2011 NFL Mock Draft: Lions Add to Offensive Line with Tyron Smith

April 8, 2011   ·   Eric Galko   ·   Jump to comments

After being stuck in the bottom tier of the NFL the past 5-10 years, the Lions finally have a chance to end their "rebuilding" and make their goal to be a playoff-driven one. Now that they have a franchise quarterback (Matt Stafford), a top running back (Jahvid Best), a top receiver (Calvin Johnson), a key pieces on the defense (Ndamukong Suh, Louis Delmas, Kyle Vanden Bosch, etc), they are a franchise left tackle away from having a complete offense and an overall talented roster. Tyron Smith of USC is raw and will need time to develop as a left tackle, but has the skill set to protect his blindside.

Don't Be Shocked If...The Lions consider two players that I feel are major reaches: Jimmy Smith, cornerback from Colorado, and Mike Pouncey, center from Florida. Both players have been on the Lions radar thus far, and both fill a need in the long run. Also, defensive line depth could be an option as well.