Detroit Lions NFL draft 3.0: 7-rounds, beyond the mock

Needs per each major unit

At each pick, I’ll break down the basic options available to the Lions. For each major unit, biggest needs first, I’ll say who would fit. The units are: the offensive line, the defensive line, backs and receivers (including quarterbacks and tight ends), linebackers, and defensive backs. Play along, who do you like at each pick? It’s a sort of interactive exercise.

Offensive line

The offensive line is a big deal due to how poorly they protected quarterback, Matt Stafford, and how poorly they executed our run game. It’s easy to default to we had a lot of injuries, but if they can’t stay healthy, isn’t that an issue that needs to be addressed?

It is often said, “The best ability is availability.” The only player who had a good year was Graham Glasgow. He played left guard, he moved to center, he played every game. After that, no one was reliable. Travis Swanson has been allowed to explore employment elsewhere.

T.J. Lang and Rick Wagner, last year’s big free agent signings, are back at guard and tackle, respectively. Taylor Decker, who was probably rushed back from torn labrum surgery last year, didn’t play up to his rookie season; he, too, is returning.

Defensive line

Defensive line is another huge need. Many general managers build inside-out, meaning players closest to the ball, then toward outside players like wide receivers and corner backs. The Lions failed to generate pressure in many instances, and did not address the line much in last April’s draft. The best player, Ziggy Ansah, has been tagged but hasn’t signed his tender or agreed to any extension. Simply, the line needs beef in the middle and speed/ skill on the edge.

This has been the major area where the team has been meeting with prospects, list of meeting by team, here. Thanks, Walter football.

Backs & receivers

The backs and receivers need a runner, for sure. That’s not the only hole, though. The Lions are looking for a complete tight end, and another outside wide receiver. Depth behind Stafford is limited to Jake Rudock, too.

Still need to consider

In the linebacker corps, the Lions have signed some depth guys but I’m not sure that anyone outside of former first round pick, Jarrad Davis, is a long-term keeper. They lacked speed last year and the additions aren’t the versatile, speedy kind preferred by head coach, Matt Patricia.

The defensive backs on the roster are largely mediocre. Glover Quin, 32, is still playing good football, but there’s a shelf life on defensive backs. Darius Slay, cornerback, is a Pro Bowl-caliber player who is in his prime. After that, the speed and skill of the back-end is limited. Last year’s second round pick, Jalen “Teez” Tabor has barely seen the field. Of course, the jury is still out on him. The secondary wasn’t helped by the poor pass rush, but it isn’t a fast unit.