Detroit Lions 2010 NFL Draft Pick Projections & Needs

With only two wins over the last two seasons, the Detroit Lions will turn to the draft again for some more help in 2010. In the last decade, Detroit used its top pick to draft an offensive player on nine different occasions. This time, the Lions could use the second overall pick in the draft on a talented defensive performer.

If the St. Louis Rams opt to choose Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford with the top overall choice in the draft, Detroit will promptly choose Nebraska defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh with the second pick. If the Rams go with Suh, Detroit’s choice becomes a bit of a question mark. In addition to drafting second in the first six rounds of the 2010 NFL draft, the Lions will also have the 15th pick in the fifth round (from Denver). Detroit will not have a choice in the seventh round.

Offensive line

After selecting QB Matthew Stafford, WR Calvin Johnson and TE Brandon Pettigrew in the first round over the last three seasons, Detroit has most of its passing game in place for the next few years. Running back Kevin Smith has shown some promise after being selected in the third round of the 2008 draft. The club might seek another receiver to compliment Johnson and a back to push Smith a little bit in the middle to late rounds of the draft.

With some young talent at the skilled positions, Detroit will be looking for some help to protect Stafford. After using a first-round choice on tackle Gosder Cherilus in 2008, the Lions are probably going to wait until at least the second round to address the offensive line. At guard, Alabama’s Mike Johnson could be a possibility in the second or third round. There is plenty of depth at tackle in the draft. If the right player at that position is available at pick number 34 in the second round, the Lions may seek a compliment to Cherilus at this spot.

Defensive line

Since the defense has been neglected in Detroit’s recent drafts, the odds are that the Lions will ultimately go in this direction with the number two pick. If he’s there, Suh will be the pick. He is viewed as one of the top NFL draft prospects in recent memory. If Suh is gone, the Lions are still likely to go with a defensive lineman with their first pick. The most viable candidate is Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. For a team that registered only 26 sacks a year ago, Detroit needs to pressure some opposing offensive lines.

Secondary

Detroit was last in the NFL in total and passing defense in 2009. The unit came away with only nine interceptions a year ago. The Lions are likely to address this area by the third round at the latest. Alabama cornerbacks Javier Arenas and Kareem Jackson are potential options for Detroit. There are plenty of solid safeties that are projected to be available in the second or third round as well.

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