Detroit Lions Mock Draft: Take a Look at DraftTek's Latest 7-Round Mock

DraftTek has released their latest 2012 mock NFL draft and it is interesting to see their projections for the Detroit Lions.

Offensive line is clearly at the forefront of their concerns as they believe the Lions brain-trust will take big men multiple times early in the draft.

After that the picks range in position but always fill a potential hole in Detroit's depth chart.

The contract situations concerning defensive end Cliff Avril and middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch are still huge question marks for this franchise and DraftTek seems to have compensated for these positions at later points in their mock.

(Note that Lions beat writer Dave Birkett believes a deal will be struck with Avril before the franchise tag deadline.)

Now, without giving too much away too quickly, let's take a look at each projected pick DraftTek has made for the Lions and assess the value and skill level for each player.

Round 1: Pick 23, Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

With Jonathan Martin of Stanford, Peter Konz of Wisconsin and Janoris Jenkins of North Alabama all off the board at this point in DraftTek's mock, Cordy Glenn makes a ton of sense.

At 6'5", 345 pounds, he could become the type of power run-blocker Detroit's offensive line so desperately craves and replace either Stephen Peterman or Gosder Cherilus on the right side.

The Lions rushing attack was non-existent for a majority of last season, ranking 29th in the NFL with 95.2 yards per game on the ground.

Glenn could provide a huge boost to that statistic, and while a guard may not be the most exciting pick in the world, this Georgia Bulldog could be a consistent presence in Detroit's lineup for the next decade.

Plus, with his exceptional size, he may even develop into the kind of player who could replace Jeff Backus at some point. Not a likely scenario, but the potential is there.

Round 2: Pick 54, Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State

Offensive line becomes a theme for the Lions in DraftTek's mock as they have Zebrie Sanders becoming a member of the Honolulu Blue in Round 2.

Sanders, a 6'5", 307-pound left tackle from the Florida State Seminoles program, has actually spent time at both tackle positions.

He is an athletic prospect who could immediately replace the soon-to-become-free-agent Jeff Backus if the cards fall properly into position.

Detroit already interviewed Sanders during Senior Bowl week and it appears the connection is in place for this pick to happen if Sanders is on the board at pick 54.

Big, smart, athletic and hard working. Those sound like attributes that would fit right in on a Jim Schwartz-led football team.

Round 3: Pick 86, Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt

Detroit seemingly has to address the cornerback position at some point in this draft and DraftTek believes it will be in the third round with the addition of Casey Hayward.

Hayward, a 5'11", 185-pound product of the Vanderbilt Commodores, is a complete player who could be a vital piece to the Lions' puzzle.

He had seven interceptions and 62 tackles this past season, his third year as a starter at Vandy.

Hayward has tremendous cover skills, and has no problem stepping up against the run or executing flawless technique in coverage.

A nice bonus is the fact that he has experience and skill in the return game.

Sure, the Lions still have Stefan Logan on the roster, but he was terrible last season and either getting rid of him or providing him with some competition would be a wise move.

Round 4: Pick 117, Phillip Thomas, FS, Syracuse

Detroit could use all the help they can get in the secondary and perhaps that is why DraftTek sees the Lions selecting Phillip Thomas in the fourth round.

The Big East's leader in interceptions this past season as a member of the Syracuse Orange, Thomas' athletic ability is without question.

He has a 5'11", 190-pound frame, and is not afraid to throw his limited weight around. Thomas was third in the conference with 82 tackles this past season.

A core of safety's consisting of Louis Delmas, Amari Spievey and Phillip Thomas could be a formidable unit for Detroit.

One minor problem with Thomas is the fact that he missed the final two games of last year after violating Syracuse's athletic department policy.

Hardly a reason to forget a prospect, but still noteworthy nonetheless.

Round 5: Pick 150, Keenan Robinson, OLB, Texas

Keenan Robinson is a talented athlete and DraftTek thinks the Lions will realize that with their fifth-round selection.

A 6'3", 239-pound outside linebacker from the Texas Longhorns, Robinson excels in pass coverage but is no slouch against the run either.

He had 85 tackles this past year and was named to the All-Big 12 second team unit.

Detroit may not be desperate for an outside linebacker, but with the uncertainty surrounding Stephen Tulloch it would seem smart to add some depth to the linebacker unit.

If Tulloch leaves, then DeAndre Levy may have to move back inside, freeing up a space that Robinson may find some reps in.

Round 7: Pick 202, Jack Crawford, DE, Penn State

Jack Crawford had a versatile career as a Penn State Nittany Lion. He spent time at defensive tackle and tight end before finding his calling as a defensive end.

This means that he is still somewhat raw but this late in the draft is the time to take chances on prospects with the all important upside.

DraftTek thinks he makes sense at pick 202, and at 6'5", 274 pounds, it is easy to see why.

The contract situation of defensive end Cliff Avril is yet to be settled and if for whatever reason he exits the franchise, Detroit will need to add depth to the position.

Crawford could be a low-risk, high-reward player to add to the depth chart.

Round 7: Pick 213, Chris Galippo, LB, USC

At 6'2", 250 pounds, Chris Galippo is not an imposing physical presence on the field.

But what this USC Trojan lacks in physical prowess he more than makes up for in consistency.

Galippo started every game for the Trojans this past season and recorded 70 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles in the process.

DraftTek projects him to be the Lions' final pick in the 2012 draft and if he is still on the board for the 213th pick it will be a very nice bit of fortune for Detroit.

Galippo is a strong-willed leader and appears to be the kind of player who will constantly work to get better at the next level.