Akeem Ayers and the Detroit Lions are getting to know each other.
The UCLA linebacker had his second meeting with Lions officials Tuesday, visiting their training and practice facility, the team's official website reported.
"They're good coaches and they definitely know what they're doing," Ayers said. "I've already seen a lot of (Lions) football and the organization, especially from a defensive standpoint, and as a defensive player, has really gotten things together around here."
The Lions have been on the road to respectability since bottoming out in their historic 0-16 season in 2008. They went 6-10 last season, despite starting quarterback Matthew Stafford being sidelined most of the time with shoulder problems.
The Lions hit the jackpot in last year's draft. They selected defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh with the second overall pick, then watched him make an instant impact in winning The Associated Press' NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Ayers, who excelled at defensive end and outside linebacker with the Bruins, could add an element of speed and versatility that would complement Suh's bruising work on the inside.
"I've pretty much been a sound 4-3 linebacker at UCLA and really started rushing the passer at the end of my sophomore season and my junior year," Ayers told the Lions' website. "I bring a lot of versatility. I give the coaches a lot of different options, different ways to use me and just ways to make the defense better whether it's keeping a linebacker on the field, instead of bringing a nickel (package) in, it basically gives the coaches a lot more options and a lot of hard play."
