2011 Detroit Lions Draft Needs
Written by Jack Jones
The Detroit Lions got off to another slow start last season, going just 2-10 in their first 12 games. QB Matthew Stafford only started three of those contests due to injury. The Lions were able to cap off 2010 with four straight wins to close the season, giving them a ton of momentum heading into 2011. This isn’t a playoff roster yet, but with GM Martin Mayhew and head coach Jim Schwartz directing the ship, Detroit is in good hands.
The Lions made the most of their six picks from the 2010 draft class. No. 2 overall selection Ndamukong Suh carried over his college success to be a dominant, young force in the NFL. Jahvid Best displayed his game-breaking ability at running back, and Amari Spievey made a nice transition from corner to safety. This trio combined to play in 47 games last season with 34 starts amongst them.
Detroit has six picks in the 2011 draft, starting with the No. 13 selection in the first round. Check out our 2011 NFL Mock Draft to find out which player is on their radar here.
Top 5 Team Needs
1.) Outside Linebacker – MLB DeAndre Levy is arguably the Lions’ best player on defense. He helped make up for a lot of mistakes, especially those of his fellow linebackers. Detroit needs two new players to flank Levy on the outside and make plays. Julian Peterson is gone on the strong side, while the Lions never found a weak side backer. Other candidates are Landon Johnson, Bobby Carpenter, Ashlee Palmer and Zack Follett. Johnson is a free agent with concussion problems, Follett is off a serious neck injury, and Carpenter along with Palmer are probably best suited to play special teams and serve as backups. Casey Matthews from Oregon or Mark Herzlich from Boston College are potential fits in the draft.
2.) Cornerback – The Lions signed LCB Chris Houston last season, and he emerged as one of the better cover corners in the league. Alphonso Smith registered five interceptions on the right side, but he struggled defending the deep ball and may be best suited as a nickel corner. Defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham requires his corners to press at the line, and come up to support the run. With the RCB starting job up for grabs, the Lions might be looking to draft a top-notch rookie here. Many feel that they have their sights set on Prince Amukamara from Nebraska with their No. 13 overall pick.
3.) Safety – Louis Delmas is the only sure thing at safety for the Lions. He is coming off offseason groin surgery, which is a minor concern. Rookie Amari Spievey played as well as expected as he made the transition from corner to safety, but he still has a lot of work to do. John Wendling proved valuable on special teams, but he’ll never be a starting safety in this league. With so much youth in the secondary, the Lions could use a veteran free agent here. They could also spend a draft pick on one if they don’t get their veteran. Ahmad Black out of Florida might be a late-round option.
4.) Wide Receiver – Calvin Johnson just seems to keep getting better year after year. Nate Burleson proved to be a great free-agent addition as well. Finding a No. 3 receiver is a must because after these two, the Lions are hurting. Stefon Logan is an excellent special teams performer, but his route running is little to be desired. Derrick Williams has been a huge bust after the team selected him in the third round a few years back. Bryant Johnson may be cut considering he’s not worth the $3 million salary due to him. A couple late-round targets include Dwayne Harris from East Caroline and Greg Little from North Carolina.
5.) Running Back – Jahvid Best was electrifying when healthy in 2010, but he dealt with two turf-toe injuries for much of the season. Best is their No. 1 back going forward, but the team needs to add a solid backup. Maurice Morris is getting up there in age, and Kevin Smith is injury-prone. After two unproductive seasons, Aaron Brown likely won’t be back. Schwartz wants to be able to run the ball and control the clock, and a big bruiser would help him do just that. Ryan Williams from Virginia Tech could be that guy.
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