Detroit Lions: Post Combine Predictions on All 7 Rounds of the Lions 2011 Draft

The Lions have many glaring needs that they hope to address in the 2011 NFL Draft.  Some of these needs include; OLB, OT, and CB. The Lions got kind of unlucky with where they are drafting at number 13. There are seven 6-10 teams, and the Lions have the last pick of them all.

If the Lions would have lost their last game they would have the 6th pick in the draft, and would be selecting from players like Prince Amukamara, Von Miller, and Tyron Smith. But instead, the Lions will be selecting from players like Jimmy Smith, Akeem Ayers, and Nate Solder.

The Lions are on the brink of success, and a good draft could really give this team a boost and potentially push them into the playoffs.

1st Round: Jimmy Smith

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BOULDER, CO - NOVEMBER 07: Wide receiver Jeff Fuller #8 of the Texas A&M Aggies makes a reception against the defense of Jimmy Smith #3 of the Colorado Buffaloes during NCAA college football action at Folsom Field on November 7, 2009 in Boulder, Colorado

Jimmy Smith- 6'2" 210 Pounds, CB from Colorado

It looks like the Lions will be forced to choose between two Colorado players; CB Jimmy Smith, and OT Nate Solder, when drafting with the 13th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

I believe they will choose the cornerback Jimmy Smith with their first round selection, because it looks like the Lions are pretty set at OT as they believe their fourth round pick from last year is their future at the position.  However, at cornerback they do not have a long term solution.

So I believe they will select Jimmy Smith. Smith had a good senior campaign for Colorado, although he did not have any interceptions that is because no quarterback would throw at him.

2nd Round: Bruce Carter

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Former North Carolina teammates Marvin Austin (L) and Bruce Carter look on during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Bruce Carter- 6'2" 240 Pounds, OLB from North Carolina

The Lions have a big need at OLB, while Julian Petersen is rapidly aging and have no legitimate starter at the other spot. If they don't address this need in the first round, then I believe they will select Bruce Carter with their second round pick.

Bruce Carter has superior athletic ability, but there is question about his actual football skills, such as shaking off blocks.

3rd Round: Benjamin Ijalana

Benjamin Ijalana- 6'4" 320 Pounds, OT from Villanova (Division 2)

Benjamin Ijalana is an exceptional pass blocker, and is pretty quick for his size. Benjamin has excellent durability, starting every single game of his college career. Many experts question whether he will be able to correlate his skill to the professional level.

4th Round: Mark Herzlich

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 09: Colin Kaepernick #10 of the Nevada Wolf Pack fumbles the ball after being hit by Mark Herzlich #94 of the Boston College during the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl at AT&T Park on January 9, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Ph

Mark Herzlich- 6'4" 245 Pounds, OLB from Boston College

The Detroit Lions will likely grab two OLBs in the 2011 NFL Draft. Mark Herzlich seems like the perfect fit for the Lions. He is a leader who would provide energy to the defense. Mark had an excellent career at Boston College, and I believe he can correlate his success to the NFL.

5th Round: Alex Green

Alex Green- 6'0" 225 Pounds, RB from Hawaii

The Lions need a power back to compliment Jahvid Best, and they cannot afford to waste one of their high draft picks on a running back. This seems like the perfect spot to select a power running back. They have already filled all of their needs, and they can now focus on adding depth.

6th Round: Justin Boren

Justin Boren- 6'3" 310 Pounds, OG from Ohio State

Michigan fans probably hate this pick! Boren transferred from Michigan to Ohio State, and following the transfer he trashed the program. Regardless, Boren is a solid player and would be a good pick in the 6th round for the Lions.

7th Round: Aldrick Robinson

Aldrick Robinson- 5'10" 185 Pounds, WR from SMU

I would be excited if the Lions were to draft Aldrick Robinson. Although he is a 7th round draft pick, he is one of the best athletes in the entire class, as he ran a 4.3 forty-yard dash at the combine. Aldrick Johnson would be a good slot receiver, and would compliment Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson nicely.