Should Lane Johnson be a draft target of the Detroit Lions? Maybe not. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

One of the biggest shift in public sentiment regarding the 2013 NFL Draft over the past week has been the rise of offensive tackles Eric Fisher and Lane Johnson.

Fisher had been considered one of the top targets for the Lions with the fifth overall pick but the latest reports (carrying the smokescreen caveat) indicate he may be drafted before the Lions get on the clock. That has led to an increase in Lane Johnson’s name being attached to the Lions pick in some recent mock drafts. But is it warranted? From what NFL.com’s Albert Breer is hearing, the answer might be no:

I’ve talked to a number of teams that are baffled by the rise of Lane Johnson. One college director termed him “not ready for primetime”.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 23, 2013

While I have been a proponent of the Lions selecting Fisher, I do not like the idea of the Lions getting tunnel vision in regards to taking an offensive tackle. My basis is that Riley Reiff remains an option at left tackle and unless the Lions can draft a player who represents a sure improvement over Reiff, they should look elsewhere, preferably at a defensive end.

Reiff’s versatility means the Lions have the luxury of selecting an elite left tackle if one is available but don’t have to feel pressured to take one. If the Lions feel Johnson is an instant upgrade over Reiff, make the pick. If there are doubts whether he is an upgrade, make another pick.

AT&T Cotton Bowl
Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma
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Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M – Regarded by some as the top tackle prospect of 2013, Luke Joeckel has already been showing up as the Lions’ first round pick in some mock drafts.

Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M – Like Joeckel, Damontre Moore is another player popping up in early mock drafts as the Lions’ pick. He may be the first defensive end taken in 2013 and figures to be in the top-two at the very least.

Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma – If the Lions decide to look for a tackle at the top of round two it could be Lane Johnson. He has played both tackle positions in his Oklahoma career and has the ideal build for an NFL tackle.

Sean Porter, OLB, Texas A&M – Porter draws some comparisons to former teammate and current Denver Broncos star Von Miller. He could be an outside linebacker in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme which could push his stock higher than his current round 2-3 projection.

Tony Jefferson, FS, Oklahoma – Jefferson has received his evaluation from the draft advisory board but hasn’t announced whether he’s heading to the NFL or staying at Oklahoma. If he does leave school he could be a round 2-3 draft pick and one of the top five safeties selected.

Kenny Stills, WR, Oklahoma – The Lions drafted three players from Oklahoma in last year’s draft, including a wide receiver. Could they do it again? Kenny Stills hasn’t yet declared for the draft but may do so and could be a third round pick.

Demontre Hurst, CB, Oklahoma – The Lions have talked a lot about getting bigger on defense so Demontre Hurst may not fit their profile. He is likely to be a late-round pick.

Dustin Harris, CB, Texas A&M – Harris is considered a fringe-draftable player but a good showing against the Sooners could help his stock.

yeah, I didn’t like the QB first overall thing. BUT…

The Lions are starting to look like the smartest guys in the room. The Texas vs Okie matchup really highlighted this.
Colt looks … mediocre at best. Unless he picks his season up by its boot straps, he’s gone from a top 5 pick to a 2nd rounder in my mind. And as for Bradford?
Two Words:
China Doll

If college tackles can break him, pro tackles will crush him to pieces.

Bottom line is that I felt these two guys were the front runners to be the NFL Quarterbacks of the future and now… Yikes! they kinda suck. go figure.

At first I was like WHY DID WE TAKE A QB
and as of about 5pm Saturday I’m like WOW I’M GLAD THEY TOOK A QB
lol

Can’t win them all.

Go Lions, break this god awful Green Bay streak.