2011 NFL Mock Draft: Predicting All 7 Rounds for the Detroit Lions

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The Detroit Lions made great strides in 2010, finishing with a record of 6-10 and one spot ahead of their division rivals the Minnesota Vikings.

Detroit will need a solid draft to keep improving and compete for a playoff spot in 2011.

The Lions lost their sixth and seventh round draft picks due to numerous trades, and just recently have swapped fifth round selections with Kansas City.

With the remaining five picks, Detroit will look to address needs on the offensive line and at linebacker.

Here is a mock draft of the Detroit Lions for all seven rounds.

Round 1, Pick 13: OT Tyron Smith

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Though the Lions could take any number of players with their first selection, taking Tyron Smith would be the best fit.

Detroit is slowly, but surely, revamping its offensive line, and Smith would be a great addition. Though he may be more of a project than other lineman, he has tremendous upside and strength after benching 225 lbs. 29 times at the combine.

Though he didn’t fully participate at the combine due to a knee injury, Smith’s draft stock shouldn’t be affected too much and would still be a great selection for the Lions at 13.

Round 2, Pick 12 (No. 44 Overall): WR Titus Young

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Detroit fans may think Matt Millen returned and made this pick, but in reality, the Lions really could use a third wide receiver to compliment Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson.

Young would give Detroit a slot option and would be great compliment to Johnson, similar to how Percy Harvin compliments Sidney Rice in Minnesota.

Round 3, Pick 11 (No. 75 Overall): OLB Chris Carter

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Chris Carter’s draft stock is all over the place, ranging anywhere from the second to the fourth round. The Lions should play it safe and draft Carter if he’s available in the third round.

The WAC’s Defensive Player of the Year impressed the Detroit scouts at the East-West Shrine game, and then sat down with the Lions at the NFL Combine.

Having the ability to play either defensive end or outside linebacker, Carter looks like a good fit for the Lions in the third round.

Round 4, Pick 10 (No. 106 Overall): CB Shareece Wright

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This one could be a stretch, but it is possible that Shareece Wright will fall to Lions in the fourth round.

Though he has had trouble with the law and a recent neck injury, Wright was a solid cornerback for the USC Trojans, leading the team with ten pass deflections in 2010.

Wright would be a project for the Lions, and they have to make sure he sorts out his personal conduct issues before selecting him.

Detroit is known for taking the best player available in the later rounds, and Wright would definitely be a great pick for them in the fourth round.

Round 5, Pick 23 (No. 151 Overall): ILB Nick Bellore

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The Lions have already had a sit-down interview with Bellore and seem to favor the linebacker from Central Michigan.

Bellore’s performance in the East-West Shrine Game, much like with Chris Carter, was what initially impressed the Lions scouts. Once he drew their attention, the Lions subsequently set up the interview with the First Team All-Mac linebacker.

This would be a good fit for the Lions with their last pick. They should go ahead and take him, considering they’re familiar with the kid and he helps fill a positional need.