With Levy Again Left Out Of Pro Bowl, Mayhew Plans To Suggest Change To Format
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
ALLEN PARK (CBS DETROIT) - Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew did not say if or when the Lions will begin working to re-sign linebacker DeAndre Levy, a major force on Detroit's defense this season.
The question about Levy's future in Detroit, however, got Mayhew talking about a possible change in the Pro Bowl format that would give Levy and others like him a better chance of being selected to it.
"DeAndre's been an outstanding player for us, as you know - should be in the Pro Bowl," Mayhew said. "I'm on the GM advisory committee. I'm going to make a recommendation that we elect a Pro Bowl team with a 3-4 defense and a Pro Bowl team with a 4-3 defense because you see guys like DeAndre and like Lavonte David that don't really get the credit they deserve, don't get an opportunity to be Pro Bowlers because 3-4, these guys have so many sacks, and a lot of fans are voting for guys with sacks.
"There are some 4-3 outside backers who are outstanding players," Mayhew added. "I think they should be recognized as such."
Pro Football Focus rates Levy third among linebackers who play in a 4-3 defense. PFF lists only Oakland's Khalil Mack and Denver's Von Miller ahead of Levy. Mack and Miller were both top-five picks in their respective drafts. The Lions acquired Levy in the third round back in 2009.