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Detroit Lions - 0-16 - Head Coach - Jim Schwartz - 1st Year
Key Team Needs: 1. QB 2. OT 3. CB 4. DT 5. LB
Photo - QB Matt Stafford - Georgia
1. Quarterback - The Lions would have to be overwhelmed to pass on Matthew Stafford with the first overall selection. They still have young QBs Drew Stanton and Dan Orlovsky and they could be part of trade moves after the draft process begins. Stafford gives them a franchise type passer, though one that should sit most or all of his 1st season.
2. Offensive Tackle - The Lions have savvy veteran LOT Jeff Backus and young vet OT Gosder Cherilus penciled in as the projected starters. They may address it with their #1 pick with blue chip tackle Eugene Monroe on the board. They could go for Eben Britton with the 21st overall selection. If they pass on the first round, they hope to address this in the early 2nd round with William Beatty at the 33rd overall selection.
3. Cornerback - The Lions have only marginal talent here and will most likely address this position at least once early in the process. They love Darius Butler and Alphonso Smith in the 1st round and D.J. Moore in the 2nd round. Their secondary has been sub par for a decade and needs to add top cover men in the early rounds. With their 3rd round selections, they could entertain corners Macho Harris, Mike Mickens and Chris Owens. They will probably address the secondary twice over the early rounds.
4. Defensive Tackle - The Lions traded vet Cory Redding for backer Julian Peterson. It was a sound move but leaves a pressing need on the inside. They love DT Peria Jerry with their second top pick, the 20th overall selection and Ziggy Hood with their #2 pick (33rd overall). They could opt for DT Corvey Irvin, Fili Moala and Alex Magee with all expected to be available in the 3rd round.
5. Linebacker - Lions have addressed this area fairly early in recent years with minimal success except for the addition of Pro Bowler Ernie Sims. They could draft both a Mike and Sam prospect fairly early in the process. They like James Laurinaitis very much and he could be available at the 33rd overall selection. On the outside, they like Clay Matthews and Clint Sintim in the 2nd round position. They also like Tyron McKenzie on the 3rd round for the SAM spot.
Insiders’ Insights
The Lions have five of the top 82 selections and can address a few major areas with premier prospects. This is a pivotal draft class after a disastrous decade under former GM Matt Millen. They could trade one of their young passers Stanton or Orlavsky after selecting Matt Stafford for another top 100 selection. They have many needs, but can address several key areas over the top three rounds. They have several key defensive needs that have to be addressed if they expect to compete for the playoffs. They hope to add a bookend LOT in the later first early 2nd round area to develop with Stafford. They also want to add a pass rushing DT will a prime selection. They could address this position early with Jerry and Hood highly coveted prospects. Their offensive line may add a few prospects both left tackle and an interior blocker. Both the linebacker and secondary units will probably be addressed fairly early with one of their top 4-5 picks.
1st Round Pick - QB Matt Stafford - Georgia - Well developed QB can be a franchise type leader.
Alternate Pick - LB Aaron Curry - Wake Forest - Most developed prospect in this draft class.
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