05 Apr 2014 03:56:09
Detroit Lions mock draft:
1 (10) - Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA - Though I would like to see Mayhew move back and get some extra picks, I don't think there will be much interest in the Lions pick unless one of the QB's fall. Therefore we select the best player available, which just so happens to fill a huge need. Barr's versatility to play either OLB or DE at the next level, as well as his outstanding atleticism will allow him to make an instant impact in Detroit as a situational pass rusher whilst his coverage skills are refined. New Defensive coordinator likes employs 3 LB's with more regularity than the Schwartz regime, and Barr representa an instant upgrade over Ashlee Palmer.

2 (45) - Marquise Lee, WR, USC - I truly believe that Lee's injury-slowed 2013 season will cause him to slip in the draft just as it did for Robert Woods and Keenan Allen. If this is the case, then the Lions will happily take the star wideout at this spot and form possibly the best receiving trio outside of Denver. Lee has the quickness and guile to work effectively in the slot, yet also the speed and route running to play on thte outside, and reminds me a lot of the Giants Victor Cruz.

3 (76) - Ahmad Dixon, S, Baylor - Though the signing of James Ihedigbo temporarily fills the need at S, few would consider him the long term answer. Dixon plays wit the kind of aggression that the Lions seek to pair with Glover Quin, and would benefit from being able to learn from Ihedigbo before hopefully competing woth him down the stretch, and in 2015.

4 (107) - Tyler Larsen, C, Utah St. - If either Weston Richburg or Marcus Martin are still on the board here, then the Lions run straight up to the podium. As it is the Lions pick Larsen to be the long term replacement for Raiola. Though, unlike Martin and Richburg, I don't aee Larsen pushing Raiola this year, he does have the tools that if refined for a year under the tutelage of the veteran C, should allow him to step in and start in 2015.

4 (133) - Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech. - This one just makes too much sense. thomas has all the tools, but is raw, needing to work on his footwork and accuracy. In their efforts to help Stafford, Detroit has assembled a coaching staff with considerable expertise at the QB position, so it makes sense to fill their need for a backup QB with a developmental talent that they can potentially look to trade away 2 or 3 years down the line. Greeat fit for all involved.

4 (136) - Cody Latimer, WR, Indiana - The Lions are committed to their overhaul of the WR corps, and so shouldn't stop with the selection of Marqise Lee. As of now, no WR other than Calvin, Tate and Lee are assured of a roster spot, so bringing another of this deep WR class in to compete with Ross, Broyles, Durham and Ogletree makes sense. Latimer has the size, speed and hands NFL teams covet, and is a great value pick here.

6 (173) - Chris Boswell, K, Rice - The Lions need to replace Jason Hanson, so after the David Akers experiment fails, they will use a late round pick on a specialist in 2014, much like they did in 2013 with Sam Martin, and Boswell is the best of the bunch. (I'm sorry, but Havard "Kickalicious" Rugland isn't the answer either!)

7 (204) - Colt Lyerla, TE, Oregon - Arguably one of the most talented TE's in this class, Lyerla falls due to character questions. However if he reaches this pick, the Lions will surely be persuaded to gamble on his game changing ability. Lyerla would likely compete with 2013 7th rounder Michael Williams for the 3rd TE spot behind Pettigrew and Fauria.


Let me know what you guys think!

1.) 05 Apr 2014
It definitely fills the needs of the lions! I don't think Lee will drop that far just due to analysts and boards that have him going as early as 15. But who knows. I think the more realistic option is Jordan Matthews. But good job I like Barr in round 1.

2.) 05 Apr 2014
Lee will not be there in the 2nd round

3.) 06 Apr 2014
I just thtink Lee's lack of production in 2013 will make him fall as it did for Woods and Allen. If not, then the pick would be one of the other WR's that would be available. Mathews, Allen Robinson, Jarvis Landry, Martavis Bryant would all be good picks here

4.) 06 Apr 2014
There are a few players I would look at

anthony steen (3rd to 4th round)
jeremy gallon (5th to 7th round)
matt hall (5th to 7th round)
marquis flowers (6th to 7th round)
michael schofield (3rd to 5th round)
jared abbrederris (3rd to 5th round)
kelcy quarles (2nd to 4th round)

THESE ARE PLAYERS I WOULD LOOK INTO FOR THE LIONS AS THEY CAN BE STEALS IN THE DRAFT