What should they do? - Lions

The Lions hold the 2nd pick in the draft. The team's biggest needs are at the DE, CB, OL, and QB positions. A lot of problems exist for the Lions in drafting from this spot without trading down. For instance there is not a DE that is considered a top 3 pick and it would not make sense to draft one here unless they trade down 3-5 picks to do so. There is not a CB prospect who is a top 10 pick and this draft is very deep at corner with many first round talents available in the 2nd or even the 3rd round. At OL most of the Lions problems are in the interior line positions with Jeff Backus and the recently acquired George Foster above average OTs on the outside. Saying that, there are not any players that are even in the top 15 that are interior lineman. At QB, the Lions believe that they can develop a non-1st round player, utilizing the abilities of Mike Martz to do so, with his impressive track record with Trent Green, Kurt Warner, and Mark Bulger.

There is nothing logical for the Lions to do but to trade down 3-5 picks to a team that really wants one of the QBs or Joe Thomas. Arizona, Minnesota, and Miami are possibilities. The trade down would allow them to pick up 2-3 extra draft picks. But regardless of whether the trade happens or not, the Lions would likely select a DE with the top two candidates being Jamal Anderson of Arkansas or Gaines Adams of Clemson. Anderson is the larger player at 6'6", 280lbs, with Adams measuring at 6'4", 260lbs. They are both great players with Anderson playing the run slightly better and Adams rushing the passer better. It is basically a coin flip as to which player the team would select at this point.

In my opinion the selection should Jamal Anderson. Though Adams has the better track record of success, he will never be a guy that could get up to 290lbs and provide the versatility of Jamal Anderson. Anderson had a breakout season this past year, notching 14 sacks while playing in college football's best conference. Anderson has long arms and a quick burst from the line, though he will need to develop his pass rush moves in the pros. He should step in immediately and do well given the double teaming of Shaun Walker in the middle.

In the 2nd round the Lions should focus on the OG position with Justin Blalock of Texas and Ben Grubbs of Auburn possibly available. Either of these players could step in immediately and start, greatly enhancing the effectiveness of the running game. If both of these players is gone, the focus should shift to CB or QB with CB Marcus McCauley of Fresno State, QB Drew Stanton of Michigan State, CB Eric Wright of UNLV, or CB Daymeion Hughes of California (assuming the team is serious about acquiring a CB that can tackle). Any of these players would fit the bill quite well.

In the 3rd round, the Lions should look at the CB position again with the focus resting on Daymeion Hughes of California, Fred Bennett of South Carolina, or Johnathan Wade of Tennessee. The selection of two quality CBs in this draft would greatly upgrade the Lions secondary, especially after the trade of Dre Bly to the Broncos. There is a chance that the Lions could be starting two rookies by the end of the season.