NFL Combine Football(8).JPG

Alabama safety Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix was among the 22 players known to have interviewed with the Lions at the combine. (AP Photo)

INDIANAPOLIS -- The 40-yard dash and the bench press and the three-cone drill -- what players call the Underwear Olympics -- have popularized the NFL combine to the masses.

But for the teams themselves, this event is as much about the interviews and medicals than anything else.

The combine often provides the first point of contact between coaches and players. Teams can meet with 60 players formally, but an unlimited number informally. And there are no rules that govern contact with agents.

Detroit was extremely active talking with receivers -- it spoke with six of the eight fastest receivers here, as it turns out -- and defensive backs. Which is unsurprising, considering those are the team's two biggest needs, and they could be targeted with the 10th overall pick.

With the combine set to end today, here is a list of the 22 guys who said they had interviewed with the Lions in Indianapolis, or were scheduled to.



And of course, there's always the possibility the Lions try some subterfuge, and avoid talking to the guys they're really interested in. It's going to be a long two-plus months until draft day.

RECEIVERS

Odell Beckham Jr., LSU

Brandin Cooks, Oregon State

Mike Evans, Texas A&M

WR Jeff Janis, Saginaw Valley State

Cody Hoffman, BYU

Marqise Lee, USC

Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt (per The Tennessean)

Donte Moncrief, Mississippi

Paul Richardson, Colorado

Sammy Watkins, Clemson

CENTERS

Russell Bodine, North Carolina

Weston Richburg, Colorado State

Bryan Stork, Florida State

DEFENSIVE ENDS

Kareem Martin, North Carolina

LINEBACKERS

Ryan Shazier, Ohio State

CORNERBACKS

Keith McGill, Utah

Marcus Roberson, Florida

Bradley Roby, Ohio State

SAFETIES

Terrence Brooks, Florida State

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Alabama

Ahmad Dixon, Baylor

Calvin Pryor, Louisville