2012 NFL Draft: Lions Host Harvard Left Tackle James Murphy

The Detroit Lions hosted former Harvard left tackle Kevin Murphy for a pre-draft visit on Wednesday, according to the team's website.  

Murphy, who stands at 6'7" and over 300 pounds, is not expected by many to be drafted, although he presents an intriguing package given his size and athleticism.

A former tight end, Murphy believes his athleticism opened up the door for him to be recruited by college coaches. “Not a lot of high school lineman are known as being athletic and that was one thing that was attractive to a lot of college coaches," Murphy said.  

He enjoyed a decorated career at Harvard, where he is working towards a degree in biomechanics, a field in which he aspires to one day forge a career in.

The Crimson ranked third nationally in scoring offense in 2011, and Murphy was selected as a second-team All American for his play. 

The offensive line is an area that many are wondering whether the Lions will address in the upcoming draft, despite the recent extension handed out to veteran left tackle Jeff Backus. 

Offensive line candidates for Detroit to select in the first round (they have the 23rd overall selection) include Jonathan Martin from Stanford, Mike Adams from Ohio State and Cordy Glenn of Georgia, amongst others.