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Kyle Van Noy finished his collegiate career with 62 tackles for loss, 26 sacks, seven interceptions and 11 forced fumbles.

(AP File Photo)

Leading up to the 2014 NFL draft, MLive.com writers Justin Rogers and Kyle Meinke will preview prospects who could be a fit for the Detroit Lions.

Name: Kyle Van Noy

Position: Linebacker

School: Brigham Young

Height: 6-foot-3

Weight: 243 pounds

Projected round: Second

40-yard dash time: 4.71 seconds

Bench press reps: 21

Key stats: A stat sheet stuffer, Van Noy racked up 223 tackles (62 for a loss), 26 sacks, seven interceptions and 11 forced fumbles in four seasons at BYU.

How he fits: Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has talked about wanting to install more multiple fronts, while coach Jim Caldwell is looking for a "flame thrower" rush backer to come off the edge. Van Noy could be the answer for both.

The BYU standout has shown a consistent ability to make plays in the backfield, finishing with the sixth most tackles for loss in the past decade. He's also comfortable dropping back and playing in space, as illustrated by his six interceptions as a junior and seven passes breakups last season.

It wouldn't be a disaster for Detroit to stick with Ashlee Palmer in the same role he had last season -- a starter in name, but really only used in run situations -- but Van Noy offers a clear upgrade with three-down potential and a playmaking resume.

Quotable: "Van Noy is another hybrid player who lacks the size of (Stanford's Trent) Murphy but can play in space and has a few nifty pass rush moves. I watched the Washington game and felt like I watched a combination of Chad Greenway and Teddy Bruschi. Van Noy is a solid open-field tackler that may not show up with big stats but he is a good football player. He diagnoses plays quickly and is efficient in his movement. He does struggle a bit against power." -- Pat Kirwin, CBS Sports