Predicting the Detroit Lions’ offseason: Free agency and the draft

The Draft continued …

With their third pick, I would advocate Arkansas guard/center, Frank Ragnow, who would give the Lions quality depth that could be groomed into a starter or LSU guard/center, Will Clapp.

Ragnow would have most likely challenged for the title of the top center in the draft had he not missed the majority of this past season with a high ankle sprain. He is a quality player that could develop very nicely. Meanwhile, Clapp is an NFL level run blocker right now. His pass protection still needs work, but again, unless he is selected as a player to plug into the line immediately, he would have some time to  develop.

In the fourth round the Lions should jump on Georgia linebacker Lorenzo Carter if he were to slide this far as some think he might, but since I don’t believe he will, I would suggest taking Louisville outside linebacker, James Hearns.

Hearns was inconsistent at Louisville and that would be his biggest knock, but he has an NFL body and as much athleticism as almost any other linebacker in the draft. He would need some polishing, but could be quite the find. The one part of his game that is pro ready now is his ability to rush the passer, which could make him a valuable situational player as he develops the rest of his game.

With the fifth round pick I would go back to stocking the defensive line with LSU nose-tackle, Greg Gilmore. He has that much coveted versatility the Lions want. He could play on the nose or end in a 3-4 defense and he would be solid at tackle in a 4-3.

At 6’3″ and 318 lbs, he has the size to stuff the run and has demonstrated the ability to get to the passer as he collected 7.5 sacks this past season. Like most middle to late round picks he will need some development, but he could have an exciting upside if the Lions coaching staff does their job.