Nov 23, 2013; Syracuse, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers defensive lineman Aaron Donald (97) is blocked by Syracuse Orange guard Nick Robinson (68) during the second quarter at the Carrier Dome. Pittsburgh defeated Syracuse 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Well, it’s been whole week since I declared Alabama safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix as the best choice for the Detroit Lions to select with their tenth pick in the NFL Draft next week. With Mock drafters changing their picks almost daily now that we’re this close to the actual event, I’m feeling better than ever that I targeted the right person for the Lions. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it. However, if the Lions are thinking one of their prized defensive tackles won’t be with them next year, then hello Aaron Donald.
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Ndamukong Suh’s contract situation is hanging over the Lions like a black cloud, and people are wondering if he’ll still be here after this year. His “I’m a superstar” act is wearing thin here, and the Lions have already inquired about trading his butt out of town. They also didn’t pick up the option on Nick Fairley’s contract for 2015. There is the possibility of the Lions losing both of them after this year, and being stuck with a huge hole in the middle of their defense. Considering how important the position is, I’d say the possibility of drafting Donald is higher than many fans might think. If they do take him, it will say a lot about how different the defensive tackle position could look in 2015.
Lets hope that Martin Mayhew ended his habit of second picks in the draft sucking, with last year’s selection of Darius Slay. Slay showed some signs of being a starter in this league with some solid coaching and development. We need Mayhew to continue this streak and pick another starter this year. This years number two draft pick is probably going to get as much playing time as the first rounder will–if they pick the right guy. That’s what I’m here for, to help the Lions out.
Unless Mike Evans is still there at 10, I definitely see the Lions going defense with the first pick, be it Clinton-Dix or Donald. Notice I’m not buying into that Sammy Watkins hype. No matter what, they should spend the second pick on defense. If by chance they do end up with Donald in the first round, they have to attack the safety position next. They have been without a center fielder for far too long. The best bet then would be either Deone Bucannon out of Washington St, or Jimmie Ward of Northern Illinois.
Let’s look at the next position of need on that defense, outside linebacker. Most of you are probably thinking corner is by FAR the position of most need on defense. I agree, but like Mayhew I want to see what I have in those young guys first before I panic. You can always get a vet at training camp, heck–Rashean Mathis was our best DB last year.
The more I read about Kahlil Mack, the more I think he belongs on a team that runs a 3-4 defense, so I can stop daydreaming about drafting him. In the second round is where I think the Lions can add that “Flamethrower” Jim Caldwell was talking about. Last year’s most predictable defense in the NFL needs some one like Caldwell speaks of.
Unless Anthony Barr and Ryan Shazier are there for the 45th overall pick, the guys that I’m hoping the Lions draft are Kyle Van Noy out of BYU, Christian Kirksey from Iowa or Jordan Tripp of Montana. Any of them would provide that element that’s been missing from the Lions recently; a “Flamethrower” to heat things up.