2011 NFL Mock Draft: The Detroit Lions Offensive Line Is the Top Priority

March 31, 2011   ·   Brian DiTullio   ·   Jump to comments

The Lions Choose To Keep Matthew Stafford Healthy, Draft Tyron Smith

The Lions know Matthew Stafford has the ability to get the team to the playoffs, now they just have to keep him healthy long enough to do it.

The Lions have an elite wide receiver, an emerging star running back, Ndamukong Suh on defense and a front office devoid of Matt Millen. If they can keep Stafford healthy for an entire season, the Lions could finally return to the playoffs.

Tyron Smith is a great talent and will not fall past Detroit. Smith’s job will be to keep Stafford’s jersey clean and his arm healthy. The Lions will be all over Smith on draft day, and they hope to be drafting much lower in 2012 as a result.

Nate Solder also could be the pick here, but I think Smith's potential to play both sides of the line as well as his natural athleticism will be the deciding factor in this pick. The Lions have to do everything they can to keep from lo...

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