While this year’s draft may lack the talent and buzz from drafts in years past, without free agency this is the first chance for teams to improve themselves.  The Detroit Lions ended the season with momentum and hope to use this draft to continue to add quality talent to their roster.  They may not be in the best position to select an blue chip prospect, they can certainly add a player who can make this team better at number 13.  All offseason Lions GM Martin Mayhew has been preaching to anyone who will listen that the Lions are committed to drafting the best player available when it’s their turn to pick, however the number of directions they could go in is endless.

Associated Press

Ideally the Lions would like to find an impact cornerback, linebacker, defensive end or offensive tackle with their first round pick, but since few teams appear locked in to any player picking ahead of the Lions its hard to predict who might still be available.  The top names associated with the Lions have been cornerback Prince Amukamara, offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo and defensive end Da’Quan Bowers.  All three address needs and all have the potential to be high impact players immediately.  Unfortunately they also come with risks, does Amukamara have the second level speed to become a shut down corner?   Is Castonzo worthy of such a high pick and is he even the best offensive lineman to select?  Is Bowers knee healthy?  While all three players are interesting options, one player who could improve the Lions in many areas is the multi-dimensional Aldon Smith.

He spent the bulk of his college career wrecking havoc as a defensive end at Missouri, but has the size and speed to drop back as an outside linebacker as well.  Finding a player who can disrupt the passing game and slow down the running game would be an ideal fit for the Lions.  Smith’s versatility would give the Lions endless options and many different looks to throw at opponents.  Not to mention wherever he lines up on the field he has a nose for the football and is an excellent tackler.  His ability to play become a playmaker at both positions would allow the Lions to the lessen the load on veteran defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch as well as give them another linebacker to pair with DeAndre Levy.  Obviously Smith’s rare talent make it possible for another team to select him, but if available the Lions shouldn’t hesitate.

The Lions have many needs and adding any of the aforementioned players could play a major role in helping the Lions make a push towards the playoffs.  It will certainly be interesting to see what options present themselves on draft day, but Aldon Smith is an intriguing option that should not be ignored.

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