Lions host free-agent guard Justin Blalock

Allen Park — The Lions turned their attention Thursday to filling another one of their biggest needs and are hosting guard Justin Blalock on a free-agent visit.

Blalock, 31, has spent the past eight years playing left guard for the Atlanta Falcons, and the Lions are hoping to find a starting left guard in free agency.

Rob Sims, who started at the position for the Lions the past five years, is also a free agent. The 31-year-old has had interest from multiple teams, but as of Wednesday, he hadn't received any offers. Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said recently the team would like to re-sign Sims, but the front office will look at potential upgrades, too, after Sims struggled the past two years.

Whether the 6-foot-3, 320-pound Blalock is much of an upgrade is unclear. Pro Football Focus ranked Blalock as the No. 25 guard last season, ahead of Sims at No. 40. But based on the grades for Blalock in previous years, he's a declining player.

Even if the Lions sign Blalock, Sims or another free agent, they'll likely draft a long-term solution at left guard. In 2013, they took Larry Warford in the third round, and he's started the past two years at right guard. In 2014, they selected Travis Swanson in the third round, and he'll likely be the starting center in 2015. The Lions could follow that trend and find a future interior solution in the draft next month.

In addition to guard, the Lions still need another defensive tackle and a couple cornerbacks in free agency.

jkatzenstein@detroitnews.com

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