What will the Detroit Lions do in round one of the draft?

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NEW YORK – APRIL 25: Detroit Lions #1 draft pick Matthew Stafford poses for photographers with his family after his selection in the 2009 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 25, 2009 in New York City (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /

The Detroit Lions defensive needs must be serviced in the first round. If the right defensive player is there, they must go with that selection.

Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn must focus on defense with the first round pick of the 2018 draft, which starts Thursday, April 26.

This is a look at their first round needs by position, and the players likely available at the number 20 pick.

DEFENSIVE END

First Round Verdict – YES

There might be enough players to start on Sunday, but there is no depth at this position for the Detroit Lions. With Ezekiel Ansah on a one-year franchise tag that pays him north of $17 million, Detroit needs to consider their future.

Even if Ansah stays past 2018, this line needs an infusion of talent. One guy that is an absolute must for Detroit: defensive end Marcus Davenport out of UTSA (University of Texas at San Antonio). He simply gets after it in terms of the pass rush.

Davenport is not as ready day one as defensive end Bradley Chubb (NC State), who is a top five prospect. But Davenport would have his rookie season to learn the pro game and be part of the rotation. The Lions cannot pass up on this kind of skill.

The bigger issue is with the defensive tackles.

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