Yardbarker
x
The Detroit Lions' first top-30 visit has been announced and it could point to who they think they'll lose in free agency
Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The 2025 NFL Combine is over and we've now moved on to top-30 visit season and the first top-30 for the Detroit Lions has been announced. They'll welcome in Georgia linebacker Chaz Chambliss.

If you're unfamiliar with how the top-30 visits work, each year teams will welcome in 30 players that they essentially deem to be their top 30 players in the leadup to the draft. It doesn't mean they're guaranteed to pick them, but it's usually a very good sign they'd like to. 

Last year the Lions had Terrion Arnold, Sione Vaki, Ennis Rakestraw, Giovanni Manu and Nate Lynn in for top-30 visits. They wound up with all of them as you know. 

As far as Chambliss goes, he's a pretty good linebacker who is tremendous against the run and pretty good in coverage too. But where the Lions would love him is rushing the passer. He had 16 pressures and seven sacks for the Bulldogs in 2024.

Chambliss can be a SAM linebacker in the NFL and he can also play the outside linebacker spot. This could mean that the Lions look at him as someone who could replace Derrick Barnes if he leaves in free agency, which could potentially happen. They may also look at home as Alex Anzalone's eventual replacement. 

The Lions have shown a lot of interest in linebackers through the process. They had confirmed formal meetings with Alabama's Jihaad Campbell, Ole Miss' Pooh Paul, Penn State's Kobe King, Minnesota's Cody Lindenberg and Auburn's Jalen McLeod. 

Do not be shocked if this is not the only linebacker who comes to town. Chambliss is currently projected to be a late day three pick. Another reason he's coming to Detroit is because he got snubbed out of the Combine. 

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!