The Detroit Lions were one of the most difficult teams to read this past season, as they started the year 1-7 but rallied in the second half of the season to finish with a 7-9 record. The Lions have already made some major changes this offseason, including naming New England Patriots director of pro scouting Bob Quinn their next general manager. The Lions struggled on both sides of the ball during the 2015 regular season, and they may look to add to their defense with their first round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
The Lions love Louisiana Tech defensive tackle Vernon Butler, and he could be a potential target for Detroit's first round pick, according to Charlie Campbell of Walter Football. Butler improved his draft stock with his work at the 2016 Senior Bowl and impressed scouts with his ability to easily get by some of college football's best offensive linemen.
The 6-foot-4, 325-pound defensive lineman displayed his quickness off the snap and a great swim move in practice. The video below was posted by CBS Sports' Rob Rang.
Watch the over-arm swim move from Louisiana Tech DT Vernon Butler, forcing RB into waiting LB. https://t.co/tDtRtcYmm3
— Rob Rang (@RobRang) January 27, 2016
Butler recorded three sacks and 10 tackles for a loss in his senior year at Louisiana Tech. The Lions missed a dominant presence in the middle of their defensive line after losing Ndamukong Suh last offseason, and Butler could make a strong combination with defensive end Ezekiel Ansah. The Lions defensive end was a force in his third year in the league, and he recorded 47 combined tackles and 14.5 sacks.
The Lions have some major decisions to make this offseason, and they are still waiting to hear a final decision from star wide receiver Calvin Johnson on whether he will retire. The Lions could look to target another weapon in the draft for quarterback Matthew Stafford should Johnson decide to retire, but they could also look to bolster there defensive line as defensive tackle Haloti Ngata becomes a unrestricted free agent and may decide to retire.
It's unknown what the Lions' front office will decide to do with the 16th pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, but Butler has reportedly impressed the Lions and may be one of the top players on their draft board come April.
