Detroit Lions' Top Needs, Fits for 2015 NFL Draft to Build for the Future

Past drafts and free-agent signings have the Detroit Lions in control of their immediate situation; the team is a playoff contender. But in order to compete in the years to come, there are needs that must be addressed in the 2015 NFL draft.

You know about the big holes that need plugging right now. The current left guard is probably Rodney Austin, and counting on Theo Riddick to handle the Jahvid Best-Reggie Bush role might be an overly optimistic decision.

However, how deeply have you delved into the roster to see what is required for 2016? Or 2017? Click through to find all of the immediate and future questions that need to be answered for Detroit to make the transition from sporadic to perennial contender.

Strong Safety

Brynn Anderson/Associated Press

James Ihedigbo has put together his best two seasons on the wrong side of 30, per Pro Football Focus. That streak might go for another season or two at best, but if the Lions are going to maintain a strong secondary, some thought needs to be given to his replacement.

This isn't the most urgent need, and Detroit may have the right successor already on the roster in Isa Abdul-Quddus. Not to mention, the 2015 class isn't exactly brimming with potential starters, but here are a few that would fit the bill the best.

Landon Collins, Alabama

Collins is the clear head of the class. He's a stout strong safety who excels in the box attacking the run. His 6'0", 228-pound frame also gives him enough strength to fight with the tight ends that would look to push him off in coverage. And as Bleacher Report draft guru Matt Miller points out, he's strictly a first-round target for the Lions:

"

Landon Collins could be a blue chip NFL safety. Oddly, he's not been hyped much in the pre-draft process. I still like him Top 20

— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) March 31, 2015"

There's almost no chance that Detroit moves up to grab Collins. If he's there at 23, he's a viable candidate considering his talent, and we all know general manager Martin Mayhew isn't afraid to sacrifice need for potential.

Jaquiski Tartt, Samford

Some would rather see Chris Hackett in this spot because they saw TCU play on national television. Unfortunately, Hackett's diminutive size (195 lbs.) and lack of speed (4.81 40 per NFL.com) doesn't fit the system. Tartt didn't compete against the same level of competition, but he has the frame (6'1", 221 lbs.) that at least gives him a shot at the next level.

Tartt could excel in Detroit's system. He's an aggressive and effective tackler who loves to fly around and make contact. So long as his eager style is kept in check by tethering him to the line of scrimmage, Tartt can develop into a capable starter and should be available in the third round.

James Sample, Louisville

Sample is the type of developmental prospect that could make a solid sixth-round selection. His biggest problems center on a lack of football education, something he can get at Austin & Ihedigbo University.

That rawness is offset by his 6'2", 209-pound build and a willingness to do the dirty work in the box. He also has some playmaking abilities, as proven by his four interceptions in his sole season as a starter.

Wide Receiver

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

Calvin Johnson won't be around forever. He's taken a beating in his eight professional seasons. In fact, 2014 was a rough one for the 29-year-old superstar, as he missed three games and parts of two others.

None of the players listed below are going to replace Johnson. Those guys are only available in the top 10, and even those wide receivers have a small chance of entering Johnson's realm of ridiculousness. But the below all have a decent chance of being reliable contributors in a top-tier passing attack.

Nelson Agholor, USC

No team is "all good" when it comes to weapons. The Lions have a few in the cupboard, but adding a talent like Agholor is a smart proposition. He seemingly has a knack for finding the open space, and his hands leave nothing to be desired. Someone at NFL Network, presumably draft analyst Mike Mayock, has found a lofty player comparison for the former Trojan:

"

High school RB turned WR. We know a few teams that could use @USCFootball's Nelson Agholor. #PathToTheDraft pic.twitter.com/fxFryAbxYd

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) April 3, 2015"

Interestingly enough, Lance Zierlein of NFL.com found another comparison: Ryan Broyles. He sees them both as more Golden Tate than Johnson, and Agholor's ability to turn short catches into long gains confirms that thought. It'll take a second-round pick to nab the USC star.

Tyler Lockett, Kansas State

The Lions don't have a definite slot receiver on the roster. Lockett would fix that problem. He's a small-ish receiver at 5'10" and 182 pounds that can move quickly and smoothly through a defense before turning on his 4.4 speed.

The bonus will come on special teams. Lockett could overtake Jeremy Ross in the return game immediately. While Ross has shown a natural talent for the duty in the past, too many questionable decisions in 2014 makes him vulnerable to the smart, able Lockett.

Tre McBride, William & Mary

McBride breaks the mold set by the first two on this list. He's a powerful receiver who uses all of his 210 pounds to his advantage when bodying defensive backs to high-point the ball.

Like any other small-school prospect, questions need to be answered about whether his skills translate to the NFL. He posted a nice 4.41 40 at the combine, but that speed didn't equal cornerbacks being left in the dust in college. He has yet to prove that straight-line speed can translate to the field.

Kenny Bell, Nebraska

It's almost draft time, which means you'll finally be relieved of having to read my constant pleas for Bell. He's a Tyler Lockett-style player who might be available in the sixth round when Detroit re-enters the draft after a couple rounds off.

Bell excels where McBride falters. The Nebraska product can fly by defensive backs using his 4.37 speed, and that top gear shows up on tape. Durability is a concern at 197 pounds, and he'll need to learn how to fight off a professional jam.

Defensive End

Wade Payne/Associated Press

The trendy word when describing hybrid defensive-ends-slash-outside-linebackers that get after the quarterback these days is "edge-rusher." However, the Lions aren't looking for that player in particular.

Instead, Detroit will need to evaluate Jason Jones' long-term viability. He sets the edge well against the run, which is his main task in defensive coordinator Teryl Austin's defense, and that's going to require a stout defensive end; not an edge-rusher.

Alvin "Bud" Dupree, Kentucky

There haven't been many links between the Lions and Dupree because he's viewed as a first-round target and Detroit isn't dying for a defensive end. However, he would certainly fit the role of edge-setter, with an added bonus of being an absolute freak athlete that could be coached up. While some like Peter King of SI.com didn't hear much about Dupree in the beginning of the draft process, his stock is on the rise:

"

My mockery draft: Breshad Perriman, Cameron Erving, Bud Dupree all go higher than I thought. http://t.co/y31zepkAHn

— Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) April 1, 2015"

All this means it's highly unlikely that Dupree is available at 23rd overall. But strange things happen in the draft, and if we're "certain" that so-and-so won't be available then, one of them inevitably will fall. So if Martin Mayhew gets a chance at the 6'4", 269-pounder who ran a 4.56 40 and posted a 42" vertical, per NFL.com, he won't hesitate to add another dynamic talent up front.

Owamagbe Odighizuwa, UCLA

Detroit will get a shot at Odighizuwa, but it all depends on which round that shot comes. Odighizuwa isn't a first-round talent, and even the second-round could make one squeamish for this type of player. In the third, it's a no-brainer; it's just unlikely Detroit gets that lucky, because people will be blinded by his athleticism.

Odighizuwa pushed his 267 pounds 40 yards in 4.62 seconds and knocked out a solid 39" in the vertical. However, he isn't much of a pass-rusher. He's a defensive end that will specialize in shutting down the run, which is exactly the position the Lions need to fill when Jones departs. And if Odighizuwa is good enough immediately, it's possible the Lions could save themselves $3.15 million in cap space, per Spotrac.com, by letting the veteran go.

Corey Crawford, Clemson

Since the Lions don't have a fourth- or fifth-round pick at this point, it's not worth it to project anybody else before Crawford. But for the hole Detroit is seeking to fill, the sixth round might be the perfect place to do so.

Crawford is actually seven pounds heavier than Jones. Unfortunately, Crawford doesn't have the same competitive streak, and it led to too many uninspiring snaps during his college career. And his one-game suspension and ankle issues will also need to be worked out before the Lions take a risk on him. Still, there are few players that have his build (6'5", 283 lbs.) at the position, giving him the versatility to go between end and tackle as needed.

Running Back

Darron Cummings/Associated Press

We're now shifting gears toward the needs that require less explanation. Obviously, Reggie Bush took his explosiveness and headed to the San Francisco 49ers after the Lions made him a cap casualty, so there's a backfield gap that needs to be covered.

Before we dive into the candidates, you'll notice two notable omissions on this list. A first-round pick on a running back is a tough proposition to swallow, especially when one is coming off a nasty knee injury and the other lost six fumbles last season.

Tevin Coleman, Indiana

The plethora of running backs likely to be taken in the second round starts with the pride of Indiana football—this year anyway. Coleman was particularly prolific in 2014, setting a school record with 2,036 yards, yet there are plenty that don't see his pro potential. One knowledgeable Detroit fan isn't overlooking the obvious talent, though:

"

Jamaal Charles was a third round pick because people thought the same way about him then as they do Tevin Coleman now

— Mork (@mork1215) April 3, 2015"

Coleman has a burst that few can match. Once he hits the second level, his ability to cut and go can leave the most agile of linebackers and defensive backs in the dust. He's precisely the type of back the Lions need.

Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska

Abdullah brings concerns about his size and durability. He won't be able to handle a full NFL workload as a lead back because his aggressive running style will be tough to maintain at 205 pounds. 

However, he can be a key part of a triple-headed monster that covers every running-back base. Abdullah has the burst necessary to fly by linebackers and the patience to read his blocks to exploit running lanes that open late.

Jeremy Langford, Michigan State

Full disclosure: I am a Big Ten alumnus. I saw more live Michigan State games than any other team, including the conference slate. But that's not why this list starts off with three Midwest running backs.

Langford exploded onto draft radars after his 4.42 40 at the combine. However, he's a nice fit for Detroit because he's a committee-style back that will take the yards a defense gives him and won't dance behind the line of scrimmage.

Trey Williams, Texas A&M

Williams has one of the more interesting stories in college football. After a star-studded high school career, a coaching and philosophy change at Texas A&M cost Williams the carries necessary to prove his talent, although his 5'7", 195-pound frame could be the real culprit.

The Lions don't need a classic banger anyway. Williams could be deployed in a variety of ways on offense as well as handle the returning duties because he's the type of ball-carrier that sees the field as it will be in the future, meaning that he sees where the defenders and rushing lanes will be instead of limiting his vision to his present move.

Offensive Tackle

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Much like a running back, a tackle isn't a must-have. The Lions could get by with Riley Reiff and LaAdrian Waddle, or they could upgrade either side and move Reiff as needed.

Since we know general manager Martin Mayhew is a best-player-available evangelist, the offensive tackle position is squarely on the table early. That's where you'll find most of the below getting drafted.

D.J. Humphries, Florida

Humphries has the pedigree. He was a highly coveted recruit coming out of high school, and that talent landed him on the All-Freshmen SEC team. He didn't seem to continue to develop enough for some scouts, though, and there are other concerns:

"

D.J. Humphries - Starting LT potential but draft at your own risk. Hasn't played full season as a starter since HS http://t.co/Lxn2lsAoW0

— Ryan McCrystal (@Ryan_McCrystal) March 23, 2015"

Humphries has great athleticism that will serve him well in Detroit's zone-blocking schemes. However, he'll have to prove that he has the durability and desire to reach his potential of becoming a top-tier left tackle.

T.J. Clemmings, Pitt

Clemmings is a former defensive end that's brought that athleticism to the offensive line. He is quick enough to get in front of a defender and has the agility to stay in front of him once there.

The lack of experience at offensive tackle means Clemmings still has plenty of learning to do. He might eventually dislodge Reiff on the left side, but he would be better suited to use his strength to blow defensive ends off the ball.

Jake Fisher, Oregon

The former Duck could bookend either side of the line. He played right tackle before shifting to the left side for his final collegiate season. And he's another converted tackle, so his tight-end athleticism jumps out at you on tape. 

Like the above two, Fisher's agility and fluidity would serve him well in Detroit's laterally moving rushing attack. He has the strength to push people around on the run, but he must continue to add weight to fight off bull rushes.

Ereck Flowers, Miami

Flowers doesn't have the same need to put on weight as Fisher. He already checks in at 320 pounds and has comparable athleticism to everybody here (starting to notice how important that trait is to offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi's scheme?).

The key issue for Flowers is keeping his feet under him. Once a defender gets him to lunge or commit too far, they can cross him up and use his own speed against him. But his talent is on par with any tackle in this draft and picking any of these four as the clear leader at the position is a difficult proposition.

Defensive Tackle

Brett Deering/Getty Images

The additions of Haloti Ngata and Tyrunn Walker helped Detroit move on from the loss of Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley. The former aren't on the same level as Detroit's former defensive-tackle duo, but they can lead a top-notch rotation.

And that's where the below guys come in. Detroit has to find at least one more player who can complete that rotation while giving the franchise somebody who can step into either spot should Ngata or Walker leave next offseason.

Malcom Brown, Texas

You've seen him mocked to Detroit multiple times already. If Brown falls to 23, Martin Mayhew won't waste any time sprinting to the podium to make the former Longhorn a Lion. He's that talented.

"

#MockDraftMonday 23)Det- Malcolm Brown. With the loss of Suh to the Dolphins there is a need at DT. Brown is BPA.

— Patrick Conn (@DraftCowboys) March 31, 2015"

Brown has the girth (319 lbs.) but not the strength to anchor the rushing defense yet. That will come through training and diet. However, Brown's ability to penetrate is tough to replicate for such a big man as his 2014 season proved (13 TFL, 6.5 sacks).

Michael Bennett, Ohio State

The Lions love to employ one-gap defensive tackles that wreak havoc in the backfield. That's exactly who Bennett is. He fires off the ball with incredible quickness and has his hands into an offensive lineman's chest before he's had time to get out of his stance.

That attacking style can come at the price of over-zealousness. He occasionally gets lost in the play as he charges forward, but he'd be a great fit behind Walker and would tire NFC North quarterbacks out as an addition to the rotation.

Carl Davis, Iowa

The first two players will be taken in the first and second rounds, respectively, and Davis is the third-round target. Davis is the best run-stuffing defensive tackle on this list and could provide what Caraun Reid and Walker can't.

Davis might slip a little because of effort issues and his lack of sacks (two in 2014). Whether he'll fall all the way to the third round where Detroit could nab him is questionable, and it's uncertain Detroit would use a pick on a non-penetrator when run-stuffers are more easily found among veteran free agents.

Offensive Guard

David Quinn/Associated Press

The Detroit offensive line was a major source of anxiety in 2014. Left guard Rob Sims was an easy target for criticism, and fans might revolt if the Lions bring him back (Martin Mayhew has been in contact with him).

Free agent Justin Blalock visited with Detroit and a few other teams but has yet to make a decision as of the time of publishing. That means Detroit could need to address the position somewhat early in this draft.

La'el Collins, LSU

Collins has been a steady riser over the past month, leading some to see him as a top-10 pick. It's early enough in the process that he could certainly slide, but teams have caught on to how well Collins could transition to NFL guard, to say nothing of his abilities as a tackle.

"

Surprised when Ereck Flowers is viewed as an LT but not La'El Collins. La'EL can be very good on the left side (my opinion, obviously).

— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) April 5, 2015"

This is a best-case scenario for Detroit. Collins would be a no-brainer, even above Malcom Brown, because of his aggressive playing style that's only equaled by his athleticism. His tendency to overextend himself means he's better suited to the interior of the line since it will give defensive linemen less space to exploit that mistake.

A.J. Cann, South Carolina

There aren't any guards other than Collins who would be worth a first-round selection. There's one other option that will be discussed below, but if Detroit can wait until the second round to grab Cann, it'll have the foundation for a strong draft.

Cann would fit with Detroit's rushing scheme by opening holes while moving laterally on the stretch play. He also does well against tricks like twists and stunts, which killed the Lions last year.

Ali Marpet, Hobart

Marpet is everybody's favorite sleeper, so much so that he's now in danger of being overrated. The adoration people shower on him would make you think the first round isn't out of the question for him.

But for all of his incredible athleticism (4.98 40-yard dash and 4.47 20-yard shuttle, per NFL.com), he has a large jump to make to the NFL from little-known Hobart. His agility makes him a great fit in Detroit, though, and he'd complete the transition to a young, athletic line from an aging, injury-riddled unit that looked a step slow all year.

ALTERNATIVE PICK: Cam Erving, Florida State

The Lions certainly do not need a center. They drafted Travis Swanson in the third round last year to take over for Dominic Raiola, and that plan is just about to come to fruition.

Still, it's impossible to rule out Erving in the first round. Josh Norris was the first to mock him to Detroit, and the notion has gained steam ever since because Swanson has experience at guard. Erving did bring the Florida State offensive line together when he moved to center and might be a better so much better at center than Swanson to justify moving the latter over.

Cornerback

Rashean Mathis' return and Josh Wilson's signing took cornerback down a peg in terms of immediate need. However, Mathis is playing a dangerous game with age as an opponent, while Wilson isn't an outside cornerback.

Thus, Detroit still needs to find someone to eventually take the reigns from Mathis. Since cornerbacks traditionally take a little time to acclimate to the league, it'd be prudent to make the pick sooner rather than later.

Trae Waynes, Michigan State

Anytime I write about Waynes and Detroit, someone feels obligated to tell me he won't be there. I agree that it's probable a team takes him before the Lions have the chance, but it's not at all impossible, and the former Spartan would be an excellent fit. As the draft process wears on, scouts start to poke holes in every player's game, as Bleacher Reporter Cian Fahey does here:

"

Not a fan. Quick feet but feel like he lacks balance in coverage RT @McD5fl: Have you had a serious look at Trae Waynes yet?

— Cian Fahey (@Cianaf) April 2, 2015"

I didn't include that tweet to shame Fahey in any way. He's an excellent football mind and writer. My point is that Waynes could drop. And if he does, Detroit would love to take everyone else's leftovers.

Waynes loves to get physical at the line of scrimmage and proved at the combine to have the speed necessary to recover if he falters (4.31 40-yard dash). Some have mentioned hip stiffness as a problem, but one look at his Penn State tape should alleviate that concern.

Jalen Collins, LSU

Collins is one of the cornerbacks taking away buzz from Waynes. It's completely understandable given his incredible size (6'1", 203 lbs.), speed (4.48 40) and agility.

That physicality translates well to Detroit's favored press-man coverage as well as run support. There's nothing negative that you can knock Collins for physically, but it will take a good coach to get him to reach his immense potential.

Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest

Johnson is more in the mold of Waynes than Collins. He has a slighter build than the latter, checking in at 188 pounds, although he isn't afraid to throw that weight around.

Penalties are a big concern for Johnson. Much like Waynes, Johnson will have to drop the downfield grabbing that plagued him in college because NFL referees won't let him get away with it.

Byron Jones, UCONN

Jones was one of the darlings of the NFL combine. His measurables were absolutely insane considering his 44.5" vertical that paired nicely with a 3.94 20-yard shuttle and a 147" broad jump, per NFL.com. And don't forget that Jones is 6'1", 199 pounds.

But Detroit can get gun-shy with big injuries considering the continued leg trouble with Ryan Broyles and Jahvid Best's short career. Jones underwent shoulder surgery and had to sit out the last five games of the 2014 season, leaving his draft stock in a state of flux. 

All combine statistics are courtesy of NFL.com. 

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 @BrandonAlisoglu.