Detroit Lions Seven Round Mock Draft

The NFL Draft is less than a week away and not much has come in to focus for the Detroit Lions. Martin Mayhew said earier this week that they are looking at four to seven players that they would be comfortable taking with the 23rd pick and what happens from there may depend on which of the four to seven players ends up being the choice.

Full seven round mock drafts aren’t anything new, several can be found very easily with the help of Google, but this one came together differently than others. I made the choices in the first three rounds based on what I would really like to happen. Jesse Bartolis, editor at NFL Mocks, picked up the draft from there and filled out the Lions’ draft based on his depth of knowledge of some of the lesser-known prospects.

1. Nick Perry, DE, USC
A player unexpectedly drops in the first round every year and the Lions would become big time beneficiaries if Perry is that guy in 2012.

2. Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
He has tremendous athleticism and upside but it doesn’t always show on the football field just yet. The potential represents too great a value for the Lions to pass up, especially since they won’t have to count on him to play a big role in 2011.

3. Josh Norman, CB, Coastal Carolina
A well-rounded corner with size that gives the Lions an immediate upgrade at cornerback.

4. Andrew Datko, OT, Florida State University
Datko’s stock will be heavily depenent on healthy teams feel he is and will be. Datko is a solid second round talent. Datko has the feet, length, and range to play LT, but he must get a stronger base and play more physical in the run game. Datko has struggled with injuries throughout his career, but his talent, technique, and upside as a starting LT warrant a fourth round selection.

5. Edwin Baker, RB, Michigan State
With the uncertainty of Jahvid Best and the injury to Mikel LeShoure it’d be surprising if the Lions didn’t draft a running back at some point in the draft. In the 5th round they go with the local product out of Michigan State. Baker has plenty of physical ability, but struggled this past season after two good years at Michigan State. The Lions might also consider a more dynamic game breaking running back like Chris Rainey or Michael Smith out of Utah State.

7. Christian Thompson, S, South Carolina State
An unheralded safety prospect who will come in and contribute on special teams while he learns the NFL game. 6’0″, 211 pounds and runs a 4.50 forty yard dash (the fastest time for a safety at the combine). He struggles with inconsistency and doesn’t have great football instincts, but has good hands and playmaking ability. A Developmental starter prospect.

7. Danny Coale, WR, Virginia Tech
The shifty Coale is best suited as a slot man. He was ultra productive at Virignia Tech and had a terrific proday. At 6’0 tall, he ran a 4.37 forty yard dash at VA Tech’s proday (notoriously fast times are run there), and a solid 4.50 forty yard dash at the combine. Coale is a good route runner and has a feel for the game. There are rumors that there are a few teams (the Jets) who like him enough to take him a full round or more earlier.

What do you think, Lions fans? Is that a draft you’d be happy with?

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