The Detroit Lions still have some of the most talented players in the NFL on their roster with Calvin Johnson, Reggie Bush, Nick Fairley, Ndamukong Suh and last year's first round pick in Ezekiel Ansah. This year, the Lions pick 10th overall, and new coach Jim Caldwell will need to hit right away or the Lions' faithful will be quick to turn on head management for the questionable hire.
So far in the offseason the Lions have signed Golden Tate, James Ihedigbo, Darryl Tapp, and Jed Collins. The Lions have also re-signed Joique Bell and Brandon Pettigrew. Detroit still has a few glaring needs that need to be addressed right away in the upcoming draft.
Safety
With the Lions parting ways with Louis Delmas, they need another safety. Yes, Ihedigbo signed and Glover Quin looks to start on the other side, but the Lions need young talent in the secondary, starting with the safeties. Is Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix an option in round one?
Cornerback
In addition the the safeties, the Lions need serious help at cornerback. Darius Slay looks to man one side, but the Lions need a number one corner on the other side. Could Jason Verrett, Justin Gilbert, Pierre Desir, Darqueze Dennard or Bradley Roby be a fit in Detroit? Absolutely, but what round do they address the need at corner?
Wide Receiver
Despite the signing of Golden Tate, the Lions still need another pass catcher opposite of Megatron. Tate is best suited in the slot, where he can be a star. But if the Lions have a chance to draft Sammy Watkins, Mike Evans, or even an Odell Beckham Jr., they would be hard-pressed to pass on them.
Right Tackle
It seems the Lions need an offensive tackle each and every year, but Detroit's offensive line is just one player away from being a very good bunch. With Larry Warford, Riley Reiff, and Rob Sims, the Lions are almost set on the line. Adding a player like a Joel Bitonio, JuWuan James or Antonio Richardson could take that offensive line to the next level.
Outside Linebacker
The Lions linebacking unti possesses two good players in Stephen Tulloch and DeAndre Levy, but adding one more player to that bunch could make that front seven one of the best in football. C.J. Mosley could be a possibility in the first round, but outside backers in the later rounds such as Christian Kirksey may be a better fit in Detroit.
If Jim Caldwell can get Matthew Stafford to play at a high level and the defense improves, the Lions could be a surprise team in the NFC next season.