Yesterday I took a look at the Detroit Lions’ draft needs after the first wave of free agency was through. Now that we have a clearer picture of the holes that need to be addressed, let’s dive right into this full, seven-round mock draft.
*Denotes compensatory pick.
1. (Fifth overall pick) Eric Fisher - Offensive Tackle, Central Michigan
Like I said in my draft needs article, after Gosder Cherilus bolted via free agency, and Jeff Backus up and retired; the Lions desperately need help at tackle. With Luke Joeckel likely going No. 1 overall to the Kansas City Chiefs, Fisher is extremely close in talent and would be a great pick for Detroit. He can come in and man the blind side from day one, for years to come.
2. (36th) Alex Okafor - Defensive End, Texas
Losing Cliff Avril was a huge blow to the Lions’ defense, and replacing him with Jason Jones certainly isn’t the long-term answer. Okafor is a strong, athletic and talented defensive end; that can put major pressure on the quarterback and also does well against the run. Okafor would likely be a first-round pick in any other year, but with this year’s extremely-stacked draft, particularly along the defensive line he will very likely slide in the second round. Okafor is a great example of need meeting value here for Detroit.
3. (68th) Robert Woods - Wide Receiver, USC
Wide receiver is another deep position this year, and it’s likely a talented pass-catcher like Woods will fall to the third round. It’s no secret that Detroit lacks a true No. 2 receiver and Woods has the tools to fill that role perfectly for the Lions. He is a exceptional route runner, and uses his vision, smarts and quick feet to routinely out maneuver defenders. There are some questions about his hands and slight frame, but if Woods is still available in the third round; The Lions can’t pass on him.
4. (132nd)* A.J. Klein - Linebacker, Iowa State
The Lions need to add depth to the linebacker position, and could probably use an upgrade at any of the three positions. Enter Klein: A smart, athletic player that can play all-three positions, add depth immediately; and is, in my opinion, an upgrade over Travis Lewis. Which, at the very end of the fourth round, is a great value for Detroit. In two years as a starter at Iowa State, Klein excelled against the run, pass rushing and in coverage; racking up 233 tackles (11 for a loss), three sacks, seven passes broken up and two interceptions (including one returned 87 yards for a touchdown).
5. (137th) Will Davis - Cornerback, Utah State
Retaining the services of Chris Houston really helped to stabilize the position, but the Lions still lack another starting-caliber corner to patrol the other side of the field. Davis is an athletic and speedy ball hawk that possesses good man and zone-coverage skills. Because of the depth at corner, it’s very likely a talented player like Davis will fall to the fifth round; ripe for Detroit’s picking.
6. (171st) Akeem Spence - Defensive Tackle, Illinois
Because of the way the Lions are constantly moving Ndamukong Suh around the defensive line, Detroit could really use a dedicated tackle to rotate in and play opposite Nick Fairley when Suh lines up outside. Spence is big, athletic and quick; which normally would translate to playing defensive end in the NFL. But his lack of pass-rushing ability (3.5 sacks in his college career) and ability to occupy gaps would make him an ideal candidate to play tackle for the Lions.
7. (211th) Omoregie Uzzi - Guard, Georgia Tech
It’s no secret that the Lions’ offensive line was seriously horrible last year, and could really use extra depth across the board. Uzzi is a quick and athletic guard, with great mobility. He excels in the run game and is excellent pulling to either side; but holds his own in the passing game as well. He has the ability to play either guard position, and possibly even center. This would be a great value add for Detroit this late in the draft, as Uzzi could rotate in at all three interior positions.
7. (245th)* Quinn Sharp - Punter, Oklahoma State
Jason Hanson is currently the only kicker (or punter) on the lions roster. They need a punter, so why not use an extra seventh-rounder on one? Sharp is a highly talented punter, but he can also takeover kickoff duties from Hanson. Sharp has a huge, powerful leg and could easily kick the ball through the endzone for a touchback on most occasions.