2012 Detroit Lions Seven Round Mock Draft
1. First Round, 23rd overall: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
I may have had Gilmore to the Bengals before, but things are changing with them picking up so many corners in free agency, so now it’s entirely possible that a guy like Gilmore could fall to the Lions’ pick. This would be a great fit. Gilmore plays nasty and would fit in very well with Detroit’s style of play. I think if they are able to get him in the fold, it instantly takes their defensive backfield to new heights. He is a physical kid with a ton of natural ability and great ball skills. He also has much better speed than he’s given credit. I think he’d be a great value for the Lions in round one.
2. Second Round, 54th overall: Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State
Jeff Backus isn’t getting any younger, so the Lions will need to add depth in the draft. I think they could even look to this position in the first round, but Sanders is a decent pickup in the second round. Four year starter for the Seminoles who was an All-Academic selection in the ACC as well. He has plenty of potential and could be a starter sooner rather than later.
3. Third Round, 85th overall: David Molk, C, Michigan
The Lions have a need at the center position going forward, so here they go with back-to-back picks on the offensive line and take a local kid in David Molk. Molk is one of the strongest players in the entire draft, and has been very good for the Wolverines the last few years. He is one of the best players on my board ranked right around this range, so he could be excellent value in the third round as well. This would be a good player for the Lions to add.
4. Fourth Round, 117th overall: Trenton Robinson, S, Michigan State
How about another local prospect? Detroit here is getting a playmaker from the Spartans who can instantly upgrade their secondary as well as their special teams. Last year, the Broncos got a player named Quinton Carter in the fourth round, and this could be a similar type of value here. Robinson has starter upside but he will benefit most from playing behind that stellar defensive line in Detroit.
5. Fifth Round, 158th overall: Devon Wylie, WR, Fresno State
Little big of a reach here, but the Lions could use some more depth at the receiver position, and Wylie has a lot to offer this team. He is a slot receiver who also can return kicks and punts, and he compares himself to Wes Welker. I’m personally done comparing every small, white receiver to Welker, but he offered it up himself so there you have it. I think in the 5th round, he could be a nice risk to take for a team that already has one of the top offensive attacks in the NFL.
**Sixth round selection forfeited**
6. Seventh Round, 219th overall (from Seahawks): Jordan White, WR, Western Michigan
I suspect the Lions’ scouting department got a good look at the nation’s leader in receptions, and I suspect they were pretty impressed with what they saw. When I watch Jordan White, I see a tough receiver who is going to excel in the NFL because he knows how to get open, and he is sure-handed. He may face an uphill climb to making Detroit’s roster, but he’s worth a shot this late.
7. Seventh Round, 230th overall: Justin Bethel, CB/S, Presbyterian
The versatile Bethel is a very good athlete who doesn’t have great speed, but he could be an ace on special teams from a very early point in his career. He’s coming from a small school, so he’ll need time to develop, but he would be a nice late-round add for Detroit’s defensive backfield.