Detroit Lions: Top 5 Needs in 2013 NFL Draft

Top 5 Draft Needs for Detroit Lions

It was quite concerning the way the Detroit Lions played in 2012. They lost 12 games, quite the drop-off from the 10-win season they accomplished in 2011.

Head coach Jim Schwartz has received large amounts of criticism for the way his team lost control last season. They were one of the league's most penalized team and, in turn, many people thought they were undisciplined.

Titus Young was a major cause for concern for the team last season and was even benched by the coach because of his complete lack of respect and failure to adhere to team rules. He, on many occasions, criticized his own team which led to his departure from Detroit this offseason.

The Lions have one of the most explosive offenses in the league and with the addition of Reggie Bush, the Lions will look to become the greatest show on turf.

Matthew Stafford has been one of the hottest quarterbacks in the league for the past two seasons, but his 2012 season was not as solid or consistent as the 2011 playoff season.

The defense needs to improve, there's no doubt about that. They were improved in 2012, but they still have much more room for improvement. They ranked around 15th in both passing defense and rushing defense, making them one of the league's consistently average defenses.

Here's a look at the top five needs for the Detroit Lions in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Connor Muldowney is a College Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Center

With one center on the roster, the Detroit Lions may want to go with that position at some point in the upcoming draft. Although, it's not a desperate need this year as many offensive lineman have practiced some center at some point. However, Dominic Raiola is a 34-year-old lineman and an aging lineman is a ticking time bomb.

Cornerback

With the fifth overall pick in the 2013 draft, the Lions may want to go with the top cornerback in the entire list of young prospects. Dee Milliner from Alabama could be the perfect fit for the Lions even though they resigned Chris Houston. They are deep with unproven players in the secondary and Milliner could be a stud.

Defensive End

Losing Cliff Avril was a big blow to the defensive-end position and adding another one is a possibility with the fifth overall pick in the draft. The Lions also lost Kyle Vanden Bosch, making both end positions unsatisfied and failing to provide depth at this position could be an issue in 2013.

Offensive Tackle

With veteran Jeff Backus retiring, the Lions are stretched very thin at offensive tackle. The Lions are looking at adding either a defensive end, cornerback or offensive tackle to their roster after their No. 5 overall pick. If Eric Fisher from Central Michigan is still available, I wouldn't be surprised if they jumped at the opportunity to draft him.

Wide Receiver

Losing Titus Young hurts the Lions production-wise, but helps them when it comes to maturity and discipline. You also may be saying, why would the Lions need a receiver if they have the best one in the league, Calvin Johnson? Well, Ryan Broyles and Nate Burleson are both coming off season-ending injuries and it will be hard to get back into contact play. A receiver wouldn't be a bad idea.