NFL Mock Draft 2011: Jimmy Smith and Bruce Carter Head Detroit Lions' Class

I think there is a trade in the future of the Lions, but for this mock draft I will select based on the assumption the Lions stay with the picks they currently have. I think the Lions have a chance to greatly bolsterer their team. I think if they hit on their picks this year we have a chance to be in the playoffs next year.

First Round #13

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AUSTIN, TX - OCTOBER 10: Cornerback Jimmy Smith #3 of the Colorado Buffaloes picks up the loose ball which was knocked out of the hand of quarterback Colt McCoy of the Texas Longhorns as he rolled out in the second quarter on October 10, 2009 at Darrell K

The Lions may have an opportunity to draft Prince Amukamara, but I think Jimmy Smith is the player they actually have their eye on. Smith has excellent physical skills, and I think the maturity and character issues are behind him.

Second Round #44

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CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 20: Mikel Leshoure #5 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs against the Northwestern Wildcats closes in during a game played at Wrigley Field on November 20, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. Illinois defeated Northwestern 48-27. (Photo by

The Lions use their second round pick to address the need for a power back. LeShoure put up very good numbers in his last year at Illinois rushing for almost 1,700 yards. Best is a great speed back and receiver out of the backfield, having a player like like LeShoure to be the change of pace back would be excellent for both players, and the Lions organization. 

Third Round #75

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CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 08: Linebacker Bruce Carter #54 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after a defensive stop against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the game at Kenan Stadium on November 8, 2008 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo

Bruce Carter would have been a first round pick, and probably would have been a top 15 pick, except for a torn ACL in November 2010. If Carter is cleared medically than he would be an absolute steal in the third round. The Lions are in great need of a linebacker help and Carter would be a huge lift for the depleted unit. 

Fourth Round #107

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GAINESVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 11: Offensive lineman Joseph Barksdale #78 of the LSU Tigers sets to block against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 11, 2008 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

The Lions address the need to upgrade and stock the offensive line here by drafting OT Joe Barksdale. Barksdale has had experience working at both right and left tackle and has enough upside to potentially compete for the starting right tackle position and be the eventual replacement for Jeff Backus.

Fifth Round #154

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ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 07: Terrence Toliver #80 of the Louisiana State University Tigers catches a touchdown pass over Terrence McCoy #7 of the Texas A&M Aggies during the AT&T Cotton Bowl at Cowboys Stadium on January 7, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Pho

If Toliver is available he would be an upgrade over Derrick Williams who has been a disappointment in Detroit. The end of the draft tends to be a crap shoot and Detroit needs to get a legit number 3 receiver. There is a rumor going around that Chad Ochocinco might be headed to Detroit. If that is the case it allows Toliver to work behind a group of veterans.   

Seventh Round #205

Arkin could help fill the need at RG

Arkin played both RG and LT at Missouri State. He's a good pick in the seventh round as he could end up being a valuable part of the offensive line. 

Wrap

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DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 03: Ndamukong Suh #90 of the Detroit Lions speaks during a press conference where he accepted Pepsi's 2010 NFL Rookie of the Year Award at the Super Bowl XLV media center on February 3, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. The Green Bay Packers w

I think this would be a successful draft for the Lions. I think they would get immediate starters in Jimmy Smith and Bruce Carter. LeShoure would split carries with Jahvid Best, and provide a good goal line back. I think Barksdale and Akrin could be eventual starters or at the very least good rotational players. The fifth round pick of Tolivar could end up being one of the gems of the draft, he's got a good frame size and has been productive.