The Detroit Lions were struck by the news of Calvin Johnson’s retirement to start the 2016 NFL offseason. Since the Lions have added Marvin Jones, but there are still a number of question marks surrounding this roster. How can the Lions improve their roster in the 2016 NFL Draft?
The Lions offensive line is one of the biggest concerns for Detroit. At tackle a pair of Big 10 prospects could be the answer at right tackle. Taylor Decker from Ohio State and Jack Conklin from Michigan State are two tackles that expected to be picked in the middle of round 1. Another option could be center Ryan Kelly from Alabama. Kelly is a lock to be an all pro center but pick number 16 may be a bit to rich to pull the trigger on a center. Other options at center include Graham Glasgow from Michigan and Max Tuerk from USC.
Detroit could also look to add another receiver. Sure Marvin Jones is a nice piece but it will take more than him to match what Calvin Johnson brought to the table. One player I really like as a 2nd or 3rd round option would be Sterling Sheppard from Oklahoma. Sheppard reminds me of Tyler Lockett from a year ago and could be an impact in the slot. Other wide outs to consider as first round options include Laquon Treadwell, Will Fuller, and Josh Doctson.
On defense I would like to see the Lions potentially take a corner or two as well. Darius Slay has been a solid corner and Bill Bentley is a nice development corner but virtually every team could use another corner. Ohio State’s Eli Apple could be a possibility in round one or two. Apple is a long corner who could be the 2nd corner off the board in this year’s draft.
