Detroit Lions Draft Analysis-2012

2012 Season Recap
The Lions did the impossible this year, they made the playoffs, ending a 10+ year drought. Martin Mayhew (General Manager), Jim Schwartz (Head Coach) and Tom Lewand (President) have done an incredible job of cleaning up the disaster that Matt Millen created during his tenure as the Lions GM. Unfortunately, the Lions were handled by the New Orleans Saints in the playoffs. The Lions still have some work to do before they can contend for a Super Bowl, but they are on the right path.

Draft Needs
The Lions offensive line is very weak and their defense has some holes at the outside linebacker, cornerback, and safety positions.

Pick by Pick Analysis


23. Riley Rieff- LT/RT- University of Iowa
Rieff was easily the 2nd best tackle in this year's draft and he was a steal at 23rd overall. He may not be an all-pro LT, but he will likely be a solid player for the Lions for years to come. I think he will be a smaller version of former Eagles great Jon Runyan. If he can overtake Jeff Backus at LT in training camp, that would be huge because Backus is one of the worst pass blocking tackle in the league. Just ask Julius Peppers, Clay Matthews, and Jared Allen.

54. Ryan Broyles-Slot WR- University of Oklahoma
I think this is one of the worst picks in the draft. Broyles is a very talented player, but he tore his ACL in college and he will likely start the season on the PUP list. There is a good chance that he won't help the the Lions at all this year. Besides that, the Lions are stacked at the WR position with Calvin Johnson, Titus Young, and Nate Burleson. The Lions could have taken Peter Konz, Lavonte David, Mike Adams, or Casey Hayward instead.

85. Dwight Bentley-CB- U of L-Lafayette
This is a great value pick. Bentley is a solid small school prospect that could earn a role as a nickel corner during his rookie season. Another great cornerback was drafted out of Louisiana-Lafayette a few years back, his name is Charles "Peanut" Tillman.

125. Ronnell Lewis-OLB- University of Oklahoma
Lewis is a huge steal. He is a solid athlete that plays well in traffic. Both of those aspects are very important for linebackers to have in a Wide-9 defensive scheme. I would not be surprised if Lewis earns a starting position by the end of the season.

138. Tahir Whitehead-DE- Temple University
I'm not a huge fan of this pick. I know that Whitehead has the speed off the edge that is necessary to be an effective Wide-9 defensive end, but he lacks the functional strength to hold up against the run. He could be a nice pass rush specialist.

148. Chris Greenwood-CB- Albion College
Greenwood is a solid small school cornerback. I don't think he will be more than a special teams player but he might develop into a solid pro. He has value at this spot.

196. Jonte Green- CB- New Mexico State University 
Same as above.

223. Travis Lewis- OLB- University of Oklahoma
The Lions get a steal here. I think that Lewis' floor is a solid reserve linebacker. Getting a player with this much upside this late in the draft is impressive.

Conclusion
I think that the Broyles pick was retarded. There were so many players that could have drafted that would have helped the Lions this year. Besides that, the Lions did an amazing job. Mayhew and the rest of the Lions front office have done a great job of building through the draft. At this rate, I could see this team winning a Superbowl in 4 or 5 years.