
2011 NFL Mock Draft: Detroit Lions Full Mock Draft with Highlight Video Clips
The 2011 NFL draft is less than a week away, so it’s time to start settling in and getting all of your last-minute mock drafts prepared!
The Detroit Lions have been the speculation of many people’s mock drafts lately, and it’s mainly because they are in such an interesting position.
Are they going to solidify their defensive line in the first round? Will they address the needs at corner and linebacker, or will the offense get more attention than most people are thinking?
The talk is that the Lions are looking at a defensive end with the first pick, and many fans are calling for Clemson’s, Da’Quan Bowers.
I don’t think Bowers will be available for the Lions though, but I am under the impression that the Lions will still get a playmaking end in the first round, as well as address many needs with valuable players in the later rounds.
Here is my latest mock draft for the Detroit Lions with some highlight clips for your enjoyment:
No. 13: J.J. Watt (DE Wisconsin)
1 of 6Personally I don’t think that Da’Quan Bowers is going to be on the board by the time the Lions get to pick. Let’s be honest, do you really think that the Lions are the only team smart or daring enough to take a risk on a player with such upside? I’m almost positive he is going to get snatched up in the top 10.
With that said Watt is no slouch himself and could be considered right on par with Bowers. He is a very big and physical end who can bull rush his way to the quarterback, but has an elusive quickness that makes him scary dangerous!
If watching his highlights doesn’t scare you, I don’t know what will. Put him on that Lions defensive front, and you are instantly looking at one of the best units in the league, if not the best.
No. 44: Aaron Williams (CB Texas)
2 of 6Why Aaron Williams isn’t talked about more is somewhat confusing to me.
Sure, in a draft filled with big names at cornerback it is easy to blend in, but Williams is a playmaker, and the Lions will be lucky to snag him in the second round.
He is a very athletic corner who excels in covering both the run and the pass. He has great leaping ability that allows him to knock down balls with ease, and his athleticism makes him an interception machine.
Here is a clip of him making an incredible interception against Oklahoma.
No. 75: Bruce Carter (OLB North Carolina)
3 of 6Lion fans have been all gung-ho about taking Bowers despite his injury concerns in the first round, so taking Carter in the third should be a piece of cake.
Carter has the talent to be a first-round draft pick, and many scouts considered him to be one until he tore his ACL in November.
His stock has plummeted since, but the fact remains that he is incredibly athletic and big even for a linebacker.
He has great sideline-to-sideline range and is more than adequate in coverage or blitz packages. He has also been known for blocking a punt or two, so his presence could be felt right away on special teams.
Carter should be healed up and ready to go by the time the season starts. His value is tremendous as a third-round pick.
In this clip he shows his athleticism and speed on an interception return.
No. 107: Denarius Moore (WR Tennessee)
4 of 6Moore is a guy who I believe would be a steal for the Lions, and he would fill a huge hole for them on the offense.
Depth at the receiver position really needs to be taken care of, and I think Moore could be just the guy to throw in the slot.
He is fast and catches the ball very well with his hands, be it across the middle or downfield. I think he would open up tons of space for Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson to move around in, and he will also make a play or two himself.
Check out this highlight for a good look at what he is capable of.
No. 154: Steve Schilling (OG Michigan)
5 of 6Schilling is a Michigan man!
Not only would that appeal to the home crowd, but he is actually a very good blocker and durable player.
He started all 12 games at left guard in 2010 and was one of the team captains for the Wolverines.
Schilling is great at staying with his blocks and using his strong upper body and footwork against the pass rush. Against the run he can use a little bit of work keeping his balance and churning his feet rather than lunging across the line.
When considering the Lions problems at guard though, Schilling would be a great guy to bring in with the hopes of starting him by year two in the NFL.
In this highlight package you get a good look at what he can do against the run and pass. Keep in mind the difficulty of blocking for a mobile quarterback. The footage comes in around 22 seconds.
No. 205: Mario Fannin (RB Auburn)
6 of 6Fannin is the perfect running back to take a chance on with the Lions last pick.
He has that rare size and speed combo that you look for in a change-of-pace back. He hits the hole hard and is a downhill runner. He will usually fight for extra yardage and will break through most arm tackles.
Fannin would be a great complement to Jahvid Best due to his strength in the running game, but he also possesses great hands for a such a big back.
He would make a huge impact in 3rd-and-short situations because he is a threat to run it down the gut or make a great catch and run in the flat.
Speaking of catch and run, here is an example of just that from Fannin.
Follow Andrew on Twitter: @AKonSports
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