2012 NFL Mock Draft: Detroit Lions Full 7 Round Mock Draft

After wallowing in the cellar of the NFC North (and NFC Central before it) for what seemed like an eternity, the Detroit Lions made their first playoff appearance in over a decade last year, as quarterback Matthew Stafford's 5,000-plus passing yards led the silver and blue to a 10-6 mark and a wild-card berth.

If the Lions are going to keep that positive momentum going and try for their first playoff win in 20 years, it's vital that they improve their team in free agency and April's NFL draft, and this is how they might go about doing so in the latter case.

At least the Lions front office has one very important thing going for them entering this year draft.

Matt Millen is long gone.

First Round: Pick 23 (23): Whitney Mercilus: DE, Illinois

Defensive end Cliff Avril led the Lions with 11 sacks a year ago, but with the 25-year-old set to hit free agency and the Lions quite possible unable to match the $10 million plus Avril would command on the open market, Detroit may be forced to search for a replacement in the draft.

Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus led the NCAA in sacks a year ago with 16, and while there are some concerns that he may have been a "one-year" wonder, Mercilus could at the very least serve as a rotational player to keep 33-year-old defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch fresh and, at worst, move into the starting lineup should Lawrence Jackson falter as a full-time player.

Second Round: Pick 22 (54): Doug Martin: RB, Boise State

The Lions have other areas of need, such as cornerback, but given running back Jahvid Best's concussion issues and Mikel LeShoure's recovery from a torn Achilles, the Lions may well be forced to spend an early pick on a running back for the third consecutive year.

Doug Martin enjoyed a stellar career at Boise State, gaining over 3,200 total yards over his past three seasons, and given his solid showing at last month's Senior Bowl, if Martin has another good outing at the NFL combine, the Lions would be lucky to get the 5'9" 208-pound ball carrier this late.

Third Round: Pick 23 (86): Jayron Hosley: CB, Virginia Tech

In the third round of the draft, the Lions will finally begin to plug away at what is most likely the biggest area of need on their defense, that being in the secondary, especially at cornerback.

Jayron Hosley of Virginia Tech is somewhat undersized at 5'10" and only 171 pounds, meaning quite a few trips to the weight room may be in the young man's future, but Hosley's 4.48 speed and good ball skills go a long way towards mitigating the second team All-ACC performer's somewhat diminutive size.

Fourth Round: Pick 22 (117): Andrew Datko: OT, Florida State

Starting left tackle Jeff Backus has made 176 consecutive starts, but at 34 years of age, the 11th year veteran is a free agent nearing the end of the line, and the Detroit Lions have to start considering looking for his replacement sooner rather than later.

Were it not for the shoulder issues that plagued Florida State offensive tackle Andrew Datko, he would likely be a first- or second-round selection, so while choosing the 6'6" 312-pounder here would carry some risk, it could also pay off huge.

Fifth Round: Pick 23 (150): Cliff Harris: CB, Oregon

Now this is a gamble pick.

Oregon cornerback Cliff Harris showed brilliance at times while he was on the field, but just couldn't stay out of trouble off of it, being stopped for driving 118 MPH and arrested for possession of marijuana before being dismissed from the team.

Those sorts of red flags may scare many suitors away, but Harris certainly has talent, and if the Lions can keep the 5'11" 180-pounder's head on straight, he could be either a huge steal or an easy cut after a minimal investment should he not pan out.

Sixth Round: Pick 22 (182): DeVier Posey: WR, Ohio State

Although Calvin Johnson had an obscenely productive 2011 season, there were times that even "Megatron" himself struggled, due in large part to the lack of a complementary receiver to make opponents pay for bracketing Johnson with coverage.

Suspensions cost Ohio State wide receiver DeVier Posey most of his senior season and sent his draft stock free-falling, but if the 6'3", 205-pound Posey can regain his All Big Ten form from 2010, he could be a huge steal for the Lions this late in the draft.

Seventh Round: Pick 23 (214): Jeremiah Hatch, C, Kansas

Starter Dominic Raiola is an effective player, but at 34 years old and owed $4 million this season, the Lions would be well served to at least secure some depth behind him at center.

Jeremiah Hatch is not going to make anyone do cartwheels upon hearing his name called (except maybe him, and that would be a sight), but the 6'1", 307-pound Hatch has solid technique and was a two-year starter in the middle of the offensive line for the Jayhawks.