The Detroit Lions have officially kicked off their pre-draft visits as they prepare to decide on who will comprise their next crop of rookies and have gone a surprising route with their first visit.
If you've looked at mock drafts throughout this offseason, many expect the Lions to focus on their pass rush by adding an edge rusher early in the draft.
Beyond that, there is some belief they could pursue a cornerback or look to add some more youth to their offensive line.
Not only did the first player they're hosting not play any of those positions, he isn't even expected to be on most teams' radars until late in day three of the draft.
According to The Draft Network's Justin Melo, the Lions will host Georgia linebacker Chaz Chambliss for a top-30 visit.
The Detroit Lions will be hosting Georgia LB Chaz Chambliss on a "30" visit this week, a league source confirmed.
Chambliss recorded 87 tackles in four seasons at Georgia, adding 17 TFLs and 9.0 sacks to his defensive totals.— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) March 5, 2025
Chambliss won a pair of national titles as a member of Georgia's 2021 and 2022 championship rosters.
However, he didn't really begin to stand out until this past season. Over his first three seasons with the Bulldogs, Chambliss was a part of just 46 total tackles and 2.5 sacks.
In 2024, he set career highs with 40 total tackles and 6.5 sacks.
For his efforts during his senior season, Chambliss was named to the All-SEC Third Team.
He was not invited to the NFL Combine, so this visit will give the Lions a chance to meet with a player who they didn't have the chance to interview last week.
The team's need at linebacker is dependent on how things play out in free agency.
Jack Campbell, Alex Anzalone, and Malcolm Rodriguez are all still under contract, which should have the team set at two linebacker spots.
Whether they can retain Derrick Barnes will determine if they need to fill the third starting spot at linebacker.
The Lions are sure to have plenty of more exciting names come in for visits ahead of the NFL Draft, but it seems Chambliss could be somebody to keep an eye on later in the draft, especially if the team loses Barnes.
