Quote:It's not a current need,  based on the Lions using 3 LB's around only 40% of the time.  Stephen Tulloch is probably playing a half a notch below Pro Bowl level this season. Tulloch has been extremely durable since coming into the NFL with Tennessee in 2006 and has been a very good FA acquisition ( 2011 ) by the Lions.  Tulloch and OLB DeAndre Levy, who is having a Pro Bowl Caliber season, including having 6 Interceptions,  practically never come off the field.  They are 3 down LB's.  The Lions use a nickel Defense more often than not but practically never use a Dime Defense.  

 

Considering how much upside C.J. Mosley has, it would be difficult keeping him off the field.  If the Lions considered him too good to pass up,  which would be a realistic possibility,  I can envision the Lions keeping Tulloch, Levy, and Mosley on the field on a much higher % of downs than the current 3rd LB,  Ashlee Palmer,  sees the field.