Several players caught the Lions attention, including some with state connections such as Michigan State quarterback Drew Stanton and Central Michigan defensive end Dan Bazuin.

The Lions have the second overall pick in the first round, which means they aren’t likely to have a shot at another of Millen’s favorites — Patrick Willis, a middle linebacker from Mississippi. Willis is projected to be drafted anywhere from the 10th to 20th pick in the first round.

“I hate these interviews (with the media) because you fall in love with a kid and then you’ve got to watch him go somewhere else (in the draft) and you say `No, I REALLY liked him,’ ” Millen said. “Would I go with him (as a starter)? Yeah.

• Stanton, Bazuin catch Lions attention