Michael Rothstein, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Wrapping up Day 3 of free agency for the Lions

Some thoughts following Day 3 of the new league year for the Detroit Lions, which saw a free agent signing and a visit of another free agent.

1. The Lions are taking a chance on the defensive line. There were pursuits of other defensive linemen and three of their four own free agents are still unsigned, but Detroit went with soon-to-be 25-year-old Tyrunn Walker as its first signing from another team this period. Walker is an intriguing prospect on the upswing of his career, but he’s also unproven in a larger role after being a rotational lineman last season. Colleague Mike Triplett, who covers the Saints, described him as “more decent than dynamic” during his free agent profile of Walker. He’s probably coming in as the No. 3 tackle, but until the Lions make another move, he pencils in as a starter.

2. Detroit is trending toward multiple fronts. The Walker signing and the Haloti Ngata acquisition are two players who were listed as 3-4 ends who could also play nose tackle if necessary. They are also guys who could play in both a 4-3 and a 3-4 if necessary. That these two players were the first two moves made in the new year could signify at least a shift to a front that has a bunch of flexibility based on personnel.

3. Justin Blalock's visit is not good for Rob Sims. That the Lions brought in another 31-year old guard for a visit on Thursday at the very least means Detroit is exploring options other than their own vets. The former Atlanta guard, at least as of this writing, has not committed to Detroit and is expected to also visit St. Louis. According to Pro Football Focus, Blalock graded out better than Sims last season but when you’re talking about players over 30 it is a tough read each year. Blalock is going to be a player to watch for the Lions in the next few days.

4. Michigan should open its pro day. The in-state Wolverines had their pro day on Thursday, yet unlike so many other pro days around the country, Michigan kept the media (and, I’m told, some agents) out of its session. This isn’t a change-of-transition thing between Brady Hoke and Jim Harbaugh because the Wolverines have done this for years. It makes no sense. This is often a chance for non-combine invitees to shine and for those invited to the combine to confirm what scouts and others saw in Indianapolis. This is also the time of year when prospects need as much publicity as possible, so to hide them from the general media and not make them available for interviews after makes little sense. It’ll be interesting to see if this changes in the future once Harbaugh has his program for a year.

5. A fun little tale. So as I was leaving the Lions facility Thursday, I saw a limousine pull out from beyond the gated part of the parking lot typically reserved for players and staff. Considering Detroit had Blalock in town (and possibly Walker), I decided to follow it. It went to a local hotel and pulled up out front. I went to park while keeping the limo in view. I walked up after parking and as I was, the limo sped away for seemingly no reason. Tried to give more chase, but ended up losing the limo pretty quickly after that. Tried a couple other places and it was a fun little chase as part of the day. Just a fun little slice of what free agency and coaching searches can be like.

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