Detroit Lions Mock Draft: 7-Round Results of Twitter-Based #MockThree Contest

With the 2012 NFL draft just around the corner, mock drafts are the name of the game for most NFL fans, media and draftniks. Recently, Twitter-based mock drafts have become all the rage as interactive and informative ways to preview the event.

#MockOne was created by Brandon Nall to engage both fans and experts alike in the process. I was asked to participate in this year's third installment, #MockThree, along with B/R's Ty Schalter, Josh Liskiewitz of GM Jr. and Zac Snyder of the Side Lion Report.

We went into the draft with open minds and a lot of draft and Lions knowledge. We knew the major needs (OL and CB) and what kind of players we wanted for the minor needs (SAF, DE, RB, LB). Most of all, we knew we wanted more picks, so we immediately endeavored to trade down with one of the first two selections.

First Selection: 2.09 (41), Zach Brown (LB North Carolina)

Able to immediately compete for a starting spot, Brown's greatest impact would be felt next offseason when both Justin Durant and De'Andre Levy are unrestricted free agents. The Lions traded down to select Brown after almost taking him at 23rd overall. While linebacker isn't the most pressing need on the Lions roster, Brown is a player they can use, and "settling" for him (if you can call it that) allows the Lions to fill more of their needs later one.

Second Selection: 3.08 (71), Josh Norman (CB Coastal Carolina)

In a pick acquired from the above trade, the Lions fill their (arguably) biggest hole. A small-school prospect, Norman is also one of the best press-man cornerback prospects in the draft. He's also a ball-hawk, which is a trait that has been missing from the Lions defense since Alphonso Smith can't seem to stay on the field.  

Third Selection: 3.10 (73), Jamell Fleming (CB Oklahoma)

The Lions traded down again with their original second-round pick and immediately targeted Norman (selected above) and Fleming. The real-life Lions would be lucky to end up with one of these two corners, but getting both is a major coup. Like Norman, Fleming can succeed in both press and off-man. In the span of three picks, corner has suddenly become a strength for this Lions team.

Fourth Selection: 4.08 (103), Brandon Mosley (OT Auburn)

With close to four top-100 picks, the Lions are getting a serious influx of talent, even if they aren't getting one elite player. Like Brown, Mosley has potential to step in right away but will be even more useful in 2012. Mosley is a freak athlete who has tons of upside, but isn't very polished out of Auburn. We think he could take over for Gosder Cherilus by week 8.

Fifth Selection: 4.22 (117), Ryan Broyles (WR Oklahoma)

For those counting at home, this is actually the first pick made by the Lions in #MockThree at one of the Lions' original draft slots. Needless to say, plenty of wheeling and dealing was happening, but this is one pick the war room was happy to make.

Before his injury, Broyles was a potential top-20 prospect and may be the best slot receiver in the draft. He's another weapon for Scott Linehan's high-powered passing attack.

Sixth Selection: 5.23 (158), Kirk Cousins (QB Michigan State)

Yes, this is a pure luxury pick, but it's also the best value in the entire exercise. Each of our team members had at least a third-round grade on Cousins and couldn't believe he was still around while players like Nick Foles and B.J. Coleman were off the board. The Lions want a developmental prospect, and we felt that (with many of the Lions needs filled) this pick was a no-brainer.

Seventh Selection: 6.17 (187), Tauren Poole (RB Tennessee)

Unable to draft a great scatback (like LaMichael James), the Lions here settle for a long-term (and healthy) replacement to Kevin Smith. Like Smith, Poole is a hard runner who will take what the defense gives him and does all the little things well.

Eighth Selection: 7.23 (230), Josh LeRibeus (OG SMU)

LeRibeus missed his last year at SMU, but has all the tools to be a starting guard in the NFL. The Lions have shown they relish the opportunity to mold late-round prospects, and LeRibeus would add needed depth to the interior of the Lions offensive line.

Overall, this wasn't the most exciting class the Lions could have come away with, but on an already deep team, this is at least one immediate starters (one of the cornerbacks) and three potential starters in 2012 (Brown, Mosley and the other cornerback). Most importantly, this draft class adds much-needed depth to a team that looks ready for multiple playoff runs in the near future.

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Michael Schottey is an NFL Associate Editor for Bleacher Report and an award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America. He has professionally covered both the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions, as well as NFL events like the scouting combine and the Senior Bowl.