Detroit Lions 2013 Mock Draft: Predictions for Day 3

The Detroit Lions wrapped up Day 2 of the 2013 NFL draft in a rather traditional manner, making no trades while selecting cornerback Darius Slay and offensive guard Larry Warford. So let's take a peek at what will go down tomorrow with a Day 3 mock draft.

After addressing three huge needs in the first three rounds, there are plenty of ways that Martin Mayhew can go. The Lions still need a deep-ball wide receiver, a linebacker and some line depth on both sides.

Lastly, you should pay special attention to this mock as I've nailed two out of three picks so far, meaning I'm not straying too far from my original prognostications.

Round 4, Pick 132: OT Jordan Mills

So far, so good in the Jordan Mills waiting game. There is a chance that he is taken in the fourth round before the Lions snap him up, but let's try to be optimistic here.

As for Mills' actual play, there's a lot to like. He has a mean streak that will endear him to Detroit's front office and translate well to run blocking.

Mills is a possible first-year starter. At the least, he will give Jason Fox some anxiety about his presumed starting spot.

Round 5, Pick 137: DE David Bass

I've been pounding the table for the past week trying to get people to watch tape of David Bass. This kid has the potential to be special.

Usually, late-round "flyers" are restricted to the sixth round or later, but the Lions cannot afford to wait that long. Bass is another physical freak who can push Ezekiel Ansah and ensure that he becomes all he can be.

If both develop to their ceilings, the Lions would have two monster pass-rushers bookending Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley. That's just scary.

At worst, Bass can be a situational player, giving the starters a breather and putting pressure on opposing offensive tackles with his speed and quickness.

Round 6, Pick 171: TE Dion Sims

If you've read my first two Detroit Lions mock drafts, you're probably bored wondering when I’ll change it up. Well, I'm on a heater right now. And we all know you don't switch things up when you're on a heater.

This type of luck doesn’t come without sacrifice though. My girlfriend is getting a little weary of me wearing the same BBQ-stained shorts for three days, but I have no choice.

Anyways, that's why we now find ourselves staring at Dion Sims again. The big tight end will be able to handle whatever the Lions coaching staff asks him to do, whether it be blocking or catching.

He isn't going to be a No. 1 tight end, but that's not what Detroit needs. For this late in the draft, he'll be a great value. 

Round 7, Pick 211: LB Jelani Jenkins

Can the Lions get lucky enough that Jelani Jenkins falls to them in the seventh round? Definitely. Nobody thought Larry Warford would be there in the third round, but there he was.

Jenkins can be an immediate contributor on special teams. He is a solid tackler and supposedly ran a 4.4 40-yard dash in high school, according to gatorzone.com. Even if that isn't true, it's obvious that he has the speed to race down the field after the returner.

Jenkins will be a good fit as an outside backer in the 4-3 since his biggest weakness is his pass rushing. He'll need to learn to shed blocks better since the Wide 9 doesn't involve the big men up front taking up those blocks, but he's a nice bet as a developmental player in the seventh round. 

Round 7, Pick 245: WR Marcus Davis

All that talk about not walking away from a heater and I immediately change direction on the next slide. Am I out-thinking myself? Perhaps.

And I even dropped one of my favorite players in this draft: Conner Vernon. But I didn't do it for nothing. Since the Lions weren't able to grab a big, fast receiver in the first few rounds, it seemed appropriate to take a shot in the dark on one with the last pick.

Marcus Davis is 6'3" and ran a 4.48 40-yard dash at his pro day, according to www.nfldraftscout.com. That isn't ridiculous speed, but enough for a guy with a 39" vertical jump to be a deep threat. He averaged just under 19 yards per catch in 2012, so he can do it.

Besides, it's the 245th pick. You're not getting Randy Moss with the 245th pick.