Detroit Lions 2015 NFL Draft Preview
By Zac Snyder
Teams are putting the finishing touches on their preparation as the 2015 NFL Draft is nearly here.
To preview the draft for the Detroit Lions, I got together with Kent Platte of SideLion Report. Below are my questions followed by his answers.
1. What are the team’s biggest needs heading into the draft and how might they address them?
"The Detroit Lions still need an answer at left guard, but their right tackle position isn’t much better off. Left guard Rob Sims was awful in 2014, which is why he has yet to find a job, while right tackle LaAdrian Waddle struggled to see the field through various injuries. Offensive line is a clear number one priority for the Lions, who failed to address any position on the line in free agency. It’s possible the team targets a player like TJ Clemmings or Ereck Flowers, either of whom could start from day one at guard or possibly right tackle, with offensive tackle being their long term position. It’s also possible they forgo offensive line in the 1st round and attempt to pick up another gem in the 3rd round as they have the last two seasons to fortify their line."
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2. What needs to happen for this draft to be considered a success?
"The Lions have to improve their running game in 2014 for this draft to be a success. Their 28th ranked rushing attack also boasted the league leader in fumbles, a ball control problem the team started to address by releasing Reggie Bush earlier in the off-season. Whether they draft for their offensive line, pick up a new running back, or both, the team needs to come away with an improve run game and pass protection."
3. What in your mind would make this draft a failure?
"Even if they address the offensive protection and run game early, the draft will still be looked on as a failure if they are not able to address their aging secondary. Rashean Mathis and James Ihedigbo are two of the oldest starting DBs in the NFL and the team doesn’t have a realistic option on the roster to replace either player. With recent trade acquisition Haloti Ngata likely headed into the twilight of his career, defensive tackle depth must be addressed as well."
4. What is a bold prediction for your team this draft?
"The Detroit Lions reacquire their 4th round pick from Baltimore, lost in the Ngata trade, for tight end Brandon Pettigrew and a conditional future pick, Lions use the pick on a tight end. Ozzie Newsome is known for his wheeling and dealing at draft time, and it’s been a rumor for a while now that he has poked around Brandon Pettigrew. This trade would unload an under-performing but once promising player who could use a change of scenery making the risk almost nonexistent to the Ravens. Losing a 4th is a steep price, but Newsome is able to turn the future pick into a conditional one, potentially netting an extra 4th round pick in 2016. The Lions will be receiving complimentary picks in the 2016 draft for the loss of Suh and Fairley, mitigating the loss."
5. What is a draft angle the general public might not be aware of for your team?
"The Lions are in the market for a new receiver and have been for some time. For most, this comes across as just looking for a new returner. The Lions had a sub par returning unit led by Jeremy Ross in 2014, but more importantly they had a 3rd receiver that ran an absurd amount of routes and produced minimal catches from it. More than just finding an adequate 3rd receiver, the team is looking for a player that could potentially replace the production from Calvin Johnson, who has reached the point in his career where he is likely to decline. Megatron has taken a beating and the Lions know it, which is why drafting Eric Ebron in 2014 was part of their long term plans. Ebron can take some of the more physical routes away from Johnson while a newly drafted receiver can begin gaining experience he will need to eventually, potentially, take the place of a future hall of fame receiver."
For full Lions coverage, check out SideLion Report.
Next: 2-Round 2015 NFL Mock Draft