Team Needs
Team Needs:
CB
DT
RB
DE
OT
SS
OG
The Skinny: The Lions have their quarterback in Matt Stafford and their playmaker in Calvin Johnson; it's now time to focus on the front line and defense, right? Right? The Lions have needed to bolster their offensive and defensive lines for years, and we have to imagine at some point they will actually do it. They are also razor thin in the secondary behind second year standout FS Louis Delmas. The knee injury to running back Kevin Smith means the Leos will be looking for a back in this year's draft. And as silly as it may sound, Jason Hanson is getting long in the tooth and was a marginal 8-of-14 from beyond 40 yards this past season. Hanson probably has another year or two left, but adding his eventual replacement, and someone who can boot the ball deep on kickoffs, wouldn't hurt. While not a priority, it wouldn't shock us if they burned a late round pick on a kicker. After all this is the Lions we are talking about.
4/15 Update: The Lions have done some tinkering this offseason, bringing in WR Nate Burleson and DE Kyle Vanden Bosch. They've also obtained CBs Chris Houston and Jonathan Wade, G Rob Sims, and QB Shaun Hill, not to mention DE Corey Williams. All in all a solid offseason. This team is still chock full of holes, though, and can use help just about anywhere.
Mock Draft
1
-2.
DT
Ndamukong Suh,
Nebraska
The Skinny: Despite addressing the defensive line in free agency, the Lions still need plenty of help up front. Assuming Suh doesn't go number one to the Rams, the Lions get the guy that everyone believes is their main target and probably the top talent in the draft. Don't be shocked if they select Russell Okung, however.
2
-2.
CB
Amari Spievey,
Iowa
The Skinny: If the Lions actually take two defensive players with their first two picks, we'll be shocked, stunned and finally feel like they get it. Our gut feeling is they will be tempted to take a running back, however.