In the near future, the Detroit Lions will be picking tenth in the NFL Draft, assuming they stay put. The lack of wide receivers aside from Calvin Johnson, middling linebacker play, and horrendous defensive back performance ultimately led Detroit to having as high of a pick as they do. Unfortunately, while Matt Stafford is certainly a starting caliber quarterback, he can not do enough to be able to counteract the plethora of problems Detroit had faced. That being said, the Detroit front office made a priority of fixing some issues, as well as creating new ones, via free agency.
The most notable acquisition that Detroit made was wide receiver Golden Tate. After being allowed to walk from the Seattle Seahawks, Tate signed a contract with Detroit and will fill their absence of a lethal slot threat. Likewise, former Baltimore Ravens safety James Ihedigbo was brought in as Glover Quinn’s complimentary safety, at best. In all likelihood, he may end up as a role player once again, depending on how the draft plays out. Although, Detroit created a need at defensive end after allowing Willie Young to move on. Lastly, at most importantly, the rumors of trading either Ndamukong Suh or Nick Fairley in order to move up or gain more picks may very well come true and open up yet another vacancy.
Major Needs
Wide Receiver: Yes, Tate was signed, but he is not a presence as an outside (flanker) receiver. He is a wonderful slot receiver, but he is limited to that role. As of now, the next best option is Kris Durham. Durham has a place as a third option, at best, but should not be relied on as a No.2 receiver. Detroit is in luck with this need considering the stunning amount of talented receivers in this draft class. It would be ideal to snag a top receiver with the tenth pick, but if they feel the desire to go elsewhere, a solution at receiver can be found in the next round.
Defensive Back: Whether it be at cornerback or at safety, Detroit needs defensive back help. Despite the signing of Ihedigbo, the Lions still lack a safety with the ability to play a single-high role at an efficient level. Similarly, none of the current cornerbacks on the roster have the ability to handle most No.1 receivers. The safety class is thin, but the depth of the cornerback class could lead to Detroit getting a steal if they choose to take a different position with the tenth pick.
Outside Linebacker: On one side, DeAndre Levy is a starting caliber linebacker that has proven his ability to be a versatile force in Detroit’s defense. Opposite of him, the play has been less impressive. Much like the safety class, this 4-3 outside linebacker class is rather devoid of starting caliber talents aside from the top few.
Defensive End: Ezekiel Ansah is currently Detroit’s only established starter at defensive end. Jason Jones and Devin Taylor have yet to prove they can handle a starting role, which is unsettling in a pass-heavy league that requires defenses to be able to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. Unfortunately, this class is somewhat devoid of true 4-3 defensive ends. If they intend to address the issue with a starting caliber player, they may have to jump the gun and take on earlier than they may originally plan to.
Day One Targets (First Round)
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix: As stated before, Detroit does not have a serviceable a single-high type of safety. Clinton-Dix is a hybrid safety that can both cover well and play dominant run defense. His range when playing deep is much better than that of anyone Detroit has on the roster. His angles and brutal tackling ability makes him a reliable run defender that will be able to handle “last man” responsibilities.
CJ Mosley: Talent-wise, Mosley is a top five player in this class, but the unattractiveness of taking an off-ball linebacker that high will force him to fall. Pairing Mosley with Levy would make for a vicious outside linebacker duo that has the flexibility to be interchanged and moved around, yet provide the same presence.
Mike Evans: Having one talented 6’4”+ receiver is troublesome enough for defensive coordinators, but two? Nightmarish. Evans, like Johnson, and even tight end Joseph Fauria, can be trusted to win most jump-ball situations and plow through defenders to pick up a first down. With Johnson drawing the attention of teams’ top cornerback, Evans will be left to absolutely abuse the generally less talented No.2 cornerbacks of the league.
Justin Gilbert: Gilbert is not the most talented cornerback in the class, but the attraction to him is understandable, especially for Detroit. He fits their mold of cornerback. Even recently, Detroit drafted a “discount” version of Gilbert in Darius Slay. If Gilbert could be refined by Detroit’s staff, he could become the No.1 cornerback that Detroit needs.
Day Two Targets (Second and Third Round)
Kyle Van Noy: If Detroit were to opt out of selecting Mosley, Van Noy is likely to be the next best option once they are on the clock again. His mix of speed, agility, and instincts makes him a prospect with the potential to be a Pro Bowl player. Despite providing much of what Levy already does, Van Noy has the better coverage and blitzing potential.
Kony Ealy: There have been talks of him ending up in the first round, but there is an equal chance that he falls to the Lions in the second. With Young gone, Ealy can fill his role and immediately provide an equal or better presence. His hand quickness, bend, and run defense make him a solid replacement for Young.
Jared Abbrederis: If Detroit passes on Evans, they can find a perfect complementary type receiver in Abbrederis. He does not have stunning physical traits, but his precise route running and solid hands make him a safe fallback option for Stafford.
Ryan Shazier: Shazier is a quick, rangy outside linebacker that can lock on and chase down anyone that he wishes. His lateral quickness allows him to move from gap to gap. In the same way, his long speed makes him a security asset in terms of containing players from getting to and exposing the edge.
Andre Hal: Hal does not quite fit Detroit’s typical cornerback trend, but he is the technically sound, smart cornerback that they have been lacking. Hal’s awareness of the field and how to attack specific situations makes him an immediate starter that has the ability to get better.
Third Day Targets (Fourth Round and later)
Kareem Martin: Martin is a large, strong defensive end that absolutely blew up the NFL Combine. If Detroit were to mimmick their Ansah pick by taking a "value" version of him, Martin is their guy.
Cody Hoffman: Although he is a different player than Mike Evans, Hoffman provides a similar height advantage that Evans would. He is not as dominant at the cacth point or in any one area, but has the tools to be polished into a serviceable No.2 receiver.
Tre Boston: Solely in terms of coverage range, Boston may be the best in the class. Unfortunately, he has mental mishaps and is generally poor at supporting against the run. He may be abale to work out his kinks, but could end up being Louis Delmas all over again.
Brandon Coleman: Coleman is 6'6", but plays like he is 5'10". He seldom uses his height and length correctly, but tools are there. At the right price, he may be worth the investment to try and fix.
Dexter McDougle: Prior to suffering a shoulder injury, McDougle was low key having a solid year at cornerback. If he can return to full form, Detroit may be able to get a second round talent and starting cornerback on Day 3.
Christian Jones: Jones is the man without a position. In 2012, he played outside linebacker. In 2013, he played defensive end. Either way, he could be a usefull piece for Detroit to move around and use as a role player.
Final Seven Round Mock
1. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Safety, Alabama
2. Jared Abbrederis, Wide Receiver, Wisconsin
3. Andre Hal, Cornerback, Vanderbilt
4. Kareem Martin, Defensive End, North Carolina
5. N/A
6. Christian Kirksey, Linebacker, Iowa
7. Loucheiz Purifoy, Cornerback, Florida