There are millions, if not billions, of ways the Detroit Lions can screw up this upcoming NFL Draft and bring them one step closer to needing a rebuild.
But that shouldn't be necessary, as ESPN's Ben Solak offers the Lions an easy pathway for a perfect draft. Simply put? Offensive line, offensive line, and offensive line. "If the Lions walk out of April with a refurbished offensive line," Solak said, "it's an A+ draft."
Solak likes Georgia's Monroe Freeling or Clemson's Blake Miller to be the pick, with the latter better allowing tackle Penei Sewell to make his expected shift to left tackle. As for Alabama's Kadyn Proctor, Solak doesn't see him as a "reliable Day 1 player" but notes Proctor's "hugeness," echoing NFL Network's Ian Rapoport's theory that the Lions will go "big" in the first round.
Solak doesn't stop there, arguing the Lions should use another pick on the interior OL, citing questions about guard Christian Mahogany's future at LG and new center Cade Mays' history as a backup in Carolina instead of a clear-cut starter.
It's not just OL Solak wants to see addressed
Solak is definitely not suggesting the Lions go all-in on OL in this draft, as the Lions have clear needs at EDGE and cornerback. Solak doesn't see the Lions going with EDGE at #17, given that the Lions have "historically undervalued that spot and the board isn't strong enough there."
As for which EDGE the Lions would take, Solak says to "look for the biggest frames with the heaviest hands." He brings up Missouri's Zion Young and Illinois' Gabe Jacas as options in the second round at #50. He also brings up Ohio State's Caden Curry and Alabama's LT Overton as Day 3 Edge options.
READ MORE: A late-round sleeper pick at EDGE has already met with the Lions multiple times
Solak has joined the recent chorus of writers and analysts who see Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy as an option, saying, "If Jermod McCoy's knee injury pulls him to No. 17, don't be surprised if the Lions adjust their plans on the fly for the Tennessee corner."
If not, Solak brings up South Carolina's Brandon Cisse as an option at #50. Beyond that, Solak wants to see the Lions look at safety in the middle rounds with the injuries to Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, but also to "keep an eye on tight end" given Sam LaPorta's own injury.
The Lions will definitely have their options to improve their team in this draft. Continuing to build the OL may not be the high-risk, high-reward move as taking someone like McCoy would be, but it's tough to go wrong with fortifying the OL. If the Lions want to play it safe, then that's exactly what they should do.
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