2010 NFL Mock Draft: Seven Round Detroit Lions Mock

The Detroit Lions aren't exactly knocking on the door of the NFL playoffs. Still, after solid additions in 2009, and what look to be good additions in 2010, the Lions cannot afford to take a step back with misses in the 2010 NFL Draft.

The Lions biggest needs in the NFL Draft are cornerback, runningback, linebacker, safety, and overall depth on one of the league's most talent-starved rosters. Still, outside of a starting quarterback, wide receiver, and tight end, is there anything the Lions couldn't use?

At the NFL Scouting Combine, Jim Schwartz explained that 2010 was essentially different from 2009 for one reason—the Lions now have a quarterback. Now that the Lions have that building block, the job is to put the most amount of talent around him as possible.

The Detroit Lions (as of now) have eight picks in the 2010 NFL Draft, a pick each in the first four rounds and then four picks in the seventh round. Expect the Lions to utilize flexibility in the draft. With the new draft format, the Lions are likely to trade down multiple times and may package seventh round picks to move up into the fifth or sixth.

Assuming the Lions stand pat, here is a mock draft of what they could do:

Round One: Pick Two—Ndamukong Suh (DT Nebraska)

Without a doubt, Suh is one of the most talented defensive line prospects in recent memory. His profile comes with all the staggering athleticism and lacks any questions of work ethic, drive, or character concerns. Suh is a "fool proof" pick for those reasons far more than a ESPN Sports Science video.

With the addition of Suh, the Detroit Lions have a defensive line that is able to (finally) stop the run and get to the passer—a much in the NFC North. Expect Jim Schwartz to use Suh at both the one and the five technique and sparingly at defensive end in three man fronts.

Other Possibilities: Gerald McCoy (DT Oklahoma), Russell Okung (OT OK St.), Eric Berry (S Tennessee)

Round Two: Pick 34—Rodger Saffold (OT/OG Indiana)

With many needs, the Lions will find it hard to balance immediate impact with long term progress at important positions. Many fans would like to see Okung in the first round because of the essential nature of left tackle position. Problem is, Okung is a great tackle where Suh is considered an elite defensive tackle.

However, if a player like Saffold or another first round tackle prospect drops to the second, they will be in play to be the best player on the draft board at a position of need. Saffold would immediately start for the Lions at RG or RT and be an upgrade at either. In the future, Saffold has all the tools to play left tackle.

Other Possibilities: Kareem Jackson (CB Alabama), Jahvid Best (RB California), John Jerry (OG/OT Ole Miss)

Round Three: Pick 66—Perrish Cox (CB Oklahoma State)

The Lions need a cornerback, and can't be picky about a little thing like immaturity when it comes to a first round talent sliding to the third round. Cox, suspended not once but twice before his bowl game, was out late after curfew to see his longtime girlfriend. Cox did not endear himself to the media at the Combine when he said he wouldn't get into the same problem in the NFL because of financial reasons.

Far and away, Cox is one of the best press cover corners in the draft. His strong upper body and long arms will give wide receivers fits at the next level. He has ideal size and just under elite speed.

Meanwhile, he also has six career return touchdowns—another area the Lions could use some assistance.

Other Possibilities: Kam Chancellor (S Virginia Tech), Toby Gerhart (RB Stanford), Taylor Price (WR Ohio)

Round Four: Pick 100—Major Wright (S Florida)

Wright's popularity inflates his value in the mind of many. However, this pick is the exact pick DraftTek has for the Detroit Lions (site I work for) and Wright is labeled a fourth-fifth round pick by CBS Draft Scout.

Wright may not be an immediate upgrade at SS for the Detroit Lions—who prefer to play a two deep safety look. However, Wright has more upside than Ko Simpson, and is healthier than the oft-injured Daniel Bullocks. If not starting immediately, Wright can still see heavy defensive minutes and make an impact on special teams.

The former Gator has all of the toughness, leadership, and tenacity this coaching staff is looking for.

Other Possibilities: Zane Beadles (OG Utah), Hall Davis (DE LA-Lafayette), Blair White (WR Michigan State)

Round Seven: Pick 213—Danny Batten (DE/LB S Dakota State)

Batten visited the Lions in Allen Park and worked out privately for the coaching staff. While watching the talented FCS prospect, the coaches likely saw an extremely raw prospect that they can mold into either a talented linebacker or a pass rushing specialist.

Batten will likely see the practice squad in his first season, but taking a chance on the small school ace is better than taking a bigger small guy who has had plenty of chances to prove himself.

Round Seven: Pick 214—John Connor (FB Kentucky)

Nicknamed, for obvious reasons, "The Terminator," Connor is a punishing blocker and an underrated rusher. In the Lions new power rushing scheme, Connor would have plenty of chances for short yardage opportunities. He is also a solid receiver.

The previous regime brought in Jerome Felton for a similar reason, but he has failed to impress in his time in Honolulu Blues.

Round Seven: Pick 220—Brandon Deaderick (DT Alabama)

Named one of my "Schottey Sleepers," Deaderick has failed to garner much hype despite being someone many consider the better defensive tackle from Alabama. Deaderick is a competitor, a fighter, and an all-around talent the Lions could use to replace some of the old Tampa Two linemen on the roster.

Round Seven: Pick 255—Kyle Williams (WR Arizona State)

The son of White Sox GM, Ken Williams, Kyle is an underrated receiver who has speed to burn and is an underrated route runner. His measureables aren't impressive, but his game is. Lions fans can hope he pushes both Dennis Northcutt and Derrick Williams for playing time immediately.

With this draft, the Detroit Lions find themselves three immediate starters and another athlete who can start in the near future. In the seventh, the Lions get developmental prospects who have greater value than the castoffs of a previous regime.

With trades and varying draft boards, this exact combination of players would never actually happen, but the exercise shows that this draft is deep with talent and Martin Mayhew has more than enough chances to improve this team as he did in 2009.

But, if the team misfires in the draft, Lions fans will be sure to point it out.

Michael Schottey operates Blue And Silver Pride and is a Detroit Lions featured columnist for Bleacher Report . He also serves as a team correspondent for DraftTek.com and is a guest blogger for Mlive's Highlight Reel . Check out his Podcasts and add him on Twitter !