NFL Draft Wishlist: Detroit Lions
By Josh Carter
The Lions were a very underachieving team this year. They are loaded with talent everywhere but suffered from poor play from their offensive line and secondary. A stronger defensive backfield coupled with improved protection for Matthew Stafford and those often injured Detroit running backs will bring the Lions back to contending for the NFC North title.
Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Dee Milliner (28) breaks up a pass intended for Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver DaVaris Daniels (10) during the second half of the 2013 BCS Championship game at Sun Life Stadium. The pass was intercepted by Alabama defensive back Ha
Round 1 – Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama – If available, he would be a slam dunk. Eric Fisher is another option but since they just took Reilly Reiff 1st last year, I say they give him another shot and should focus on coaching him up. Plus, in 2013 the O line class is deep but there are no DBs on the board who could quite match up to Milliner that we’ve seen so far. If not available, look for the Lions to give Milliner’s college teammate, Chance Warmack a look to help anchor down their interior offensive line.
Jan 02, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Louisville Cardinals running back Jeremy Wright (28) is tackled by Florida Gators defensive back Matt Elam (22) as his helmet comes off during the second half of the Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. defeated Florida 33-23. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Round 2 – Matt Elam, S, Florida – The Lions are in a great position to upgrade their safety in the 2nd round. It’s a deep safety class, and it looks like a lot of teams may address other issues in the 1st round, so the Lions have a great shot at Matt Elam, the #2 rated safety for a 2nd round to round out and solidify their secondary. If the Lions can add a player like Elam after getting a standout like Milliner, they instantly become a candidate for the most improved secondary in the NFL next season.
Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; Senior Bowl south squad offensive lineman Dallas Thomas of Tennessee (71) prior to kickoff of a game against the Senior Bowl north squad at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Sleeper Pick – Dallas Thomas OG/OT, Tennessee – The Lions really need to do something about the offensive line to protect it’s quarterback so they could properly utilize the best wide receiver in the game. The Lions have needs at multiple positions on the line so a versatile player who can move between guard and tackle is needed. Dallas Thomas is a player who shows skill and starting potential. It seems like he’s flying under the radar as a Tackle because everyone is still talking about Terron Armstead and Lane Johnson’s crazy fast combine 40s. If he falls to the 3rd or 4th he’d be a sleeper pick for many teams, I say the Lions take advantage of that opportunity.