Detroit Lions NFL Draft Big Board: Position-by-Position Rankings

General manager Martin Mayhew hasn't handled all of his drafts or personnel decisions well, but he has built a solid roster with few holes. However, the Detroit Lions can ill afford to whiff on their early selections this year, because the holes that do remain stretch from one immediate starter to future building blocks.

We can argue about whether the Lions more desperately need a cornerback, running back or defensive tackle in this year's draft, or we could enjoy a big board that includes each of those positions on separate slides while also adding another for the crater that's left at center.

Before you click through to the final big board of the 2015 hype train, keep in mind that player availability and scheme are concerns throughout the rankings. A slide about offensive linemen isn't going to include Brandon Scherff because no one sees him slipping outside of the top 10.

Now, on with the show.

Offensive Lineman

Julio Cortez/Associated Press

Here's what we know: The Lions do not currently have a guard other than Larry Warford on the roster.

Here's what we don't know: Where Riley Reiff and Travis Swanson will line up next season. Both will presumably be in the starting lineup, but depending on the route Martin Mayhew takes to add another lineman, the deck could be shuffled. Thus, I've combined guards and tackles here based on their fit and likelihood to help Detroit.

Also, you won't find prospects that I think project to the right side. LaAdrian Waddle put together impressive tape when healthy; throwing a first-round pick at something that might not be a problem could be a costly mistake.

1. G/T La'el Collins, LSU

Remember that we're keeping it realistic here, so Brandon Scherff is out of the picture. That suits the Lions just fine if Collins is there because he can immediately move into the left guard spot and blow holes through defenses with his nasty attitude.

Collins also brings the bonus of positional versatility. That's why B/R's Luke Easterling mocked him to the Cincinnati Bengals a couple of picks ahead of the Lions:

"

21. La'el Collins, OL, LSU - Powerful monster in the run game, could end up moving inside. Better fit at RT than LT.

— Luke Easterling (@LukeEasterling) April 26, 2015"

2. G/C Cameron Erving, Florida State

In what has probably become the people's pick, Erving would be a welcome addition in Detroit. He played all over the line in college, finally coming to rest at center. It's unlikely he would unseat Travis Swanson though. He could, however, step in at left guard and finish off an interior trio that keeps Matthew Stafford healthy for years.

3. T D.J. Humphries, Florida

The former Florida Gator is another popular pick due to his immense talent level and unteachable combination of size and athleticism. He has the natural talent (former 5-star recruit), but the concern is that he never really developed in college, which drops him to third here.

4. G A.J. Cann, South Carolina

Cann is almost the exact opposite of his SEC East foe. He was a reliable starter for the Gamecocks throughout his four-year career because of his discipline. Nothing about him is going to drop your jaw, but the Lions could really use a steady performer at left guard, and Cann has enough athleticism to fill that void.

5. T/G Jake Fisher, Oregon

Fisher beats out Ali Marpet and Laken Tomlinson here based on his positional versatility. There's a chance that the 6'6", 306-pounder could force Reiff to guard, or he may man the position himself. He has the athleticism (5.01-second 40-yard dash and 4.33-second 20-yard shuttle, per NFL.com) to excel in Detroit's run-blocking scheme while staying in front of bull-rushers and speed-rushers alike.

Defensive Tackle

The need for a defensive tackle was tempered by the arrivals of Haloti Ngata and Tyrunn Walker—it was not obviated. There's no depth behind them other than Caraun Reid, and neither player is under contract past 2015.

Does the pick have to be a first-rounder? Of course not, but that doesn't mean that it can't be either. If one of the top two guys here is available at No. 23, either one could be the pick.

1. Danny Shelton, Washington

They do not come much bigger than Washington nose tackle Danny Shelton. At 6'2" and 339 pounds, he's almost impossible to move once he gets his hands on an offensive lineman, and he eats up double-teams consistently. He'd be a perfect fill-in for Haloti Ngata this season and could take over his spot as run-stuffer extraordinaire afterward. He also does well attacking the ball, as proved by his 93 tackles and nine sacks his senior year.

2. Malcom Brown, Texas

As soon as the offseason kicked off, the Malcom Brown-to-Detroit predictions started rolling in. He seemed like a solid fit, weighing in at 319 pounds with an ability to penetrate and make plays in the backfield. The trouble was everyone got sick of it. Jeff Risdon of DetroitLionsDraft.com explains why you may want to turn that attitude around:

"

@brian_bartell @mork1215 Brown is my prediction for the Lions pick. I don't know who it will be, but he's the most likely IMO

— Jeff Risdon (@JeffRisdon) April 28, 2015"

I have to agree with Risdon. Brown is an immense talent that recorded 13 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks once Charlie Strong took over in Austin. With a bit more coaching, Brown will prove to be a worthy first-round selection.

3. Michael Bennett, Ohio State

Most would agree with the top two choices, but things get much dicier after that. Bennett is a very solid third option because he is an athletic big man (4.98-second 40 and 35.5" vertical at his pro day, per NFL.com) that gets off the line quickly and disrupts plays before they have a chance to develop. Bennett's explosiveness gives him the slight nod here.

4. Grady Jarrett, Clemson

Jarrett is really the 3B to Bennett's 3A; they're that close. Jarrett will also get off the ball and attack upfield, causing stress for slower-starting guards and centers. If Detroit can land either player, the pick should be greeted with a strong grade and a firm fist pump.

5. Carl Davis, Iowa

Quite a few folks are higher on Davis than I am. In fact, some have even predicted a first-day selection for the former Hawkeye, although that seems high for a player that isn't a penetrator. He's stout against the run at 320 pounds, however, and is a capable pass-rusher when he's engaged. You just can't be sure when that will be.

Cornerback

Detroit could get by next season without picking up a cornerback. Rashean Mathis is back, and with the salary cap likely set to significantly increase again, that money could be spent on bringing in an outsider.

However, the better (and cheaper) strategy is to home-grow your own talent. All of these guys will likely be taken within the first two rounds, so Detroit will have to move quickly if it wants to pluck one.

1. Trae Waynes, Michigan State

Waynes was considered the top corner once he blazed to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the combine. For others, that's never been the case:

"

6. You may have heard Trae Waynes could go top 10. But based on people I’ve spoken with, I’ll be very surprised if that happens.

— Dan Pompei (@danpompei) April 27, 2015"

"

Re: Trae Waynes, his speed and change of direction issues show up on tape and in our grades. Best vs go routes, worst grade vs curl/comeback

— Steve Palazzolo (@PFF_Steve) April 28, 2015"

The only other pure cornerback that could be ranked ahead of Waynes (Marcus Peters) has almost zero shot of being selected by the Lions due to his character concerns. And the disdain for Waynes has gotten a little out of hand. He's a proven bump-and-run guy who has the right attributes to excel in Detroit's aggressive scheme, so if he's there at No. 23, he'll be the pick.

2. Eric Rowe, Utah

It's unclear if the same goes for Rowe. He's another physical specimen who can shut down receivers at the line of scrimmage. He was a "top performer" among the defensive backs in every drill at the combine, per NFL.com, posting a 4.45 40, a 39" vertical and 6.7-second three-cone drill. It also helps that he's 6'1" and 205 pounds.

3. Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest

Johnson was shaped from a different mold than the first two prospects. He's svelte (188 lbs) and isn't a great tackler by any means. He is, however, probably the best guy in coverage and is capable of using the press to push receivers off their routes. However, the lack of tackling acumen is huge in a scheme that relies heavily on the outside guys to shut down quick screens to wideouts.

4. Jalen Collins, LSU

The biggest reason that Collins gets dragged down is all the talk about potential overproduction. He only racked up 10 starts in college, giving us little to compare to such accomplished guys like Waynes and Rowe. But that tape shows a strong cornerback that has the size to body receivers both at the line and downfield.

5. P.J. Williams, Florida State

The last spot is a big shot in the dark. Williams was recently cited for DUI, but the charge was dismissed for "lack of video evidence," per Sean Rossman of the Tallahassee Democrat. If Detroit's brass believes he was actually innocent, he'll shoot up to third on this list thanks to his physical talent and mentality.

Running Back

Running back is a more crucial "need" than cornerback, but nobody would bat an eye if they chose to put this task off as well. Joique Bell is a big batch of decent (3.9 yards per carry), and Theo Riddick is a good third-down back.

Yet, that's the problem. There's nobody that is particularly good back there. Bell lacks explosion, while Riddick just plain can't run the ball (2.6 YPC). So, with that in mind, let's see what backs could whet the Lions' appetite.

1. Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin

Gordon was a great college back, and he's very likely going to be a good-to-great NFL running back. He has fans all over the place, including Mike Mayock of NFL Network:

"

Mayock: Melvin Gordon is my No. 1 back, and not just because of Todd Gurley's ACL injury. I believe in Gordon.

— CollegeFootball 24/7 (@NFL_CFB) April 23, 2015"

But I still don't see this pick happening unless Detroit moves back. As noted above, running back isn't the most pressing of needs, and there are guys who should be available at No. 23 who match the talent-need algorithm that good teams use.

2. Tevin Coleman, Indiana

The depth of the running back position in this draft is another reason why Gordon isn't likely to be taken in the first round. Coleman would be an excellent fit for offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi's zone-blocking scheme. He could use his prime-time burst and breakaway speed (4.4-second 40 at his pro day, per NFL.com) to give Detroit's offense an element it's sorely lacking.

3. Duke Johnson, Miami

Much in the same way as Coleman, Johnson is another back who would fit right in with the Lions' preferred rushing style. He falls below Coleman here because Johnson isn't as stout between the tackles, but don't take that to mean he isn't tough. And those worried about his slow combine 40 (4.54 seconds) only need to turn on the tape to see how fast he truly is.

4. Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska

Abdullah has his champions who will proudly proclaim that the Nebraska product should be taken in the first round. It's easy to understand the love for him athletically (42.5" vertical, 6.79-second three-cone drill and 3.95-second 20-yard shuttle, per NFL.com) because he translates it to the field well. However, his inabilities to pass protect (remember, Detroit's offensive line can't quite be trusted yet) and hold onto the ball (13 career fumbles) are worrisome.

5. T.J. Yeldon, Alabama

In a bit of twist from the above, Yeldon was never known for his speed. The 226-pounder is an all-around back that can bang with the best of them, and he could even carry more weight without sacrificing any speed. Unfortunately, he's also a guy with fumbling issues with 10 career fumbles.

Wide Receiver

Forget the surefire first-rounders; they are not a part of our discussion here. Is it possible that Detroit takes a wide receiver in the first round? Sure, but the likelihood of the value matching the pick is slim to none.

Instead, we're going to kick off this discussion in the second round. There are a couple of guys further down my list than you'll find with a lot of national pundits—and I understand why some appraise them at a better value—but this is where they should fall in the eye of the beholder (Detroit in this case).

1. Nelson Agholor, USC

Agholor is a name that's been creeping up draft boards for a while now. It wouldn't be surprising if he didn't make it out of the first round:

"

Agholor would be a great fit in #Patriots passing game. Has Pro-Style experience. Can play inside-outside, ST experience. Very good hands.

— Mike Loyko (@NEPD_Loyko) April 29, 2015"

Obviously, those are all things the Lions could use. Jeremy Ross has done nothing to cement his status as the third receiver or return man, and with Agholor's sure hands and ability to play multiple positions, Detroit should certainly have an interest in the second round.

2. Phillip Dorsett, Miami

From a pure speed perspective, few prospects have anything on Dorsett. His 4.33-second 40 time at the combine legitimately lends itself to blowing by safeties, which is an element Detroit hasn't gotten enough of from Corey Fuller.

3. Breshad Perriman, Central Florida

Obviously, you've heard plenty about Perriman's speed as well. He recorded a ridiculous 4.24 at his pro day, per NFL.com, but he doesn't have the hands of Agholor. The first-round buzz, however, seems to be building even more steam, so this pick will probably never come to pass.

4. Jaelen Strong, Arizona State

The former Sun Devil is a different type of prospect from those listed above. His power game is the bigger draw for him as opposed to his speed, which isn't terrible (4.44). However, he needs to do a better job of catching the ball away from his body in order to reach his maximum potential.

5. Devin Smith, Ohio State

Staying in line with the rest of the picks other than Strong, Smith is a guy who will force safeties to keep an eye on him. He averaged a ridiculous 28.2 yards per catch during his senior year. His biggest problem will be getting off the line against more physical NFL cornerbacks.

Safety

The last position on this list might be either the sneakiest need or the lowest on the totem pole. James Ihedigbo will turn 32 before the next season is out, and he will probably demand more money than he's worth, if his recent grumblings are any indication.

Isa Abdul-Quddus holds the key to this decision. He only has a one-year deal, per Spotrac.com, but displayed real potential filling in for Ihedigbo last season.

1. Landon Collins, Alabama

Collins might be a victim of peaking too early in the draft process. While he was once touted as easily the best safety in this class, he now appears to be slipping in the eyes of some:

"

Top Ss: Derron Smith Landon Collins Damarious Randall

— Jayson Braddock (@JaysonBraddock) April 26, 2015"

It's debatable whether he could ever handle single-high duty. However, his tenacity against the run and sure tackling would make him a solid replacement for Ihedigbo.

2. Eric Rowe, Utah

It's not cheating, just smart analysis. We talked about Rowe's physicality in the cornerback slide and how he could transition to the back line if things didn't work outside. It would also alleviate the concerns about his inability to cover the deep ball.

3. Josh Shaw, USC

I am definitely higher on Shaw than most, but I understand the concerns about his physicality. If he can improve his strength and tackling technique, he could transition well considering his outstanding ability to attack passes from above the play.

4. Jaquiski Tartt, Samford

At 6'1" and 221 pounds, nobody is going to question Tartt's ability to play strong safety. He has a nasty streak that any coach would love, especially when paired with his above-average tackling skills. Unfortunately, he tends to lose guys in man coverage, leading me to see Dallas' fourth-down conversion with Jason Witten being a play opponents run repeatedly against Tartt.

5. James Sample, Louisville

While Sample isn't as large as Tartt, he plays like he is. He recorded 74 tackles last season because of his willingness to charge toward the football. Unfortunately, that same aggressiveness can be used against him through feints and could lead to big plays.

All advanced stats, rankings and grades are courtesy of Pro Football Focus. All combine statistics are sourced from 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.