Mid-Round NFL Draft Targets Who Could Start in Year 1 for Detroit Lions

If the Detroit Lions are going to take the next step toward consistently contending, general manager Martin Mayhew must get better contributions from the middle rounds of the 2015 NFL draft than last year's offerings.

Finding value in the meat of the draft is what separates the grain from the chaff. And when you consider Detroit's likelihood of tying up big money in three star players, the ability to find starters on the cheap becomes paramount.

So where can the Lions turn for these players? I'm glad you asked. Click through to find guys with the ability to start during their rookie seasons who could be available between the third and fifth rounds.

RB David Cobb

Running backs will be a hot topic this offseason if the Lions cut ties with Reggie Bush to save some cap space. The first two rounds have the big names, but the mid-rounds will provide the value.

"

David Cobb is going to go 3rd/4th round because he's not a special athlete. And he's going to be one of NFL's most productive rookie backs

— Ian Kenyon (@IanKenyonNFL) January 24, 2015"

That's just it. Cobb won't go in the second round because of guys like Tevin Coleman and Ameer Abdullah because of their flashy numbers at the combine. Yet Cobb should have no problem with numbers once the season starts.

Cobb amassed 1,629 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground by reading blocks and making forward cuts that result in him constantly moving upfield. And although he only cranked out 16 catches in 2013, that had more to do with scheme than ability.

Joique Bell won't be unseated as the starter easily. More than likely, it'll take an injury, which isn't uncommon at one of the NFL's most punishing positions.

RB Jay Ajayi

Jay Ajayi can be grouped with David Cobb in terms of college production. However, Detroit won't be able to wait until the fourth round for the Boise State Bronco like it could for the Golden Gopher.

Cobb has the higher per-carry average, but Ajayi boasts some rather impressive statistics as well.

"

#BoiseState RB Jay Ajayi finished this season tied for 3rd in the NCAA w/ 65 plays of 10+ yards. He also ranked T-6th w/ 6 plays of 50+ YDS.

— Jay Tust (@KTVBSportsGuy) January 15, 2015"

And he isn't just a big-play guy. Ajayi has a proven track record of closing out games, something any successful team needs.

"

#BoiseState RB Jay Ajayi's NCAA ranks in the 4th quarter this season… - 600 rush YDS (1st) - 7 rush TD (t-1st) - 7 rushes on 20+ YDS (t-1st)

— Jay Tust (@KTVBSportsGuy) January 15, 2015"

Ajayi has a better chance of unseating Joique Bell based on actual skill. They have similar styles except for the explosive-play element, which could be enough to put Ajayi in the conversation.

WR Tony Lippett

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

Again, it won't be easy to grab Tony Lippett past the third round. He could be there, but it'll likely take a late pick to move up enough in the fourth round to secure the Spartan's services.

Lippett was a huge part of Michigan State's success in 2014. He seemed to always come down with the ball when quarterback Connor Cook needed a big catch, and he has an underrated ability to high-point the ball by virtue of his 6'3" size.

"

Tony Lippett wearing the 7/11 sign, always open no matter the corner

— Jeff Risdon (@JeffRisdon) January 20, 2015"

Lippett grabbed 65 receptions for 1,198 yards and 11 scores because of the trust he engendered with Cook. And the versatile wide receiver also added another touchdown on the ground.

Oh, and he logged plenty of snaps at cornerback. He's willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win.

Detroit's third receiver spot will probably be an open battle throughout training camp and who knows who will be returning kicks. Lippett would be an immediate contender at each position.

DE Corey Crawford

John Raoux/Associated Press

We're digging a little deeper now for our prospects. Coincidentally, we may have just stumbled on the most likely starter on this list by virtue of his position.

There has been plenty of speculation and Twitter debate centered on releasing Jason Jones. The 6'5", 276-pound defensive end played decently against the run on the left side, but it probably won't be enough to justify his almost $4 million cap hit. Not when it can be reduced to $833, 334 by cutting him, per Spotrac.com.

Devin Taylor (6'7", 275 lbs) is taller than Jones and just a pound lighter, but Corey Crawford is almost a mirror image of Jones at 6'5" and 270 pounds.

"

A guy I noticed a lot when studying Vic Beasley (who I like a lot btw) is Clemson DE Corey Crawford. Love his length. Reminds me of C. Jones

— johnny hatelak (@jackhammerebm) January 25, 2015"

Crawford isn't an explosive pass-rusher. He posted just a pair of sacks in 2014 so his value on certain passing downs would be limited. Yet the probable fifth-rounder already has the heft to set the edge, meaning he could certainly jog onto the field following the opening kickoff.

CB Eric Rowe

Rick Bowmer/Associated Press

We'll stick with the defense for our last slide that also fits a possible position of need. The only bugaboo here could be Eric Rowe's continued ascent up the rankings, since he's already jumped a couple of rounds from his original fifth-round projection, per NFLDraftScout.com.

Detroit could bring back its entire secondary if it re-signs Rashean Mathis and safety Isa Abdul-Quddus. In fact, the former almost seems like a lock to happen considering Mathis' fit and age, which would probably chase off other suitors.

So the likelihood of Rowe getting a starting nod early are pretty slim. Yet, his versatility means any injury could push him over the hump.

"

If Lions draft Eric Rowe, he can start out at nickel and start outside at a pinch if Slay or Mathis is out.

— BeastMode (@BeastFBall) January 24, 2015"

Rowe has the size (6'1", 204 lbs) to play the aggressive scheme that defensive coordinator Teryl Austin prefers. He also lined up at safety in the Senior Bowl to show off just how many positions he can man.

And again, the more positions you can play, the more likely you are to see the starting lineup.

Brandon Alisoglu is a Detroit Lions Featured Columnist who has written about the Lions on multiple sites. He also co-hosts a Lions-centric podcast, Lions Central Radio. Yell at him on Twitter about how wrong he is at @BrandonAlisoglu.