The Lions can go in a number of directions in the draft this year, writes Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com. The two major questions that need to be addressed are receiver and cornerback. With the tenth pick, Sammy Wakins of Clemson and Mike Evans of Texas A&M would be ideal fits to line up across from Calvin Johnson, but trading down or taking a defensive back are also likely scenarios according to Rothstein.
If they do look to take a defensive back at their current pick, Rothstein writes that Justin Gilbert of Oklahoma State and Darqueze Dennard of Michigan State could be the Lions’ top choices. That is unless either Anthony Barr of UCLA or Khalil Mack of Buffalo drops to them, which could make them consider taking one of the two standout linebackers, and address the secondary later in the draft.
While the Lions are looking at a number of options in the first round, there is a consensus with the Bears’ first round pick. Both of ESPN’s draft experts Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr.’s mock drafts have the team selecting Timmy Jernigan of FSU to bolster the defensive line. Mock drafts from Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks of NFL.com both agree as well.
While the Bears could look to add to their defensive line early, Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com does not see the draft as a way for the team to improve its skill players. He doesn’t see the team investing many draft picks if any at all in receivers, runningbacks, or tight ends.