including 4.5 tackles for loss and three passes defended.