Let's Go Shopping: Detroit Lions' Draft Preview

Ouch! That was painful!

If you have made it this far without going the way of Brooks in The Shawshank Redemption, now is the most exciting time to be a Detroit Lions fan—the offseason.

For Lions fans, the longer than average offseason is typically the only time that there seems to be any intrigue or drama in an otherwise dismal campaign.

This offseason is arguably the most important one in 50 years. Not only do the Lions need to settle on a head coach, but they need to begin to right the wrongs of the past decade. If the new coach is the chef, then the cupboard is nearly bare.

The Lions need to get this draft right, or else they may see another decade worth of sub .500 teams and another once-in-a-lifetime talent wasted. 

In the past 15 years, only three times has the No. 1 overall pick been a defensive player.

Of those 12 offensive players, two were offensive tackles (Jake Long, Orlando Pace) and a whopping eight were quarterbacks.

The quarterbacks were a mixed bag. They included a future hall-of-famer (Peyton Manning), three pro-bowlers (Eli Manning, Michael Vick, and Carson Palmer), three busts (Alex Smith, Tim Couch, and David Carr) and JaMarcus Russell, whom the jury is still out on. 

If this year's draft follows along those parameters, the Lions will focus on three primary positions for their first pick overall...offensive tackle, defensive end, and quarterback.

Quarterback

Matthew Stafford (Georgia), Sam Bradford (Oklahoma), and Mark Sanchez (USC) as of right now are the top quarterback options. The gap between these three and the next tier is substantial. 

They are, however, underclassmen, so there is a possibility one, if not more, may opt to stay in school.

Bradford has the best accuracy, but he plays in a system that is similar to the one that Andre Ware played in at Houston. 

Sanchez comes from a pro-style system at Southern Cal, but the struggles of Matt Leinart might give the Lions pause.

Of these players, the favorite of William Clay Ford Sr. will likely be Stafford, since he has the strongest arm of the bunch.  If the Lions take Stafford, it will show how much pull the owner has over the new general manager.

Defensive End

Aaron Maybin (Penn State), Brian Orakpo (Texas), and Everette Brown (Florida State) are the cream of the crop. However, this is a very deep draft for this position, so it seems unlikely the Lions will take one with the first pick.

Offensive Tackle

If Martin Mayhew studies recent history, he is going to take a long look at this position.  The selection of Pace by St. Louis and Long by Miami helped to turn around struggling franchises, and in the case of Pace led to a Super Bowl victory.

The top offensive tackles in this draft are Michael Oher (Mississippi), Eugene Monroe (Virginia), Jason Smith (Baylor), and Andre Smith (Alabama).

While the scouting combine may change the rankings of these players by the time of the draft, the top player on this list as of now is undoubtedly Smith of Alabama. His combination of size and strength make him a very appealing choice at No. 1. 

The Lions should draft Andre Smith No. 1 overall. He is the safest pick and would be able to help the team immediately.  They should then shift Jeff Backus to guard, and draft another guard in the third round...likely Duke Robinson (Oklahoma) or Kraig Urbik (Wisconsin) if they are still available.

With the second first-round pick, they should select either Mark Sanchez or Tyson Jackson, a defensive end from LSU—or even Illinois cornerback Vontae Davis. 

Also, keep an eye on Matt Cassel from New England since Bill Belichick will be trying desperately for the Lions' second first rounder.

In the second round, Detroit should draft a linebacker such as Brandon Spikes (Florida) or a cornerback like Trevor Lindley (Kentucky) if not addressed earlier.

In the third round, they could draft a guard or a surprise pick might be a speed back to pair with Kevin Smith. 

All remaining picks should be on the defensive side of the ball. The Lions definitely have more holes on defense than they do on offense, and their level of talent needs a major upgrade.

This draft is crucial to the Lions. Perhaps the most important draft in the team's history. However, Detroit has a lot of high picks in what could be a very deep draft. 

With a little luck, some solid new groceries and a skilled new chef, the Detroit Lions may again make excellent cuisine.

Well, at least they might not make you sick anymore.