2012 NFL Draft: 7 Players Who Can Bolster the Detroit Lions' Explosive Offense

Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson, complemented by the improving Titus Young, with a splash of a healthy Jahvid Best and a dash of the inconsistent Brandon Pettigrew and Nate Burleson—that was the entire Detroit Lions offense in 2011.

The Lions certainly have potency, but their heavy artillery needs support in order to maintain consistency. Looking at all seven rounds of the draft, who and where can the Lions find the key to a flawless offense?

Round 1: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

Mike Adams of Ohio State finally progressed in his senior year, evolving into an elite blocking force. Despite missing the first five games of the season, Adams displayed his dominance and improvement over a mere half season.

Standing tall at 6'5'' and 320 pounds, Adams has the speed and agility to be used anywhere on the line. If one thing is lacking from Adams' game it is his inconsistent ability to control down linemen when it comes to run blocking. With hit and miss footwork, Adams can quickly be groomed into a career-long force on the Detroit front line.

Round 2: Chris Polk, RB, Washington

The Lions may have an adequate stable of workhorse backs already, but none of them provide durability, speed and strength all in one package. Chris Polk could add that consistency for Detroit. If rumors pan out that Jahvid Best cannot play anymore, the Lions will need some agility coming out of the backfield.

Despite a relatively poor offensive line, Polk attained over five yards per carry and displayed the cutting ability and vision to get through smaller holes.

This would be the third straight year in which the Lions used a first or second round pick on a running back—hope for it to be the last.

Round 3: Dwight Jones, WR, UNC

The Lions receiving core is currently based on the physically intimidating and imposing Calvin Johnson supported by the smaller, more agile slot receivers Nate Burleson and Titus Young. The Lions would be wise to add a second physical receiver who can be a vertical threat and a consistent blocker on the edge.

Enter, Dwight Jones. At 6'3'' and weighing 226 pounds, Jones will threaten defenses in a wider variety of ways, playing opposite Calvin Johnson.

Coming from a smaller school, Jones has been sorely undervalued, and the Lions could potentially grab him in the third round.

Round 4: Terrance Ganaway, RB, Baylor

Whatever happened to fullbacks in the NFL? Why haven't the Lions been using one? With struggles in the run game, the Lions could use a power back and fullback, which is exactly where Ganaway excels.

Overshadowed by RGIII and the high octane passing attack of Baylor, Ganaway still ran for over 1,500 yards and had a nose for the end zone, with 21 touchdowns. With his size, look for the back to be transitioned into a John Kuhn type of player.

At 6'0'' and 240 pounds, Terrence Ganaway could give the Lions' running game the same physicality that Calvin Johnson has brought to the passing game.

Round 5: Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State

Learning from the Green Bay Packers and their cultivation of Matt Flynn, the Lions would be wise to draft and groom a quarterback as an insurance policy for Matthew Stafford, or even as a potential profit in the future trade market.

Kellen Moore of Boise State is a capable and intelligent leader who knows how to win. Cut from the same cloth as Andy Dalton, Moore should exceed expectations at the pro level with his determination and underrated athleticism.

Round 6: Joe Long, OT, Wayne State

It would behoove the Lions to develop another offensive linemen in order to possess a slew of capable players, similar to how they approached the pass rush last season. Joe Long is a sleeper pick of low risk in the late rounds. Coming from a star pedigree, Long lives up to his name with an incredible wingspan, and was recognized as the Division II lineman of the year.

At 6'5'' and 308 pounds, Long could potentially develop into a starter himself and at the very least should be a beyond adequate reserve.

Round 7: Bert Reed, WR, Florida State

Stefan Logan was not exactly a superstar in the kick return game last season for the Lions. Though the new kickoff rule has reduced the importance of return men, it would still be wise to consider a speedy young receiver to groom into a punt and kick returner. Bert Reed possesses the quick bursts and cutting ability to become a decent return man.

At a mere 175 pounds, the 5'11'' Reed can still be used in a number of ways, both on special teams and as a fourth or fifth receiver.