Detroit Lions 2015 Draft Needs, Q1 Take

Aug 9, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions guard Rob Sims (67) during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Ford Field. Detroit won 13-12. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Guard

I’m not going to pretend the Lions should draft a Guard highly in 2015.  They should, however, plan on their 3rd round pick being used in that way.  In 2013, there were more starters at OG drafted in the 3rd round than 1st and 2nd combined, and more than rounds 4-7 combined.

It’s a curious trend, but the third round seems to be the right spot to address that need, if you can’t find one in free agency.  The good thing about free agent guards is that they don’t often command very much on the market.  It’s absolutely essential for the Lions, as Stafford seems to respond poorly to interior pressure and Rob Sims is steeply declining.

One of the best interior olinemen in the league is possibly becoming a free agent in 2015 in Mike Iupati of the 49ers.  The remaining free agent class is…underwhelming to be polite.  Outside of that, the draft is the more likely route.

South Carolina’s A.J. Cann, FSU’s Tre’ Jackson, and Oregon’s Jake Fisher are all guys that might fall in that 3-4 round range when the draft rolls around and each in their own way might be able to contribute fairly early or learn behind Sims for one more season.