Detroit Lions Strike Gold In Draft

Die hard fans of the Detroit Lions know that more often than not, draft day is depressing. During the Matt Millen era, the Lions always found a way to use a high pick on a wide receiver which would all inevitably bust (I'm looking at you Charles Rogers and Mike Williams). It wasn't just the WR that dissapointed, remember QB Joey Harrington. These memories make me shudder. So it's with great pleasure that I can say that Detroit finally had a draft to remember. There were other winners over the past three days of drafting, but perhaps none made an impact on the level of the Lions. Hey, it's my blog so I can be biased. Here's a look at their picks and a little bonus analysis on why the pick was so smart.

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Nick Fairley- DT Auburn (1st Round, 13th overall pick): Nobody thought Fairley would be available at pick 13. In fact, about a month ago, it was thought that the mammoth Defensive Tackle could potentially be the #1 overall selection. Character issues caused some teams to pass, but they may look back and wish they hadn't. Auburn QB Cam Newton got most of the praise during the Tigers run to the BCS National Championship, but you could make an argument that Fairley was even more valuable. The Lombardi award winner (best college football lineman or linebacker) recorded 5 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble in the title tilt vs. Oregon en route to the defensive MVP of the game. This pick may seem like a luxury for the Lions after drafting fellow DT and 2010 defensive rookie of the year Ndamukong Suh last season, but I think it just vaulted Detroit to the top D-Line in the league. Good luck running against the Lions this season.

Titus Young- WR Boise State (2nd Round, 44th overall pick): Julio Jones and A.J. Green grabbed the headlines after both going in the top 6 picks, but it's Young who could end up being the biggest WR steal of the draft. The speedster had a stellar season with 9 TD's and over 1,200 yards receiving. Many pundits thought Young was a 1st round talent. The already potent Lions offense will get a big boost with a strong 3rd receiver and a great return specialist. It also gives them some much needed depth at the position.


Mikel Leshoure- RB Illinois (2nd Round, 57th overall pick): Leshoure was neck and neck with Mark Ingram as the top RB prospect in this draft, but somehow he was just 4th back off the board. When Detroit saw that the Illini rusher was still available late in the 2nd round, they traded up to acquire his services. A bruiser with sure hands (0 fumbles in his college career), Leshoure will be a great change of pace from last year's 1st round selection Jahvid Best who can turn on the jets and catch the ball out of the backfield. In today's NFL, a two-back system is becoming the norm. With both RB's sharing the load, this could be a great complementary pair.

While the Lions didn't address one of their biggest needs, cornerback, the value they got on this trio was too good to pass up. All three should fortify their respective positions on the roster and pay off their value immediately. For once, it's nice to look forward to a season with optimism.