Dave Birkett

Detroit Free Press

INDIANAPOLIS - The Detroit Lions haven't had a dominant defensive line since Ndamukong Suh left in free agency three years ago, a fact they admitted to at least one defensive tackle at this week's NFL combine.

Florida's Caleb Brantley, a potential first-round pick, said Lions defensive line coach Kris Kocurek told him during a formal combine interview Friday the Lions are looking for their Suh replacement in this year's draft.

"They just said they needed a dog along the defensive line, someone who can rush the passer," Brantley said. "They said they really was hurt when Ndamukong Suh left, they need someone to fill that void and I feel like I’m definitely one of the guys that can do that."

Brantley had a team-high 9.5 tackles for loss and two sacks for the Gators last season.

He's considered one of the better three-technique pass rushers in the draft, though he's a bit undersized at a shade under 6 feet 3.

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Suh earned three All-Pro selections in his five seasons with the Lions, but bolted for the Miami Dolphins in free agency in 2015. The Lions had the NFL's second-ranked defense in Suh's final season in Detroit, and have finished 15th and 18th in total defense the past two years.

Though Brantley and Suh are different players, Brantley said he has tried to model some of his game after Suh.

"He’s dominant," Brantley said. "No one can stop him. Anytime he wants to get in the backfield he does it. You can’t stop him. His willpower. And the fact that, like I said I need to improve on my effort, he runs to the ball. He’s been in one of the top defensive tackles in the league because of his effort every play. He’s going to have a long career. He broke the bank because of D-tackles that can run, stop the run, rush the passer, those are coveted defensive tackles and he’s a great example of that."

Speed demon: Washington receiver John Ross set a combine record in the 40-yard dash Saturday, running the drill in a blazing 4.22 seconds (video below).

Ross broke Chris Johnson’s record of 4.24 seconds set in 2008, but must assuage team’s fears over his size and injury history to go in the first round.

“When you say does it help him?" NFL draft analyst Mike Mayock said. "I mean, he jumped 37 inches, he broad jumped 11-1. He had an extremely athletic workout. The problem is, and I love John Ross, his tape is great, so when you compare that, put speed on top of it and all the rest, the issue’s going to be medical. He has a small frame. He’s had multiple knee operations. He’s going to get his shoulder done. Today he cramped up, couldn’t finish. So that’s going to be a theme for him going forward.”

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Contact Dave Birkett: dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.

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