Detroit Lions Mock Draft: Picking Every Round for Need Only

This week we've been doing complete mock drafts for every team in the NFC North. We end it with the a team which is finally on the rise, the Detroit Lions.

The Lions have a definite need in the secondary, but where it gets interesting is at running back. With Jahvid Best's concussion history, there's a good chance his career could be very short.

Meanwhile, Mikel LeShoure is off to a rough start. They need to think about a solution early on in the draft, though perhaps not first round.

Speaking of rounds—here are there the picks they have to play with for the entire draft.

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Round 1 - 23rd, 23rd (overall)
Round 2 - 22nd, 54th
Round 3 - 23rd, 85th
Round 4 - 22nd, 117th
Round 5 - 23rd, 158th 
Round 7 (from Seattle) - 12th, 219th
Round 7 - 23rd, 230th 

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You may have noticed a lack of 6th-round picks. That would be because it was yanked because of tampering charges stemming from an incident with the Kansas City Chiefs. I think the whole thing is bunk, but that's water under the bridge and there's no changing it now.

With that out of the way, here's my full draft mock for the Detroit Lions. You can refer to my big board for the Lions if you like to see who I think is probably off the board for the early picks.

Round 1 - 23rd, 23rd (overall)—Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Let's start off the day with what is sure to be a divisive pick. In my last first-round mock, I had Dre Kirkpatrick in this spot, but I've shifted Barron up due to some buzz, my analysis of his play and the distance between him and the next strong safety on the board. 

The Lions have an issue at safety which Barron, when he is fully recovered from his hernia surgery, can fix. It may seem early to some but he's worth the high pick. 

Round 2 - 22nd, 54th—Doug Martin, RB, Boise State

With the uncertainty around the backfield, looking at a tough, versatile and, most importantly, healthy running back at this point is a must. If a guy like Martin is available (Virginia Tech's David Wilson is another one) the Lions should look hard at him.

With Best's concussions there is a very good chance he will continue to struggle with them.

Mikel LeShoure is healthy but may face suspension and is still an unproven commodity. As much as it would hurt to have to spend another high draft pick on a back, the Lions may be in a position where it will be the smartest move and the most value.

Round 3 - 23rd, 85th—Kelechi Osemele, OG, Iowa State

If Osemele isn't here (or someone like him) this pick has to be a best-player-available selection. As we are trying to stay to need only (or mostly) let's assume Osemele is still here—a real possibility.

Osemele is a real nasty guard who will be an upgrade over the current players at the position, if not immediately, then in a year or two.

Round 4 - 22nd, 117th—Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise State

I would love to see McClellin drop here if I was the Lions. He is a player being overlooked way too much by the media.

He's not an elite athlete but has great instincts and is tremendously aggressive—sometimes too much so. (Feel free to insert "sounds-like-a-Lion-to-me" crack of your own here.) In a few years, I have a feeling this guy is going to be a big deal. 

Round 5 - 23rd, 158th—Marvin McNutt, WR, Iowa

There are several wide receivers I like more, but none of them will last to the fifth round and McNutt has the upside to contribute in a brief period of time.

McNutt has the size and hands to be a very good possession receiver once he polishes up his route running. Sometimes he body catches too much, but when his focus is on, he's tough to beat on a jump ball.

He'd have time to develop behind Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson and Titus Young.

Round 7 (from Seattle) - 12th, 219t—Robert Blanton, CB, Notre Dame

Blanton is a bit of a project, but with his size, speed and long arms (31" in length) that scouts and teams love. His physicality would serve him well on special teams as well while he works on getting less "handsy" downfield and tackling more consistently.

Round 7 - 23rd, 230th—Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State

There are still questions about Moore's arm strength, and a scripted Pro Day isn't allaying any of my fears.

With that said, his accuracy is good, he has decent zip for the short throws and he's a proven leader. Arm strength can improve a little and, as a back-up, he would be good at filling in on an emergency basis. He's worth a late pick to see what you can do with him.