Who Should The Lions Draft?

 When I watched the Senior Bowl yesterday, all I could think was how Mike Iupati could be a major key in bringing the Lions offense to playoff caliber. While Stafford had some ups and downs last season, overall, I was impressed with the way he played. After watching a couple dozen quarterbacks over the last 20 years, he appears to be the answer. But he was injured 3 times last year. Our offensive line has some good players, but nobody that stands out as a leader and dominant force. I think Backus is a solid left tackle, but when the revolving guard next to him is getting ate all day, he doesn't look as good. One weak link weakens the whole chain.

 So, from what the Lions organization said, they are happy with Backus. I don't really care for any of the top offensive tackle prospects in this draft anyway. Suh or Berry, the top players in this draft seem like the logical pick. But, are those players talented enough to fit into any system? They've dominated in college, but that doesn't always equate dominance in the NFL. Several defensive tackles have busted or not performed up to expectations coming out of the first round. Would Suh be able to dominate in Schwartz's system and be a franchise changing player for our defense? I don't know, but I do know we have a huge hole at left guard and problems with our offensive line. Now to me, Iupati is the best offensive lineman in the draft. Linehan even said he was obviously the best prospect at the senior bowl. Schwartz also seemed to like him. While he had some problems at right guard in the beginning of the game, he was absolutely dominant at left guard.

 Iupati's draft stock is probably going to shoot up into the middle of the first round, so getting him in the second round is not going to happen. And how could the organization warrant taking him second overall. I really feel that spending the money for a #2 overall pick is not worth it for the players that will be available. The only logical option in the first round of the draft this year is to trade down for whatever we can get. Somewhere between 10 and 20 so that we make sure we get our guy, Mike Iupati. I doubt we'll get two first round picks for it, but I would take a first and a second rounder right now if some body offered. I think Iupati could dramatically improve our entire offensive line as well as our entire offense. Then we can address our defense in the second and third round, because there will still be some very good talent available. I will be posting a mock draft with this scenario in a few days.