With the countdown at 13 days, the early first round of the NFL draft gets a little more interesting. Now comes the news that the Philadelphia Eagles have canceled a visit with Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner, per a story in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Milliner is widely considered the top cornerback in the draft. He’s also seen as at least a top 10 pick, more likely in the top five.

 The Eagles have the No. 4 pick in the draft, followed by the Detroit Lions at No. 5.

 So where does this leave the Lions?

First of all, canceling a visit does not mean the Eagles will not draft Milliner. It could all be a smokescreen. Maybe they’ve already made up their minds. Maybe they love MIlliner and want to use one of their 30 visits on someone they don’t know as well. Or, maybe the Eagles have decided to bolster their defensive or offensive lines with the pick.

  If Milliner is available at No. 4 and the Eagles don’t draft him, he could land in the lap of the Lions who need more help in the secondary. Milliner could look pretty good lining up opposite Chris Houston

  This is not a lock. Lions general manager Martin Mayhew is always looking for the best available player. Maybe he’ll have his eyes on someone else.

  But to get Milliner would set the cornerback position up well. They’ve got Houston along with three draftees from a year ago — Bill Bentley, Chris Greenwood and Jonte Green. Those three have not had the opportunity to fully prove themselves yet.

  Last year Lions general manager Martin Mayhew waited until the third round to address the cornerback need. This year?

 Stay tuned.

 (Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Order her book,  “100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die’’ here. It’s also available at bookstores.)