Detroit Lions: 7 Late Round Picks That Would Fit on the Team

The Detroit Lions have needs that must be addressed this offseason and the NFL Draft will be their prime means of acquiring players.

However, the high profile picks of the first few rounds will likely not be the only guys with the opportunity to make an impact.

Later round selections can fill valuable holes in the Lions depth chart and some may even compete for playing time in their rookie campaigns.

With Detroit having only a small amount of room under the salary cap these later round picks will be crucial to the Lions depth chart moving forward.

Let's look at seven different late-round prospects that would fit on the Lions team.

Omar Bolden, CB, Arizona State

Detroit needs secondary help, and I believe they will address that issue very early on in the 2012 draft.

However, talent tends to come before need with GM Martin Mayhew and there is always a chance that the Lions could be looking for a cornerback with one of their final picks.

In this scenario Omar Bolden makes a lot of sense.

The Arizona State cornerback was sidelined with a torn ACL in 2011 and so he has fallen off the radar in a big way.

But late rounds are a great place to take a chance on a boom-or-bust prospect like Bolden.

In 2010 he was first team All Pac-10 after recording three interceptions, 52 tackles, and doing excellent work in the return game.

Bolden has been clocked at a 4.38 second 40-yard dash in the past and so it will be interesting to see how he holds up at the scouting combine.

If his knee proves healthy then this Sun Devil may end up being one of the steals of this draft class.

Matt Reynolds, OT, BYU

With Jeff Backus clearly in the twilight of his career Detroit could target any number of offensive tackles late in the draft.

One guy that fits the bill is Matt Reynolds from BYU.

Reynolds is big, he stands 6'5" 315 pounds and was part of an offensive line that cleared the way for seven 200 yard rushing games in 2010.

Detroit could certainly use better run blockers, as they ranked 29th in the NFL with just 95 yards rushing per game in 2011.

An All-MWC first-team selection, Reynolds is a guy with the right size and ability to play in the NFL.

Other OTs, such as Matt McCants from UAB and Dallas Thomas from Tennessee, could also be pursued by the Lions in the latter portion of the draft.

Jordan White, WR, Western Michigan

From the factory that brought you current Lions Tony Scheffler and Louis Delmas comes wide receiver Jordan White.

This Western Michigan Bronco improved in every one of his four collegiate seasons.

In the 2011 campaign he posted 140 receptions, 1,911 receiving yards, and 17 touchdowns.

White is not ideal size at 6'0" 215 pounds, but he makes up for it with great route running ability and sure hands.

The Lions may not have serious concerns at wideout, but I see them taking at least one late in the draft.

A hometown playmaker with a ton of upside certainly would not ruffle any feathers with the fanbase, and that is why I lean towards Detroit selecting either White, or...

B.J. Cunningham, WR, Michigan State

B.J. Cunningham is a Michigan State receiver that has followed a strikingly similar path to Jordan White.

He played a full four seasons of college football, and his stats improved each fall.

Cunningham is coming off a 2011 campaign in which he caught 79 passes for 1,306 yards and 12 touchdowns.

The Spartans wideout has decent size at 6'2" 215 pounds and he is a particularly physical player on the perimeter.

Personally I think White has more upside simply because of the explosiveness he possesses with the ball in his hands, but Cunningham is just as sure handed and will not be a disappointment at the next level.

Terrell Manning, OLB, North Carolina State

Detroit is likely to look at outside linebackers at some point in this draft, and if they wait until the later rounds there is talent to be found.

A guy like Terrell Manning out of North Carolina State could fit in nicely to the Lions system.

The 6'3" 224 pound linebacker recorded 76 tackles this past season for the Wolfpack and accounted for 5.5 sacks.

Manning had a knee injury early in the season but was in fine form as the year progressed.

It is interesting to note that he is choosing to enter the draft early when his stock could sore with another year of college football under his belt.

However, he is a very talented player and with some development he could really shine at the pro level.

(Note: He sure looks a lot like Denard Robinson with those dreadlocks.)

Adrian Robinson, OLB, Temple

Adrian Robinson is the type of durable and versatile player that can find his way on to an NFL roster.

The Temple Owls product started every game of his collegiate career and is capable of playing linebacker or defensive end.

While he recorded 47 tackles and six sacks in 2011, teams may be scared away by his small 6'1" 250 pound frame.

But even if he is deemed too small to start at the next level, Robinson's talents could definitely be utilized in a special teams capacity.

There may not be much upside with this first-team All-MAC player, but he is consistent, a trait that could bode well for him come April.

Chris Rainey, RB, Florida

Chris Rainey is undersized by NFL standards, but if you can get past that fact you will find a remarkably talented football player with top end speed.

The Florida Gators tailback and all-purpose standout has been clocked at a mesmerizing 4.24 second 40-yard dash.

That kind of speed can find a place within any organization, and it would benefit the Lions to at least consider adding Rainey to the depth chart.

Stefan Logan was underwhelming returning kicks for Detroit this season, breaking only one return for over 40 yards and scoring zero touchdowns.

Perhaps some competition from an athlete like Rainey will improve his play.