2008 Detroit Lions NFL Draft Needs

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

The Detroit Lions have had a ton of chances to get better through the draft as poor seasons have allowed them to pick high year after year, but they have flunked draft 101 miserably. Of the Lions 30 draft picks from 2003-06, 15 are gone, and only eight of their 38 picks the last five years are likely to start this season. Detroit has proven that it loves to go after receivers with its high picks and this has not panned out. Wide receivers Charles Rogers and Mike Williams, picked second and tenth respectively, are no longer with the team. The arrogant Roy Williams has turned in a Pro Bowl season and will likely be in Detroit for the long haul. So now we will sit back and wait to see Calvin Johnson's (last year's top draft choice) progress. Take a look at the 2008 Detroit Lions NFL Draft needs to see if they can finally get better through a draft.

#1 Defensive End

For Detroit's Tampa 2 system to be effective, the ends must get consistent pressure on the quarterback. So obviously this system isn't working. Detroit was among the worst in the league in nearly every major defensive category last season. The Kalimba Edwards experiment is officially a bust and the Lions do not currently has a pass rusher good enough to start. Auburn's Quentin Groves looks to be a good fit, but it might be a reach thinking he'll slip to 15th on the board.

#2 Middle Linebacker

What else the Tampa 2 system need you say? It has to have a speedy linebacker to work. The Lions do not have an outright starter at this spot and will likely target Penn State's Dan Connor is they look to take a middle linebacker with their first pick.

#3 Cornerback

Detroit is desperate to fill both starting cornerback spots and will have a hard time passing up South Florida's Mike Jenkins if the Lions are determined to fill this position in the first round. Jenkins is said to have the best instincts of any corner in the draft. Troy's Leodis McKelvin is another player the Lions will be taking a strong look at.

#4 Right Tackle

Pass protection has been a major issue for the Lions the past couple seasons. They need to fill the right offensive tackle slot to shore it up. If they decide that they want to complete their offense first, since it is in better shape right now, they may go with USC's Sam Baker or Vandy's Chris Williams. The Lions will likely start whoever they draft on the right and move him to the left if he develops into an elite pass protector.

#5 Outside Linebacker

Ernie Sims has proven to be solid on the weak side and former middle linebacker Paris Lenon is being moved to the strong side. Detroit still needs some more athletes to add depth and push Lenon as he isn't irreplaceable. Detroit will address this spot in the middle rounds.

Make sure you check out all of Jimmy Boyd's 2008 NFL Draft previews to see what direction your favorite NFL team might be headed in. Also check out our 2008 NFL Mock Draft to see how Jimmy sees the first round shaping up.

March 28th, 2008