The Lions have been inconsistent when it comes to the draft, they can find some gems like Larry Warford, Joseph Fauria and Nick Fairley. But the team has also whiffed a lot especially at wide receiver and cornerback. Those will be the same two positions that will remain a high priority for the Lions front office this offseason, but fortunately for them the 2014 class is deep at cornerback and wide receiver. Hopefully this time the Lions can have more success finding future starters and put themselves on track to remain contenders in the NFC.
1st Round: Bradley Roby Cornerback, Ohio State
The Lions had a chance to take control over the NFC North on Sunday and looked ready to do so leading 27-20 at halftime. But the team fell apart in the second half and couldn’t get anything going offensively while their defense was picked apart by Ben Roethlisberger.
The team came into this game ranked 27th in the league allowing 275.6 passing yards per game, that number will be going up even more after surrendering 367 yards to Roethlisberger. While their secondary was picked apart with eight different players recording a reception, they were killed by Antonio Brown. No matter who they put on Brown they just couldn’t stop him, he could beat them deep or just across the middle and he would let his speed do the rest. The Lions need to bring in another top cornerback and Roby is the guy. While he has struggled this season and been one of the biggest draft disappointments the potential is still there to be a great corner.
2nd Round: DeVante Parker Wide Receiver, Louisville
Calvin Johnson is just a beast, he is the best wide receiver in the game and one of the best the NFL has ever seen. But for all he does every season, the Lions need to find another wide receiver who can shine opposite of him.
It’s not as if they haven’t tried, Titus Young looked good then found his way out of the league, Ryan Broyles has shown promise but another season-ending injury makes his future cloudy and Nate Burleson is just old.
The Lions need to bring in a wide receiver who can take advantage of single coverage and make big plays. Parker is one of my favorite wide receivers in the 2014 class and offers great value late in the second. While some may think he benefits from having Teddy Bridgewater throwing him the ball, Parker has developed chemistry with Bridgewater that we see on the field.
Many of Bridgewater’s big throws especially in the red zone go Parker’s way. He knows how to track the ball and make contested catches in the end zone, or he can take the ball in space and make a play with his speed. He would be an excellent complement to Johnson and make the Lions’ passing attack even better than it is now.
3rd Round: Seantrel Henderson Offensive Tackle, Miami
The Lions will have a decision to make in the offseason, do they keep Jason Fox or let him walk and look towards the draft for a potential replacement. If they decide to let him go finding a right tackle will be a priority for the team in the draft. Henderson has been on a rollercoaster ride since he was a five-star-recruit out of Minnesota. He has looked good at times as a member of the Hurricanes but attitude, effort and maturity are a big concern.
There is little question that Henderson has the physical ability to be a long-term starter in the NFL, but he needs to prove he wants it bad enough. The Lions shrink the risk by taking him in the third round, they can let him work with coaches on his technique and patiently develop to earn the job. If he earns it, they will be looking at a key piece on the offensive line who will be a starter for the next 10 years.
4th Round: Anthony Steen Offensive Guard, Alabama
After addressing the need at right tackle, the focus has to shift inside to the offensive guard where the Lions need to continue to build. While everyone likes to focus on tackle play and keeping the outside pressure contained, if you lose the pocket and the pocket breaks down your quarterback is in even more trouble. Stafford has looked very good this season but if Detroit wants him to become more consistent and prove himself and become one of the best in the game, he needs more protection.
The Lions found a stud last year at right guard in Warford, but they need to replace Rob Sims on the left side. Steen could have entered the draft last year but made the decision to stay and while Alabama’s offensive line has struggled at times this season, there is plenty of potential still there. Steen can step in right away and help give the Lions an excellent future group of protectors for Stafford.
5th Round: Carl Bradford Outside Linebacker, Arizona State
After filling needs on offense with their last three picks and improving the secondary, the Lions now have to target an outside linebacker.
While the Lions have done an excellent job building their front seven, they need to find another linebacker opposite of DeAndre Levy.
The situation right now isn’t pretty with Ashlee Palmer atop the depth chart and Tahir Whitehead right behind him.
To make matters worse the only other option is veteran Rocky McIntosh who will be a free agent at the end of the season with his career near the end.
The Lions find their next outside linebacker though in Bradford, someone who can create outside pressure on the quarterback and cause nightmare scenarios for the opposing team.
6th Round: TJ Jones Wide Receiver, Notre Dame
A wide receiver group of Johnson and Parker will be dynamic but with Broyles future in doubt and Burleson towards the end of his career, adding more weapons is a necessity. We know Johnson can do it by himself and Parker will get plenty of chances to make big plays against single coverage, but adding a guy like Jones would just be icing on the cake. While the Fighting Irish have been quiet this season, Jones has been making plays on a weekly basis. The senior wide receiver will impress scouts with his route running and hands and would plug in perfectly for this offense.
7th Round: Deion Belue Cornerback, Alabama
After adding a cornerback in the first round, Detroit has to keep adding depth on defense and finding players who can contribute right away. While Belue may not offer a lot of upside he has plenty of experience as a senior playing for the Crimson Tide and could step in if Detroit deals with injury or poor performance. Belue has dealt with plenty of injuries in college and needs work with technique but he has a future in the NFL.