Lions 2022 Combine Preview: Inside Linebackers

The NFL scouting combine is scheduled to take place this year from March 1-7 in Indianapolis, Ind.

A total of 324 players were invited to participate in drills, meetings and interviews with the personnel departments of the league's 32 teams.

Ahead of the combine, the staff at SI All Lions will take a look at the key participants that Detroit's scouting department should focus on at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Here are six inside linebackers who could aid defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn's defense.

Nakobe Dean, Georgia

Dean is among the best coverage middle linebackers in this year's draft class.

He recorded 68 tackles (34 solo), six sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions in 2021.

Against Michigan in the College Football Playoff, Dean put on a clinic, as he recorded seven tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.

Devin Lloyd, Utah

The talented linebacker finished his collegiate career with 15.5 sacks, 256 total tackles (150 solo), 65 pressures, 43 tackles for loss, eight passes defensed, five interceptions and three defensive touchdowns.

Lloyd was a finalist for the Butkus Award in 2020 and 2021, and was named a first-team All-American last season.

Christian Harris, Alabama

According to SI's NFL Draft Bible, "Very good athlete accelerates and reaches his good speed quickly making him rangy at the second level. Harris is a communicator on Alabama’s defense, getting teammates lined up and calling out audibles. He is a patient run defender who can scrape and flow fairly reliably. Once he triggers his explosiveness to the ball carrier is apparent. Stacking blocks with his length, he places his hands well and has plenty of functional strength to hold up against bigger opponents. Harris flashes violent hands and upper body strength to disengage. He has his hands ready to take on blocks at all times. His pursuit angles are conservative but get the job done. In coverage, he is very springy and fluid, possessing all the movement skills to succeed in zone or man coverage on tight ends. When blitzing, he is a consistent threat thanks to his burst. Solid open-field tackler."

Channing Tindall, Georgia

Tindall had a breakout season for Georgia in 2021.

As a leader on the Bulldogs defense, the team was able to secure a National Championship by defeating Alabama.

In 2021, Tindall was Georgia’s third-leading tackler, as he recorded 67 tackles (7.5 for loss), 5.5 sacks and one forced fumble.

Detroit's defense struggled as a whole to rush the passer in 2021.

After watching film, it can be said the 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker demonstrated his vast potential as a pass rusher, and also showed he can stop the run in the middle of an NFL team's defense.

Chad Muma, Wyoming

Muma finished his college career at Wyoming with 266 tackles, 43 pressures, 19 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and three interceptions.

His past history of injuries will be a topic of conversation for personnel departments, but his vast skill set was on full display at the Senior Bowl.

Muma brings abilities in pass coverage that could be an even bigger benefit. If the team decides to pass on re-signing veteran Alex Anzalone, Muma could be worth a look for the Lions.

Quay Walker, Georgia

Walker recored 65 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one fumble recovery and three pass breakups last season.

In 13 games last year, Walker ended up as the Bulldogs’ fourth-leading tackler.

Among the best units in the entire country, Georgia's linebackers helped propel the team to a dominant 2021 season that resulted in the Bulldogs finishing as the best college football team.

"He committed to being excellent and doing what he’s supposed to off the field and on the field, became much more of a student of the game. He holds people accountable now, and this is the guy who wouldn’t do it. Now, he’s doing it all," Georgia head coach Kirby Smart explained.