Detroit Lions Mock Draft: Best and Worst Case for Every Round

We take a momentary break from our schedule insanity to bring you this Mock Draft update:

Yesterday, we took a look at the best and worst case scenarios for the Chicago Bears' NFL Draft class and today we move on to another contender for the division title in the Detroit Lions.

Once upon a time, folks called them the Detroit Kitty-Cats but at some point the Lions grew fangs and claws again, and, if they play their (draft) cards right, will become even more fierce.

Now that I have run that analogy into the ground, let's take a look at the potential picks for the Lions next week.

To refresh your memory, here are the picks they have at their disposal:

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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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Not a bad haul, and if done right, the last two picks can still yield value.

Round 1 - 23rd—Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Once upon a time this pick seemed a bit early for a guy coming off double hernia surgery. Now? It might be late. Barron will be healthy by the start of the season and while missing a portion of training camps and OTAs may get him off to a slow start, he'll be an impact player by mid-season.

If that doesn't work out, Cordy Glenn, OT from Georgia would be a solid pick. Glenn can play a few spots on the line and most impressively had a great year in 2011 after having only four starts prior to that at left tackle. He would be able to step right in and play wherever the Lions needed him.

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

Here's a pick that should get people going in the comments. Many don't agree with my stance that the Lions need to pick up a healthy, reliable back early and that's fine. We also know that the Lions don't need a Trent Richardson/Adrian Peterson to win a Super Bowl.

However, if Martin is here, I believe the team should jump. Martin is absolutely stellar and in my opinion, and would be a steal. Of course, this is best-case-scenario, a lot of teams have been sleeping.

If Martin is gone, and further, if the tackles and cornerbacks on the board aren't appealing, the worst-case-scenario would be a guy like Oklahoma OLB Ronnell Lewis. Lewis should still be around and does a great job against both pass and run plays. He lacks an explosive first step, but is very strong and loves to hit.

Round 3 - 23rd, 85th—Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt

Hayward is a very good cover corner who will drop, in part because of size and speed. He has great instincts and can read receiver routes and anticipate plays. Furthermore, he's not afraid of contact and could contribute a bit on special teams.

If he's gone, the Lions could move on to an offensive lineman like Oklahoma's Donald Stephenson (and yes, I realize Oklahoma seems to be my fallback school for two picks in a row). Stephenson is a tackle who can get to the second level and knows what to do when he gets there as well. He's a bit of a waist-bender and needs to sharpen his techniques but he could be a fine developmental project.

Round 4 - 22nd, 117—Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State

A while back, Sanders was a top prospect, but a momentary freeze and a lack of elite skills have dropped him down a few notches (more than a few really). He can get overbalanced at times, but overall is a solid tackle who can learn and step in within a season or two.

If that doesn't work out, Washington's Senio Kelemete would be a good addition to the guard position. He'll take some time to develop, but is the type of depth pick I like to see starting on the third day.

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

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.

If he's not there, I'd like to see someone like UCLA's Mike Harris (and as a USC guy, that stuck in my throat a bit), an aggressive, angry-playing cornerback who makes up for his size with ferocity.

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

Round seven is a good time for a project with potential, like Blanton. With his size, speed and long arms (31" in length) teams will overlook the fact that he has issues with footwork and balance and a tendency to get a bit "handsy" downfield.

If the Golden Domer isn't there, it'd be worth their time to consider Quinton Richardson, the free safety out of Washington. Richardson is raw, but has the skills to contribute on special teams and potentially rotate into the secondary.

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

Moore has some arm strength issues (not allayed in the minds of many by a scripted pro day) but he has good accuracy and nice zip on short balls. He would fill in well as a backup with the upside to become more.

If he's gone, the Lions would do well to grab DaJohn Harris, the defensive tackle out of Southern Cal. His biggest flaws—pad level, playing upright, technique—should be able to be corrected, though his durability is a concern. Still, this late, he's more than worth a look.