2011 ROTB Mock Draft: Detroit Lions Look To Improve Line

The Detroit Lions are up today with their first round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Detroit are a team on the verge of breaking through. With Matt Stafford at quarterback, Calvin Johnson at receiver and Jahvid Best at running back, they have the offensive weapons. With Ndamukong Suh anchoring the line, there is talent on the defensive line, but the Detroit defense was terrible. 

Kj197728 picks for the community and I do for the writers. 

Tomorrow are the St. Louis Rams. Az78true and Skii are the GMs that are now on the clock. Email me your picks and explanations by 11PM AZ time tonight. You know the rules -- no trades, no drafting guys that have been drafted. 

Remember that what makes this even better is healthy debate. Put in your two cents.

Kj197728:

Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri

With Stafford sustaining injuries the last two years most people would argue that OT is the biggest need. No rookie OT is going to see significant playing time in his first year especially on the left side to protect a QB. Backus at LOT is quite good except for a few mistakes at times with guys like Peppers. Cherilus at ROT has too many injury concerns so I think they look later for line help on the right side.

CB is another need but with Peterson and Amukamara gone they would have to reach too much for one here unless they really like Jimmy Smith or Brandon Harris. Those guys are not top 15 players in the draft so I think they look at DE/OLB. They should take someone like Aldon Smith to line up with Suh and provide outside run support and a pass rush.

Smith has abilities like Robert Quinn and is best suited to line up at DE. Kyle Vanden Bosch was a quick solution brought in to help but his best years are behind him. Who else on the team is that good at DE? No one is the answer. They have to contend with Rodgers or Cutler passing and Forte or Peterson rushing for six games in their division so supporting the front 7 on defense is a necessity. Just imagine how much more damage Ndamukong Suh could do if opposing teams had to decide to block him or a pass rusher. Even though it isn't the greatest need picking up a top 15 DE would really help the Lions.

Jess Root:

Tyron Smith, OT, USC

The Detroit defense is the team's greatest weakness, but there is also the issue of protecting their franchise. Matthew Stafford will do them little good if he continues to get hurt. With the best defensive players off the board, the Lions have to go with the offensive line, and there is a great player available. Smith has the skills and quickness needed to be a bookend tackle in the league. With Backus already at LT and doing a solid job, Thomas will compete for the right side his first year and perhaps find playing time. Eventually he will be Stafford's blindside protector and will be charged with the safety of their team's leader. 

Results of mock draft:

Draft assignments and team needs for St. Louis Rams, according to drafttek.com