Players to Key on in the Draft

Let's be honest the draft is overdone by now. It seems like we've concentrated so much on the first round. I'm going to go through rounds 2-7 Lions should key on. I'm picking 1 guy from each position in each round which that the Lions need. I'll put an * next to who I'd take. Will assume that's who they take later as well.

2nd Round

*Jordan Matthews WR Vanderbilt

I'm a huge Matthews fan for the simple reason of production. Production translates to the next level quite well when it comes to WRs. There are guys like Kelvin Benjamin that have huge upside, but when you can't catch the ball like Benjamin or so many Lions WRs of old it doesn't work out.

Jimmie Ward S Northern Illinois

I wasn't originally going to put a safety here, because I have too many concerns with Joyner in the 2nd round. I'm not sure Ward will be available.

Kyle Van Noy OLB BYU

Now the Lions really don't get to play many 3 LB sets. I'm still wondering how high the need is to draft a pass rushing LB.

CB, C, TE, DT, and DE

Lions shouldn't be taking a QB or a kick here but do need one. I'm a huge fan of Dee Ford DE but don't see him available. CBs are a huge concer for me and the Lions should wait. It's likely a plethora of CBs will be taken in the first round. DT Timmy Jernigan would be a good pick if available, but I think the Lions would much better off with any of the above. TE I do have ASJ and Amaro available, but I just think that's a big investment for what is already there. Unless Pettigrew is a 1-2 guy. I still think you can then wait. I also think there is a great value later on to be had. I'm not a fan of drafting a replacement in the second round at center.

3rd Round

Marcus Martin USC/Weston Richburg Colorado C

I'm kind of leaning towards if you're going to draft a replacement. Draft a guy later that needs a little development or draft your start when you need him. Neither one of these guys really needs much development.

Brock Vereen Washington State S

There's only one Calvin Pryor in this draft. Him and Glover seem like a good fit together. I think Vereen is a 2nd round talent. Ahmad Dixon would definitely be what we need at S. With the league the way it's going. I think safeties like him and Louis Delmas hurt you more then they help.

*Marcus Roberson/Loucheiz Purifoy CB UF

Might seem like a reach that they fall to the third round, but I don't think so. Athletic freaks they both are could turn into great CBs. Pierre Desir is likely to go before them both now because of size people are looking for. I'll take Roberson/Purifoy both whom do have some off the field issues. If it wasn't for the Seahawks I think they'd be a 2nd round lock.

Christian Jones LB FSU

I like this guy a lot. I wouldn't consider him a playmaker, but a playmaker stopper. He just makes those routine plays and a quality tackler with that p word again production. Think he's a 2nd round talent in most drafts.

Jared Abbrederis WR Wisconsin

Abbrederis and Borland I'm huge fan of because of production. Yeah, size is a concern for both of them. Arms for Borland. I think they're worth a 2-3 round pick. Borland is likely going to be gone at this point. I still like Jones more. Not a knock on Borland though. Abbrederis is a guy that can do everything the Lions need. Third round seems like a better value then a Lee or Beckham.

4th Round

Since the Lions have 3 picks I'll be going through several players.

Travis Swanson C Arkansas/*Gabe Ikard C Oklahmoa

All of sudden Centers have been really moving. I think in the 4th round Swanson is a great value. Ikard is not a top tier guy, but a guy that can develop for a year and then take over.

Dion Bailey S USC

Possibly a late round steal. They guy made a ton of plays at USC and had a lot of production.

*Anthony Johnson DT LSU

This is a guy that can push Fairley as he will be able to get in on the rotation and make a difference. He might not make plays, but that's not necessarily what a DT is supposed to do.

Khairi Fortt ILB Cal

Makes a ton of good reads and seems to enjoy playing the game. Reminds me quite a bit of Zack Follett. Brings some good fun energy.

*CJ Fiedorowiz TE Iowa

If available at any of their comp picks they need to take him.

Jordan Tripp OLB Montana

Just put on a show at the combine. I was really looking forward to seeing Starr and this guy stood out. I've only heard good things at the post season games.

6th Round

Jacob Pedersen TE Wisconsin

Pedersen is a late round guy that could really turn into something. I'm more favorable in taking a  LB or DE here though.

Larry Webster DE Bloomsburg

What I like about Webster is he seems to play very intelligently. I don't think he's a guy that will get to the QB often. He plays the run very well. Sheds blocks reads and reacts. Not a typical Lions DE.

*Denisos Allen OLB MSU

Hate him or love him the guy can play. At the very least he will have production on special teams. I think he's the perfect fit for a team that won't play much 3 LB sets. I think he's better then Palmer.

7th Round

Jermiah George LB ISU

Not a big name after getting hurt in the combine. Very instinctive player.

*Isiah Lewis S MSU

I think he'd be a great fit with Glover. I'm not saying he'd pan out. Even if you've taken a safety he's worth pulling the trigger on.

Without taking into consideration the first round you're looking at several good players.

Jordan Matthews WR

Marcus Roberson CB

Anthony Johnson DT

CJ Fiedorowiz TE

Gabe Ikard C

Denicos Allen OLB

Isiah Lewis S

From that haul. A lot of players with someone in front of them that are likely short term. Lewis isn't likely to be a star, but it's not a pressing position need. Fiedorowiz and Ikard can be starters at their positions. Didn't walk away with a developmental QB and DE. Maybe DE can be addressed in round 1.