June 12, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Mike Thomas (80) runs after catching a pass during a minicamp at Florida Blue Health

The Detroit Lions dipped into their supply of future draft picks to acquire wide receiver Mike Thomas from the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags will receive a fifth round pick in 2014 from the Lions.

The Lions are now without two future draft picks after previously sending a 2013 fourth-found pick to the Minnesota Vikings to draft linebacker Tahir Whitehead last April. However, the Lions may be able to replenish their lost picks as a result of natural NFL “business”.

The NFL uses a formula based on salary, playing time and postseason honors to hand out compensatory draft picks to teams who are adversely affected by the movement of players through free agency. The Lions are likely to receive a compensatory pick in the 2013 draft as a result of Eric Wright signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He won’t be up for postseason honors but the Bucs gave him a pretty penny and he is getting plenty of playing time. Look for the Lions to receive a fourth or fifth round pick when compensatory picks are handed out next March.

The Lions will likely be in position to receive a compensatory pick in 2014 should they allow a player like Cliff Avril or Louis Delmas leave via free agency next winter.

Oct 23, 2010; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Josh Gordon (12) celebrates a touchdown against the Kansas State Wildcats in the first quarter at Floyd Casey Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE

Cleveland used their second round draft selection of the 2013 NFL Draft to draft former Baylor wide receiver Josh Gordon in this year’s supplemental draft. According to ESPN Adam Schefter, the Browns were the only team to put in a 2nd-round claim.

The Lions elected not to use a future draft selection.

SLR previously discussed the benefits of the Lions using a draft pick on TCU running back Ed Wesley because of the depth, talent, and consistency Wesley could have added to the Lions running game. Wesley went undrafted and would be a great get for the Lions for their training camp roster should they wish to add his services.

Of the eight players in the supplemental draft, only one player was drafted.

Oct 1, 2011; Fort Worth, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs running back Ed Wesley (34) breaks away from Southern Methodist Mustangs defensive back Chris Banjo (23) during their game at Amon G. Carter Stadium. The Mustangs defeated the Frogs 40-33 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE

SLR previously discussed how drafting TCU running back ED Wesley in the 2012 NFL Supplemental Draft could add depth to a Detroit Lions run game that is struggling to produce on the field. Drafting Wesley would be a wise move with relatively no risk involved because the Lions would be able to draft Wesley with a late round pick.

According to Mark Cohen, TCU’s Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations, Wesley will hold a pro day at TCU on July 9 for scouts to evaluate him and to see if he has the necessary talent to warrant the use of a late round draft pick from a NFL team.

Ed Wesley’s Pro Day at TCU will be July 9 in preparation for his entrance in the July 12 NFL Supplemental Draft.

— Mark Cohen (@tcusid) June 29, 2012

It will be interesting if the Lions send a representative to Wesley’s pro day. The Lions will have to decide if he is the right fit for the team’s offense, healthy enough to participate in training camp, and talented enough to play in the NFL.

A mere visit to the pro day by the Lions does not necessarily mean that the team will draft him, but it does mean that there is some level of interest.

The supplement draft will be held on July 12.