2012 NFL Draft: Why the Detroit Lions Should Target a CB in the Second Round

The 2012 NFL Draft is a little more than two weeks away and the Detroit Lions predictions are coming fast and furious.

Fans and experts alike agree that cornerback is a huge need for the Lions. It became abundantly clear during the tail-end of last year and it's a need that should be addressed early in the draft. I used to agree with that sentiment, but not anymore.

Janoris Jenkins is a top tier prospect that is generally predicted to be available when the Lions select 23rd overall in the first round. He has equivalent talent to Morris Claiborne—the No. 1 ranked cornerback in the draft.

However, Jenkins has baggage. Two weeks ago I wrote this article urging the Lions to ignore his baggage and draft him any way. He would be the best player on the board and he fills an obvious need.

My view has changed. After the drug related arrests of Mikel Leshoure and Nick Fairley, the Lions cannot afford to add such a blatantly risky guy like Jenkins. It would send the wrong message to fans and open the franchise up for distractions and criticism.

ESPN NFL Draft experts Mel Kuiper and Todd McShay have released their latest draft predictions and both project the Lions waiting until the second round to address their most glaring need.

This makes sense for a number of reasons.

If the Lions wait on cornerback they can effectively address their other glaring need—left tackle. There is a good chance a number of talented options will still be on the board when they make their selection.

Mike Adams, Johathan Martin and Cordy Glenn are all possibilities.

Each one is versatile enough to play right tackle or guard for a year or two, then take over for Jeff Backus when the time comes.

By waiting on cornerback the Lions will not be giving up much. There are two talented prospects, Josh Robinson and Trumaine Johnson, who will likely be available for Detroit in the second round.

In fact, Kuiper predicts the Lions will draft Johnson, while McShay penciled in Robinson to Detroit. 

Johnson was dominant at Montana while Robinson, possibly the fastest player in the draft, is a bit raw. That said, both players would be able to challenge Aaron Berry for a starting position.

Yes, I know Gunther Cunningham would rather stab himself in the eye with a pencil than start a rookie, but Berry is not exactly Deion Sanders.

At 6'2'' and 205 lbs, Johnson is a unique player. He has the ability to get to balls others cannot. According to nfldraftscout.com he was a four year starter at Montana and amassed 36 pass deflections and 15 interceptions. Both are school records.

At the University of Central Florida, Robinson started every game his sophomore and junior seasons and totaled 36 pass deflections and 10 interceptions for his career. He also returned punts and kickoffs.

His stock is rising after an impressive performance at the NFL combine where he ran a 4.33 40 yard dash. 

The Lions would do well to land either of these guys with their second round pick. They may not have the name recognition of the first round corners, or the home-run potential of Jenkins, but names mean nothing.

They both have the talent to be successful at the NFL level and both bring versatility to the cornerback position that the Lions have always lacked.