Detroit's Choice
Possible Draft Scenarios for the Lions
The Detroit Lions hold the second pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. That pick, even more than Oakland’s first overall pick, will determine how the top of the first round shakes out. Detroit has a need at a number of positions, including: quarterback, inside linebacker, cornerback, tight end, safety and defensive end. Any of the top talents could drastically improve their team, but some are more valuable than others. Here are some of the scenarios the Lions could follow on draft day.
Scenario 1: Raiders take Calvin Johnson, Lions Stay Put and Draft Best Available Player
This is the doomsday scenario for Detroit. If Oakland were to take Johnson, the best available player, and not LSU’s JaMarcus Russell, the trade value of the second pick would be hindered. Teams are trying to trade into the second overall spot to draft Johnson. When those trades fell through, the Lions would still have a number of intriguing options available to them. They could take Russell or Brady Quinn to replace Jon Kitna, they could take Joe Thomas to solidify their offensive line, or they could take a defensive player such as Gaines Adams. Taking any of those players, besides Russell, second would be a reach. Detroit would end up taking a player not deserving of the second pick. On the plus side, at least it would not be a wide receiver.
Scenario 2: Raiders take JaMarcus Russell, Lions Stay Put and Draft Best Available Player
This is still not the best scenario for Detroit. They would be left with a talent pool that is relatively similar to Scenario 1. However, Scenario 2 would only develop if Detroit was unable to trade the pick, which is unlikely if Johnson is still on the board. Roy Williams is entrenched at one wide receiver spot for the Lions, but a number of high first round picks at the position have turned into busts. Charles Rogers is struggling to find a job in the league and Mike Williams has not had a productive first two seasons. Drafting Johnson would be hard to defend after years of wide receiver disappointments, but an excellent value pick. They might even be able to trade him later on in the draft. Otherwise, the Lions would, once again, be forced to pick a player who did not deserve to be the second overall pick.
Scenario 3: Raiders take JaMarcus Russell, Lions Trade Down
This is the ideal scenario for Detroit. If the Raiders drafted Russell and the Lions were able to find a suitable trade partner, probably Tampa Bay who currently has the fourth pick, it would allow Detroit to move down in the draft. This could bring the team extra picks and greater financial flexibility. If they traded down to the fourth pick, Cleveland might take Thomas at three, but the more likely scenario is that they address problems at quarterback or running back. Detroit would then have the luxury of picking between Adams, Thomas and possibly Quinn. It is also possible Detroit might consider defensive end Jamaal Anderson, who is moving up draft boards quickly, at that spot. The picks they gained from trading down could be used to address another need later in Day 1.
Result:
It might take a little innovation on the trade front, but if the Raiders take Russell the Lions will be sitting in a solid situation by holding the second overall pick. If managed properly, this draft could prove to be a building block for the restoration of the franchise.
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