My Wish List for the Detroit Lions’ Draft
The adult version of Christmas is just days away and I’ve been a good boy, waiting patiently for over 40 years for that trip to the Super Bowl. I totally expect the Lions to select the right players they need to put them over the top. It’s not who you or I believe what they need is relevant, it’s what the Wizard of Allen Park, Martin Mayhew, and his sidekick the Sorcerers’ Apprentice, Jim Schwartz, thinks.
Man would I love to be a fly on the wall during the discussions of who they should target in this year’s draft. The only thing I’m certain about is they won’t select a quarterback or a tight end in the first 3 rounds, after that only Mayhew and company know what the Lions are thinking. If you saw my latest mock, you’ll see that I have the Lions taking Offensive Lineman Cordy Glenn of Georgia. He blocked out the sun and the defensive lineman for Matthew Stafford in his freshman year.
As much as I like the Glenn pick, because the Lions desperately need to upgrade their running game, I like Todd McShay’s mock better. He has the Lions taking Whitney Mercilus, Defensive End from Illinois. I just don’t think he’ll be there when the Lions draft at 23. If he is, then taking him would be a no-brainer. It would help boost the identity that the Lions have carved out for themselves, as one of the best D-lines in the league. You can always get another O-lineman later, but pass rushing Defensive Ends are as rare as a perfect Tim Tebow pass. The pick would also fall in line with Mayhew’s positional Value chart, which looks something like this:
1. Quarterback
2. 8 stud Defensive Lineman
3. Blah, Blah, Blah
In the spirit of my wish list, after taking a D-End in the first round, taking a Corner in the 2nd round is a must. I’m not going to be too picky, I just want someone who can stop the Packers receivers from scoring touchdowns at will. It’s not front page news that the Lions desperately need defensive backfield help. In fact, if you saw how the Lions gave up over 8 miles of passing yards in the last 2 games of last season, drafting another Corner in the third round would be an execution of common sense.
The fourth round has me staying on the same side of the ball, and I’m looking for the best Safety or Linebacker that’s left on my board. If you have any debate about the first four picks, just watch those last two games again. After the first four picks, I’ve improved the defense immensely.
The last three picks should be used for help at Running back, finding a center to replace Mr. Backpedal, and why not throw in another corner for safety at the end for good mesure. There you have it. Five defensive players, a running back and center/guard for the class of 2012.
The Lions are so close to establishing their presence with authority. This Draft could be remembered as the one that put them over the top.
Like what you see? Give SideLion Report a “like” on facebook, become a follower on twitter, or grab our RSS feed.