The Lions went back to their Matt Millen days when they took Eric Ebron, who is a scary-talent, but was far from a need at the tight-end position.  With the secondary a huge priority along with defensive end and offensive tackle, using a top-ten pick on a tight-end basically says to the league, “well, we can’t stop anybody, so were going to try and outscore you instead”. 

Adding Ebron to an offensive core of Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, and Reggie Bush certainly has them on the right track to do that.  However, with two above average tight-ends already on the roster, one of them being a former first-round pick, this pick frustrates me with much better options on the board.  In a division with Aaron Rodgers, Jay Cutler, and now Teddy Bridgewater, you would think infusing talent into the secondary would be a no brainer, instead of adding a third tight end to a crowded group.     

First Round, 10th Pick: Eric Ebron, Tight End, North Carolina 

A better pure athlete than Vernon Davis, and when you think about his size, thats a scary thought.  A big play machine that makes things look easy.  However, when you look at the tight ends already on the roster in Joseph Fauria and Brandon Pettigrew, it makes you second guess the selection with far greater needs on the board, specifically in the secondary.  (Grade: C-)

Second Round, 40th Pick:  Kyle Van Noy, Linebacker, BYU

Had the pleasure of watching Van Noy during the Senior Bowl and I can tell you first hand the guy can play.  A tall, long armed, strong body that has the quickness and athleticism to blow past offensive lineman, and a player that will add another element of disruption to the front seven.  Playing behind Suh, Fairley, and Ansah, he will have every opportunity to fly around and make all the splash plays.  My only concern with Van Noy is his scheme fit in the Lions defense, as he is a much more natural 3-4 outside linebacker fit, unlike their current 4-3 defense.  Knowing that, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Van Noy with his hand in the ground at some point throughout the year.  (Grade: B)

Third Round, 76th Pick: Travis Swanson, Center, Arkansas

Not your sexy fan favorite pick, but Swanson was the number one center heading into this offseason process.  A smart, strong, and most impressively consistent player, Swanson started over 50 games for the Razorbacks.  Teaming him up next to last years rookie Larry Warford, the Lions now have a big time strength in the interior of their line.  (Grade: B-) 

Fourth Round, 133rd Pick:  Nevin Lawson, Cornerback, Utah State

A speedster who was a track star during his Florida days, Lawson has the skill set to be a cover corner in the NFL.  The problem is Lawson has never put it all together on a game-to-game basis, struggling with technique and getting burned far to often, all while being penalized for poor hand use (grabbing).  With his speed and strength, Lawson was considered a developmental prospect, but after using a fourth round pick the Lions clearly feel differently and will attempt to get him on the field early.  (Grade: D-) 

Fourth Round, 136th Pick:  Larry Webster, Defensive End, Bloomsburg 

A former basketball player, Webster has the athletic ability to produce at multiple positions.  The Lions still have a need opposite of Ansah at the defensive end position, but there have been rumors Webster could thrive at tight end, making the switch an enticing option for the team.  Still, this is a pick you make in the last round, not when there is more polished talent available that can help you win now.  (Grade: C-)

Fifth Round, 158th Pick:  Caron Reid, Defensive Tackle, Princeton

Reid had flashes of dominance in Mobile against big names like Weston Richburg and Cyril Richardson.  A boulder of a man, Reid is damn near impossible to move with one guy, and will chew up multiple blockers at will.  On top of his size, he has the hands and quickness to penetrate into the backfield.  With Nick Fairley nearing the end of his contract, this is a great backup plan for the 2015 season, and will provide tremendous depth in the mean time.  (Grade: A-)

Sixth Round, 189th Pick: T.J. Jones, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame

Not your monster target or down-field speedster, but Jones runs excellent routes and shows phenomenal hands.  Jones is a smooth athlete who knows how to get open, and is crisp in-and-out of his routes.  Stock is still rising and should develop into a solid slot target, with the possibility of turning into a number-two wide out down the road.  (Grade: C+)

Seventh Round, 229th Round:  Nate Freese, Kicker, Boston College 

Lets be honest, Jason Hanson will probably be back for his 69th year.  But, if for some crazy reason he’s not, Freese showed the potential to be an adequate kicker at the next level.  A smooth swing, Freese was as consistent as they come, and was one of the most highly regarded kickers coming out of college.  Lacks the big-leg you’d like to see, and has had multiple knee surgeries, making him a risky long term solution.  (Grade: B-)