Tyler Lockett, Angelo Blackson

Auburn defensive lineman Angelo Blackson took a pre-draft visit with the Detroit Lions on Tuesday.

(AP File Photo)

The Detroit Lions continue to explore the depth this draft class offers at defensive tackle, hosting Auburn's Angelo Blackson for a pre-draft visit on Tuesday.

A strong performance at the combine has forced talent evaluators to take a closer look at Blackson, a four-year rotational lineman for the Tigers. Despite weighing in at a hefty 318 pounds in Indianapolis -- 12 more than his listed playing weight -- the 6-foot-4 Blackson ran a surprisingly swift 5.02-second 40-yard dash.

In four years at Auburn, he recorded 65 tackles, 17 for a loss, and 4.5 sacks. At the combine, he discussed not being able to fully showcase his abilities while at the school.

"I've got a chip on my shoulder," Blackson said. "I feel like I've been overlooked during my collegiate career. I want to leave an impression, I want to stand out."

Blackson is currently viewed as a late-round selection. After trading a fourth- and a fifth-rounder to the Baltimore Ravens for defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, the Lions skill own three late choices -- No. 199 in the sixth round and Nos. 231 and 240 in the seventh and final round.

Detroit has already hosted three other defensive linemen, all projected to come off the board in the first two days of the draft. Florida State's Mario Edwards Jr., Washington State's Xavier Cooper and Oklahoma's Jordan Phillips previously made the trip to Allen Park.

Lions defensive line coach Kris Kocurek also conducted drills for Texas' Malcom Brown at the school's pro day last month.

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