NFL Draft 2012: 3 Players Who Will Help the Detroit Lions Win the NFC North

This past season, the Detroit Lions made the playoffs for the first time since 1999.

After years of poor drafting, picks like Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford and Ndamukong Suh have turned the Lions into potential Super Bowl contenders. 

With the No. 23 pick in this year's draft, the Lions may be a player or two away from overtaking the NFC North from the Green Bay Packers. 

Dre Kirkpatrick

The Lions recently lost Eric Wright to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers,  hurting their already thin secondary. 

Kirkpatrick has good size and speed and can play man or zone coverage.

If he is available when the Lions select, they just may pick Kirkpatrick. 

Janoris Jenkins

Jenkins has the talent to be one of the first 10 picks, but he comes with a lot of question marks regarding his character. 

He was a star at the University of Florida but was dismissed from the team for issues not related to football. 

Like Kirkpatrick, Jenkins would fill a need for the Lions but has a much higher risk than the University of Alabama corner.  

Lamar Miller

The Lions lacked a running game last season as they struggled to keep a healthy backfield. 

Mikel Leshoure will return from a torn Achillies and Jahvid Best is recovering from a concussion.  If the Lions feels their backfield will not be ready for the season, they could take a back in the draft. 

Someone like Miller could solidify Detroit’s offense. 

The team already has a good passing game and their offensive line played better than expected. A running back could be what the Lions need to win the division.