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2007 Detroit Lions NFL Draft Predictions

Now you can read up on our 2008 Detroit Lions Predictions & NFL Picks!

The Lions' recent draft history and their performance on the field go hand in hand. Both have been absolutely atrocious. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Detroit's last NFL title. For the franchise to break that streak in the next decade, a strong 2007 draft is crucial. Matt Millen can't get the job done, yet he is still the president of the Lions. Wide receivers Charles Rodgers and Mike Williams have been a bust, making it almost certain that the Lions stay away from a wideout in the first round.

This is tough considering Georgia Tech's Calvin Johnson has more potential first-year talent than any player in the draft. Roy Williams' at wide receiver was a success and the only pan-out of Millen's last 3 years at drafting this position. This could make Johnson a target considering the Lions need help in this position. Mike Martz is a great offensive coordinator and Johnson would only make him look like a genius. This guy has the potential to do what Randy Moss did in his prime, go get balls that are up for grabs.

At quarterback, Jon Kitna was a serviceable replacement after Joey Harrington blew up. But Kitna isn't the best fit for Martz's precision passing game, which makes JeMarcus Russell or Brady Quinn and their big, accurate arms so tempting. The Raiders will likely take Russell, so that leaves Quinn or Johnson as their main options.

Even with big-name offensive talent on the board, head coach Rod Marinelli won't be afraid to spend the No. 2 pick on a defensive end such as Clemson's Gaines Adams or Jamaal Anderson of Arkansas. Marinelli is a defensive-minded coach, so though this might be a shocker to the NFL world, it won't be a surprise in Detroit.

The offensive line allowed 63 sacks in 2006 and Kitna, or his successor, could be in for more punishment if help does not arrive. The Lions could also spend their first pick on Wisconsin Tackle Joe Thomas. Thomas is hands down the best linemen in the 2007 draft and the Lions know they won't go wrong with this blocker.

Running back Kevin Jones is coming off of foot surgery and might not be ready to start the regular season. The Lions need an insurance policy and Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson is also a first-round option. Running back will probably be a spot they will fill in the later rounds, but Peterson is also hands down the best running back available in the draft.

With so many concerns, wide receiver seems like an afterthought. After drafting Rogers as the second overall pick in 2003 and Mike Williams as the tenth overall pick in 2005, Johnson is not likely to get selected as the second overall pick in 2007. A trade down for a defensive player, and additional picks, would be more in style with the new Marinelli philosophy. Detroit is the hardest team for us to predict in the 2007 NFL Draft, but it would be hard to mess it up if they decide on Quinn, Thomas or even Calvin Johnson in the first round.

Updated April 27th, 2007