2012 NFL Mock Draft: Who Could Wear the Detroit Lions' Honolulu Blue?

Don't worry, Detroit Lions fans. Just because I put a picture of Andrew Luck as the main picture doesn't mean I think the Lions will take him. I don't. I just put him up there because I'm talking about draft prospects.

Okay, now relax, take a deep breath, exhale and get ready to read!

It's getting to be that time of year: The time when we speculate which of college's hottest prospects will wear your favorite team's colors. That's right, I'm talking mock draft!

With a playoff spot secured, the Detroit Lions are likely to be picking somewhere between 20 and 30, depending on how far they go. It's a relief that the Lions are not forced to go with the no-brainer, sure-fire, slam-dunk prospect like they've had to do the past few years.

Besides, who knows what you'll find in the later rounds. After all, Tom Brady was a sixth-round draft pick, and he turned out to be pretty good. 

The Lions have three glaring positions coming into this April: offensive line, secondary and running back. Now before you call me crazy, hear me out. The offensive line has done a fairly decent job this season. The addition of Leonard Davis will add some needed depth bulk, and size on the right side.

So without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, with their first-round pick, the Detroit Lions select...

No. 1: D.J. Fluker, T, Alabama

D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

Credentials:

Height: 6'6" Weight: 335
Projected 40 Time: 5.10
Projected Round (2012): 1-2

Why he fits the Lions:

Fluker was a real force at right tackle for Alabama this season. He has been a strong run blocker paving the way for Trent Richardson. If linemate Barrett Jones leaves for the NFL, it will be interesting to see if Fluker stays and moves to left tackle for next season. Should he get drafted, Fluker looks like he could be a quick starter at tackle after getting drafted and is a natural at the position.

While shifting positions might be tough for a rookie, should left tackle Jeff Backus re-sign, it will likely be for one year. Since backup tackle Jason Fox has been unable to stay healthy, Fluker would provide some much-needed depth at the position, and could compete for the starting job.

There is also the possibility that because of poor—at the very least inconsistent—performance on the right side from tackle Gosder Cherilus, Fluker could step in and challenge for a starting role at his natural position.

No. 2: Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech

Jayron Hosley, Cornerback, Virginia Tech

Credentials:

Height: 5'10" Weight: 172
Projected 40 Time: 4.48
Projected Round (2012): 2

Why he fits the Lions:

For the season, Hosley has 56 tackles, three interceptions, eight passes broken up and two forced fumbles. He had an excellent game against Clemson and star freshman wide receiver Sammy Watkins. Hosley intercepted quarterback Tajh Boyd for his third pick of the season.

Hosley had his best game of the season with two interceptions, seven tackles and two passes defensed against Arkansas State.

Facing Appalachian State, he returned three punts for 97 yards.

Hosley is a ballhawk who is going to need to add some weight and muscle for the NFL. He led college football in interceptions in 2010 with nine picks. He had three interceptions against North Carolina State and two interceptions against North Carolina. He also is a dangerous punt returner, with a touchdown return as a freshman and sophomore.

Virginia Tech has been a factory for defensive backs in the NFL. Hosley is fast with excellent instincts and hands. If he can develop his body more, he could be a top notch NFL corner. With the Lions have a glaring need at corner assuming they don't re-sign Eric Wright or Alphonso Smith, Hosley makes good sense here in Round 2.

No. 3: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State

Xavier Rhodes, Cornerback, Florida State

Credentials:

Height: 6'2" Weight: 215
Projected 40 Time: 4.44
Projected Round (2012): 2-3

Why he fits the Lions:

Rhodes had a quality season for Florida State, but it wasn't as dynamic as expected. His coverage has been sound, and teams targeted other cornerbacks on the Seminoles to stay away from him. Rhodes has totaled 39 tackles with zero interceptions and one passes broken up. He should return to school. If Rhodes has a big senior season, he could be a first-rounder in 2013.   

Rhodes has a dynamite skill set. He is big, fast, agile and has good hands. As a red-shirt freshman, Rhodes started 14 games and was the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year. He recorded 58 tackles with four interceptions and 12 passes defensed. Rhodes displays natural shut-down skills.

With another standout season, he could declare for the 2012 draft, or simply return to school with an eye on the first round in the 2013 draft. The Lions' depth at corner is not very steep, so I could see them making a third-round selection on a corner here.

No. 4: Joel Foreman, G, Michigan State

Joel Foreman, Guard, Michigan State

Credentials:

Height: 6'4" Weight: 310
Projected 40 Time: 5.30
Projected Round (2012): 3-5

Why he fits the Lions:

Foreman has been solid, yet unspectacular for Michigan State this season. He is a quality run blocker and pass blocker. Foreman has good technique and is well-rounded, but does not look like he has special physical tools.

Over the past two seasons, Foreman has started 25 games at left guard for Michigan State. He is a strong run blocker who twice has been an all-conference honorable mention. Foreman has had some injury issues this spring, so he'll need to stay in the lineup to keep his draft stock stable.

The Lions' biggest holes in the offensive line are at guard. On the left side, Robert Sims is on the last year of his contract, so it will be interesting to see if he stays on for another year or two, or more. On the right side, Foreman could have the benefit of Leonard Davis and/or Stephen Peterman to tutor him.

He is a Michigan kid, so it'll be a nice feel-good story, though I see this as a reach in the fourth round due to injuries.

No. 5: Bernard Pierce, RB, Temple

Bernard Pierce, Running back, Temple

Credentials:

Height: 6'0" Weight: 217
Projected 40 Time: 4.51
Projected Round (2012): 4-5

Why he fits the Lions:

Pierce was putting together a massive junior season before injuries slowed him down in November. He ran for 1,381 yards and 25 touchdowns. Pierce averaged 5.6 yards per carry and beat up on some weaker competition. It was disappointing for his draft stock to see him produce only 50 yards against his best opponent, Penn State. He also had a concussion and that can be a scary injury for talent evaluators.

Pierce ran for 728 yards with 10 touchdowns and an average of 4.7 yards per carry in 2010. He had some injury issues that decreased his production last season. As a freshman, Pierce ran for 1,361 yards and 16 touchdowns with an average of 5.8 yards per carry.

One drawback to his game is lack of pass receptions. He has only 16 receptions through two seasons. However, should the Lions reach for him here, he will likely be lower on the depth chart behind Jahvid Best, Mikel LeShoure, Kevin Smith and Maurice Morris—assuming of course Best and LeShoure are healthy.

Because of the uncertainty of Best and LeShoure, the Lions would be wise to take a running back in the fifth round to add an extra body. Kevin Smith is also injury prone, and most of the running backs available in free agency are at the end of their careers.

No. 6: Marquis Maze, WR/PR, Alabama

Marquis Maze, Wide Receiver/Punt Returner, Alabama

Credentials:

Height: 5'10" Weight: 182
Projected 40 Time: 4.42
Projected Round (2012): 4-6

Why he fits the Lions:

Maze has totaled 56 receptions for 627 yards and one touchdown this season. He had a massive game against Arkansas with four receptions for 125 yards and a score.

In 2011, Maze has averaged over 12 yards per punt return and 28.5 yards on 12 kick returns. His special-teams ability helps his draft stock. He could be a quick, slot receiver in the NFL.

Maze has been an underrated weapon for the Crimson Tide who has come up with some clutch plays over the past few seasons. Last year, he had 38 receptions for 557 yards and three touchdowns. Maze is a quick, shifty player who could have better numbers if he hadn't played behind other options like Mark Ingram, Julio Jones and Trent Richardson.

Maze has been a good punt returner with an average of 12 yards per return. He could transition to being a quality slot receiver and punt returner in the NFL.

Stefan Logan has been anything but effective this season, so the Lions' brass could decide that a change is necessary. If Maze should fall this far, this will likely be a steal for them. He will provide an excellent return man as well as a complementary fourth receiver.

No. 7: Lions Trade Seventh-Round Pick for Future Considerations

For once, the Lions are in position that they don't have to keep all seven picks. I see them trading their last pick for a future late-round pick or two. With their positions of need filled in the early rounds, free agency and undrafted free agents, the Lions are pretty well set should they choose to trade.