2011 NFL Draft: 5 Options for the Detroit Lions 1st Round Pick

The Lions have the 13th overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft. With a vastly improving roster full of a ton of talent, this first round pick could put them over the top for the 2011 season. Martin Mayhew and crew will have to look at a lot of things before deciding where to go with the first pick.

In this slide show, I will show you five directions the Lions could go.

Trade Up, Draft Patrick Peterson

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 1: Defensive back Patrick Peterson of LSU works out during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

The Lions are a great cornerback away from competing in the NFC North and Patrick Peterson might be that guy. They would need to trade up to around sixth in order to get Peterson. This is an option, and if the price is right, it is definitely possible. I think it would be a great pick, as long as the price is right.

Stay Put, Draft Prince Amukarama

Eric Francis/Getty Images

LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 26: Prince Amukamara #21 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers misses a chance at an interception from Scotty McKnight #21 of the Colorado Buffaloes during the second half of their game at Memorial Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Lincoln, Neb

This is the pick most experts are picking to happen. Amukarama is a sound cornerback who would give the Lions a good group of corners. He has a good chance of falling to the Lions and if he does, it's a dream scenario. Amukarama would greatly help the 2011 Lions.

Draft Tyron Smith

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TEMPE, AZ - NOVEMBER 7: Tyron Smith #70 of the USC Trojans stretches before the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils on November 7, 2009 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. USC won 14-9. (Photo by Jeff Golden/Getty Images)

If Tyron Smith falls to the Lions, he is a great pickup. He'll give the Lions good value and improve the O-line. This will allow for Backus to move to guard where he will be very good. Keeping Stafford safe is a big need, so getting a franchise LT would be great.

Draft a Pass Rusher

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 18: Michael Dyer #5 of the Auburn Tigers against Da'Quan Bowers #93 of the Clemson Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

It's never bad to make a strength better. There could be a very, very good pass rusher available at the 14th pick. If JJ Watt, Robert Quinn, or Da'Quan Bowers are available they would all be very solid picks. Needs could be filled later on and getting the best player available has been the strategy in the past couple years.

Trade Down, Draft Mike Pouncey

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Wide receiver Omarius Hines #82 of the Florida Gators celebrates a touchdown catch with center Mike Pouncey #55 against the Penn State Nittany Lions January 1, 2010 in the 25th Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florid

Mike Pouncey's brother was a Pro Bowl center in his first year in the league. While I don't think Mike is that good, he will still be a very good center/guard. It is a little early to pick an interior lineman, but Raiola is getting old and we will need a center soon enough. He can start at guard and eventually move over to center. Not to mention the extra third round pick we'd get for trading down.

Let Me Know What You Think

Marc Serota/Getty Images

MIAMI - DECEMBER 26: Coach Jim Schwartz of the Detroit Lions celebrates a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Miami, Florida. The Lions defeated the Dolphins 34-27. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

As you can see, there are many options for the first round pick. Tell me in the comments who you think the Lions should draft and why. Thanks for reading.