Who the experts say the Lions should pick in NFL Draft

The Lions have a lot of holes, but who will fill them?

DETROITThe Lions have struggled mightily on and off the field for decades. I know, I'm not breaking any news to fans.  There's been plenty of turnover in the front office over the years, yet the results have been the same. 

Here's a look at the picks since 2000:

Detroit Lions First Round Draft Picks Since 2000 | PointAfter

 

There isn't much to brag about here, with Calvin Johnson being the exception.  But, wow; Joey Harrington, Charles Rogers, Kevin Jones and Mike Williams!? Even though I remember those years, it's just tough to see.

When the Lions started their search for a new General Manager many didn't know what to expect.  Martha Ford was now at the head of the table; we were all in parts unknown. When she tapped Rod Wood to be the next Lions president, many had their doubts. 

He was after all a friend of the Ford family and came from the automotive world, with no football background.  But then they did something very smart - Wood leaned on 74-year old Ernie Accorsi for help. 

Accorsi, a long-time NFL General Manager, with an impressive resume was brought on in an advisor role. He and Wood vetted the candidates and settled on little known Bob Quinn. Quinn came over from the New England Patriots and we don't have to talk about how successful they've been as an organization, do we?

As the Patriots' director of pro scouting, he helped New England stay in top form throughout the 2000s. Bill Belichick saw something in him, so that must say something. Quinn must now "Restore the Roar."

Who's who

The Lions saw little turnover during the offseason, most obvious, Calvin Johnson retiring and the addition of receiver, Marvin Jones.  They held onto middle linebacker, Stephen Tulloch, who became a role player last season.  Most people around the team believe the only reason he hasn't been cut is because he might hold some trade value.  Tahir Whitehead will likely be your starting middle linebacker next season.  After 13 seasons in the NFL, cornerback Rasheen Mathis retired. And while he was never a lockdown defensive back, he offered leadership to a young secondary.  There will be new faces battling for the strong safety position.  James Ihedigbo is gone and many unproven players have been brought in to fight for the right to play along side Glover Quinn.  

Where are the holes?

Opinions vary here, but for me the priorities are (in this order): OT, DE, MLB/OLB, DT, S.  

The Experts picks ... 

Let's remember that the Lions have the 16th pick in the draft. Here we go ...

ESPN's Todd McShay:  Miles Jack, OLB, UCLA (This would be an amazing value at number 16)

ESPN's Mel Kiper: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State

NFL Network's Mike Mayock: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State

Sports Illustrated's Peter King: A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama

My pick: Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State

I think Miles Jack is long gone before the Lions get their chance.  Todd McShay thinks Jack's injury concerns will keep people away, but this kid is so talented and has such a high ceiling I think teams will be clamoring to get him ASAP.  Taylor Decker is a solid choice and fills the need at the position I think the Lions need to address most, but I'm not sure he's a guy that can be "the guy" for the long haul. 

A'Shawn Robinson is a great player ... sometimes.  I watched him in the national championship game and he was great.  But then, I watched a replay of the LSU/'Bama game, focused on him and was not very impressed.  Since then I've read a lot about him and the general consensus is that he runs hot and cold.  For me, Darron Lee is the guy that makes the most sense at number 16. 

He fits a need, has a ton of skill and great instincts.  He ran a 4.5 second 40-yard dash and can cover.  If the Lions plan to move Tahir Whitehead to the middle, Lee (with a little added weight) could slide into the strong side, opposite DeAndre Levy.

In the 2nd round I would add an offensive tackle, maybe Shon Coleman from Auburn.  Soon after that a defensive end.  

Quinn/Patriots draft history:

If you're wondering how the Patriots have drafted when Quinn was their head scout: 

New England Patriots First Round Draft Picks Since 2000 | PointAfter


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