The Detroit Lions are coming off a strong 2014 season after an 11-5 season. After losing Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley the Lions may look to sure up the defensive line early. The trade for Haloti Ngata helps, but the defense still needs some work. A healthy Calvin Johnson should make for an interesting 2015 season.
Look for the Lions to go defense early and often in the upcoming draft. An offense surrounded with Mathew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate, Eric Ebron, Joique Bell, and Theo Riddick should fair just fine. The offensive line could use some depth but besides that look for Detroit to address the defense. Defensive Tackle Danny Shelton would be a dream senario for the team but is unlikely to be available at pick number 23. This then creates a chaotic situation. Malcom Brown is the next best defensive tackle on the board but reminds me of a former Lion Nick Fairley. Brown is a talented guy with a poor motor. After years of dealing with Fairley’s laziness it is unlikely the team messing with another poor motor guy. If the team does decide to pass on Brown what direction will the team go?
Cornerback is another huge need for the Lions. After relying on 80 year old Reshean Mathis, it’s time to get some help through the draft. Bill Bentley and Darius Slay are nice players but Detroit still lacks that number one corner. The Lions would love to keep the home town product Trae Waynes from Michigan State but that would require some luck or a trade up. If the Lions were to stand pat Kevin Johnson from Wake Forrest would be an ideal fit. Johnson is a long press corner who could easily replace the ancient Mathis.
In my Mock Draft I selected Jalen Collins from LSU. The Lions will likely have their pick of the litter once Trae Waynes is off the board. Whether the team selects Collins, Byron Jones, or Marcus Peters the Lions could very well select a cornerback in the first round. Nevertheless the Lions will likely select a defensive player in rounds one, two, and three.
Below is the list of players the Lions have met with as well the list of every draft pick Detroit will hold in this coming draft.
Prospects associated with the Lions:
» Arik Armstead, DT, Oregon: Jeremiah: Armstead would be great fit in Detroit
» Malcom Brown, DT, Texas: Brown impresses Lions D-line coach
» Alex Carter, CB, Stanford: Lions bring Stanford corner in for visit
» Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana: Coleman has pre-draft visit with Lions
» Christian Covington, DT, Rice: Lions DL coach attends pro day
» Mario Edwards, Jr., DT, Florida State: Edwards has pre-draft visit with Lions
» Eddie Goldman, DL, Florida State: Lions among six clubs to host Goldman
» Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia: Gurley will visit RB-needy Lions
» Steven Nelson, CB, Oregon State: ‘Physical’ CB makes visit to Detroit
» Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M: Ogbuehi visits Lions
» Breshad Perriman, WR, UCF: Perriman visits father’s former team
» Quinten Rollins, CB, Miami (Ohio): MAC defensive player of year to work out for Lions
» Clive Walford, TE, Miami (Fla.): Walford met with Lions at combine
» P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State: Seminoles corner visits Lions
» Tyrell Williams, WR Western Oregon: Division II WR worked out for Lions
- Round 1 – Pick No. 23
- Round 2 – Pick No. 22
- Round 3 – Pick No. 24
- Round 6 – Pick No. 24
- Round 7 – Pick No. 14 (from Miami via Baltimore)
- Round 7 – Pick No. 23
