2015 NFL Draft: Five Positives and Negatives For the Detroit Lions

Nov 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) watches from the sideline during the third quarter against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Detroit won 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Five Negatives

1. No Wide Receiver

This doesn’t mean that Martin Mayhew made a mistake by not selecting a receiver within the first four rounds, but a case can be made for picking a pass catcher up after that. Detroit probably needed one more speedster for the slot, and possibly someone who could fit in on special teams. Calvin Johnson’s also not getting any younger and beyond Golden Tate, the argument can be made that there’s a substantial roster drop off. Will Corey Fuller and T.J. Jones make strides? That has to be the hope.

Eventually, Mayhew’s going to have to come up with a plan for introducing another elite, young receiver to the group, especially as Johnson continues to age. If he were to get hurt, Detroit’s offense would still take a major hit. That’s been the case for far too long.

Next: More Defensive Line Additions Needed