NFL Rumors: Detroit Lions Are Smart to Pass on Janoris Jenkins in Round One

Last season the Detroit Lions had one of the NFL's worst defenses. They ranked No. 22 against the pass, No. 23 against the rush, allowed 367.6 total yards per game (ranked No. 23) and 24.2 points per game (also ranked No. 23).

The lack of defense from an all-encompasses perspective cost the Lions in three games that they lost by a touchdown or less.

So when the 2012 NFL Draft comes around, we definitely have to anticipate Detroit looking at defensive players in the early rounds. The Lions also appear to be choosing wisely because it is about selecting the right prospect, as opposed to any defensive prospect.

According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, the Lions are expected to pass on cornerback Janoris Jenkins:

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It appears unlikely they’ll gamble on troubled North Alabama cover man Janoris Jenkins in the first round.

A team source said chances are slim they take him 23rd overall considering his checkered past and the team’s own recent spat of marijuana-related arrests.

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This is not only a surprise move considering Jenkins' past, but Detroit must simply be careful when upgrading the defense because the team has so many weak spots.

Just from the pass defense alone, Detroit has its hands full by competing in the NFC North. Green Bay is obviously the standard, but Chicago has improved and if the Vikings can get Christian Ponder a No. 1 receiver then there is potential.

As for the draft, passing on Jenkins is a good idea because the cornerback position is extremely deep and talented this year. So, let's take a quick look at a few mid-round corners that are all viable options to upgrade the Lions secondary.

Brandon Boykin, Georgia

A consistent defender, Brandon Boykin comes in a bit undersized, but has accounted for 27 defended passes, 153 tackles and two forced fumbles the past three seasons. He's extremely quick, a better run defender than he is given credit for and has great makeup speed.

Boykin is also an excellent return man, having collected over 2,800 return yards and scoring five times on special teams. A versatile game-changer, Boykin to Detroit would improve the zone coverage and limit the perimeter ground game.

Casey Hayward, Vanderbilt

Casey Hayward is a ball magnet, period. Between 2009 and 2011 for Vanderbilt, Hayward defended 43 passes (34 combined between 2010 and 2011) and picked off 15 passes.

Hayward also collected 190 tackles during that three-year span and has the proven durability and production to develop as a complete NFL corner. The Lions need a guy who can play physical in press coverage and react fast once the ball is thrown.

Considering how much Detroit will have to defend the pass in 2012, getting a guy who knows how to make plays will certainly suffice.

Chase Minnifield, Virginia

Not as much of a ball hog as Hayward, but Chase Minniefield has respectable numbers with 13 career picks, 30 defended passes and 151 tackles.

Like Boykin, Minnifield is a bit undersized, but he is still a reliable tackler and provides quickness when reacting to the developing play. Minnifield's aggressive at coming up against the run and also possesses the field awareness to sink back into zone coverage.

If anything, a defender who's constantly aware of his surrounding will help the Lions defense the most.

John Rozum on Twitter.