The Lions believe they have a good linebacker in DeAndre Levy.
After that …
The Lions need to get serious about addressing their needs at linebacker, where a collection of veterans trying to resurrect their careers or young players who have yet to produce roam the defensive backfield.
This year's free-agent linebacker class isn't stacked with much top-end talent, but it's deep with quality players who would fit nicely into coach Jim Schwartz's 4-3 scheme.
With Levy, entering his third season, the Lions believe they're set when he's in the middle — and want to keep him there.
But the only way the Lions will move Levy outside is if they can land one of the few talented free-agent middle linebackers on the free-agent market.
Stephen Tulloch, who played for the Titans under Schwartz and knows the system, is one of those players.
But if Levy stays in the middle, there are a number of outside linebackers the Lions could target:
Rocky McIntosh, Washington: A natural weakside linebacker, McIntosh wasn't a good fit inside in the Redskins 3-4 scheme. He's a little awkward in coverage, but excels between the tackles and in short-yardage situations. At 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, McIntosh has the size Schwartz covets in his linebackers and the experience (59 starts the past four seasons) to step in and contribute.
Stephen Nicholas, Atlanta: He's started the past two seasons at strongside linebacker and had 80 and 78 tackles, respectively. The four-year veteran improved in his coverage skills last season after struggling his first three years. Most signs point to Nicholas (6-3, 230) re-signing with the Falcons.
Scott Shanle, New Orleans: The former Cornhuskers standout told The Detroit News he'd love to join fellow alums Kyle Vanden Bosch and Ndamukong Suh with the Lions. Shanle (6-2, 245) has started every game at weakside linebacker for the Saints the past five seasons. He's a terrific tackler (397 the past five seasons) and a capable pass defender (12 passes defended).
Quincy Black, Tampa Bay: Black (6-2, 226) has started the past two seasons for the Buccaneers and has been one of their best tacklers. He struggles a bit in coverage, but at 27, there's room for improvement. The strongside linebacker missed five games (forearm) and still had 61 tackles, two sacks a forced fumble and an interception.
Ben Leber, Minnesota: He'll be 33 in December, so he's not a long-term solution. But Leber has been a starter all nine seasons (Vikings, Chargers). He's just the kind of player who can step in and bring veteran leadership to the unit and have an immediate impact. Leber (6-3, 245) is a terrific run stopper and won't make out-of-position mistakes.
James Anderson, Carolina: Anderson is coming off the best season of his career with 130 tackles, 31/2 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception in his first full season as a starter. The only worry is it took him five seasons to win the job. Anderson (6-2, 235) has the size and skill set to be productive.
Justin Durant, Jacksonville: Entering his fifth season, Durant had a career-high 98 tackles in 2009, then battled some injuries in 2010, playing in 10 games. But his size (6-1, 240) and speed certainly would fit with the Lions' scheme.
