With the 23rd Pick in the NFL Draft

As the NFL Draft nears, I wanted to provide everyone with my projections at what I think the Detroit Lions will do in their first three picks for this year’s draft.  The Lions used a hot start last year to finish the season 10-6, make the playoffs for the first time since 1999 and captivate a city that was in dire need of a winning football program.  This fan base has taken a 180 degree turn and there is some serious excitement heading into the season.

With the draft only days away now, the Lions find themselves in an unfamiliar position because they actually had a winning season and made the playoffs.  They won’t have a pick inside the top 20 for the first time since 1994 and despite the fact that Martin Mayhew has hit on some franchise players in recent years, the Lions personnel are really going to have to work their big board when making their first selection.
This year I hope the Lions draft Defense, Defense and more Defense.  That is the major area of concern and the side of the ball that needs to be addressed before the start of the season.  They’ve resigned their entire team so far only losing CB Eric Wright who signed with Tampa Bay for a ridiculous amount of money.  This draft needs to focus on three positions of need; Linebacker, Defensive Back and Offensive Lineman.
The Lions no longer need to take the best available player because they need talent.  The Lions can focus on areas of need and really address positions that they lack skill in.  In this best case scenario, here are the three guys I think could be there for the Lions in the first three rounds of the 2012 NFL Draft.

Round 1 Janoris Jenkins CB North Alabama

You can’t teach talent and that is exactly what Jenkins possesses.  He’s got quick feet; he’s fast and has elite cover skills.  This is what the Lions need.  At 5-10 193 lbs, Jenkins is a great value pick with experience.  He played his college ball at Florida but was dismissed from the team due to drug related arrests and transferred to North Alabama for his senior season.  Jenkins plays physical bump and run football and sticks with receivers like glue.  The Lions schedule this year is loaded with Pro-Bowl receivers and they Lions will need the services of Jenkins to neutralize the passing game of their opponents.

Round 2 Mike Adams OL Ohio State

The Lions have to address their aging offensive line.  Jeff Backus is no spring chicken and it’ll be smart for the Lions to draft a young, powerful tackle to anchor to their running game and provide Matthew Stafford with protection.  At 6-7 323 lbs., Adams is very athletic for size.  He played for Ohio State and has experience playing in big time opponents in big time games.  His size and quickness would help in his dominance against defensive linemen and would be a great step for the Lions in revamping their offensive line.  Again, Adams is a great talent and if available, the Lions would be very smart to take him with the 54^th overall pick in the 2^nd round.

Round 3 Josh Robinson CB Central Florida

The Lions need another Cornerback to solidify their defensive backfield.  Robinson provides another potential answer for the Lions and gives them some sort of hope for finding a defensive back that actually is an NFL quality player.  At 5-11 199 lbs., Robinson probably has the best speed of 4.33 (40 yard dash) and the second highest vertical (38.5) of the draft.  Robinson in college played in a man-coverage defense and was an All-Conference USA selection.  He had a great combine and the Lions hope he somehow falls to them with the 85^th pick overall in the 3 round.

So there you have it, three guys that would fit the Lions tremendously for this upcoming season.  The Lions are in a position where they can focus on areas of need instead of the best available player at a position they may not need or want.  This is a sign they Lions are actually on the upswing heading in the right direction and in order to build on that momentum, the Lions should make these picks if possible.

As usual, don’t forget to follow me on twitter @sportsinthe313, like me on Facebook and come back tomorrow for Monday’s Weekend Recap where I touch on the Red Wings early exit and the Tigers troubles with the Rangers.