NFL

Quick Links

Top Stories

NFL +

NBA +

MLB +

NHL +

NCAA-F +

NCAA-B +

Videos +

FanPicks.com

Live Odds

Top Videos

5 Simple Survival Tips For Cord-Cutting Sports Fans

5 Simple Survival Tips For Cord-Cutting Sports Fans

Johnny Manziel Allegedly Slept Off Hangovers in the Browns Equipment Room

Johnny Manziel Allegedly Slept Off Hangovers in the Browns Equipment Room

Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Trains With Navy SEALs

Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Trains With Navy SEALs

Close Article Return to stream X

NFL • 12 months ago

2015 NFL Draft: 5 Prospects Detroit Lions Should Target In First Round

+Read full article

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

2015 NFL Draft: 5 Prospects Detroit Lions Should Target In First Round

Jim Caldwell Detroit Lions — The No. 23 overall selection of the first round in the 2015 NFL Draft belongs to the Detroit Lions. There are several positions the Lions need to strengthen, such as defensive tackle, offensive tackle and cornerback. The 2015 draft class offers a lot of potential to fill those needs. Looking to build off of last season, here are five prospects who could help the Lions return to the postseason.

The No. 23 overall selection of the first round in the 2015 NFL Draft belongs to the Detroit Lions. There are several positions the Lions need to strengthen, such as defensive tackle, offensive tackle and cornerback. The 2015 draft class offers a lot of potential to fill those needs. Looking to build off of last season, here are five prospects who could help the Lions return to the postseason.

5. T.J. Clemmings (OT-Pittsburgh)

TJ Clemmings Pittsburgh

5. T.J. Clemmings (OT-Pittsburgh)

TJ Clemmings Pittsburgh — Clemmings is long and athletic at 6-foot-5, 309 pounds. He has great footwork and is durable as well. Clemmings started all 13 games at right tackle as a senior, earning a second team All-American nod. As a junior, he started all 13 games as well. A huge problem for Detroit in previous seasons has been keeping the linemen healthy. The former Panther can provide dependability and consistent play for a team that desperately needs it.

Clemmings is long and athletic at 6-foot-5, 309 pounds. He has great footwork and is durable as well. Clemmings started all 13 games at right tackle as a senior, earning a second team All-American nod. As a junior, he started all 13 games as well. A huge problem for Detroit in previous seasons has been keeping the linemen healthy. The former Panther can provide dependability and consistent play for a team that desperately needs it.

4. Malcom Brown (DT-Texas)

Malcom Brown Texas

4. Malcom Brown (DT-Texas)

Malcom Brown Texas — With the departure of Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley, the interior of the defensive line is a priority. The addition of Haloti Ngata helps, and Brown could learn a lot from a player of Ngata’s caliber. Brown was selected as a first team All-American in 2014 and started every game in both the 2013 and 2014 seasons. He takes up a lot of space at 319 pounds but is also sneaky athletic.

With the departure of Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley, the interior of the defensive line is a priority. The addition of Haloti Ngata helps, and Brown could learn a lot from a player of Ngata’s caliber. Brown was selected as a first team All-American in 2014 and started every game in both the 2013 and 2014 seasons. He takes up a lot of space at 319 pounds but is also sneaky athletic.

3. Breshad Perriman (WR-Central Florida)

Breshad Perriman Central Florida

3. Breshad Perriman (WR-Central Florida)

Breshad Perriman Central Florida — While wide receiver is not a dire position to address in the first round, the Lions need to add a slot guy to take pressure off of Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate. Perriman ran an absolutely blazing official 40-yard dash time of 4.24 seconds at his pro day earlier this week. His stock is rising fast, and his ties to the Lions are no secret. His father, Brett, played for the Lions for six seasons in the 1990s.

While wide receiver is not a dire position to address in the first round, the Lions need to add a slot guy to take pressure off of Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate. Perriman ran an absolutely blazing official 40-yard dash time of 4.24 seconds at his pro day earlier this week. His stock is rising fast, and his ties to the Lions are no secret. His father, Brett, played for the Lions for six seasons in the 1990s.

2. Jalen Collins (CB-LSU)

Jalen Collins LSU

2. Jalen Collins (CB-LSU)

Jalen Collins LSU — The crop of cornerbacks is strong in the 2015 draft class. Jalen Collins is a highly-rated prospect who may be gone by pick No. 23, but if he isn’t, the Lions should run up to the podium to select him. At 6-foot-1, 203 pounds, the LSU product provides a scary combination of height, weight and speed that can help out in the secondary. He led the Tigers with 10 passes broken up in 2014.

The crop of cornerbacks is strong in the 2015 draft class. Jalen Collins is a highly-rated prospect who may be gone by pick No. 23, but if he isn’t, the Lions should run up to the podium to select him. At 6-foot-1, 203 pounds, the LSU product provides a scary combination of height, weight and speed that can help out in the secondary. He led the Tigers with 10 passes broken up in 2014.

1. Danny Shelton (DT-Washington)

Danny Shelton Washington

1. Danny Shelton (DT-Washington)

Danny Shelton Washington — Shelton is widely regarded as the best prospect at nose tackle in the draft. As mentioned earlier, the Lions need help in the defensive trenches. Chances are high Shelton will be off the board by the time the Lions select, but if for some reason he does fall, this pick should take no more than two minutes to be made. Shelton was named a first team Academic All-American in 2014 and led the country in fumble recoveries with five.

Shelton is widely regarded as the best prospect at nose tackle in the draft. As mentioned earlier, the Lions need help in the defensive trenches. Chances are high Shelton will be off the board by the time the Lions select, but if for some reason he does fall, this pick should take no more than two minutes to be made. Shelton was named a first team Academic All-American in 2014 and led the country in fumble recoveries with five.

Teams in this article »
Detroit Lions

Ryan O'Bleness is a writer for RantSports.

Your Favorites

Close Article Return to stream X

NFL• 1 week ago

Laquon Treadwell Should Be Lions' No. 1 Post-Combine Draft Target

After the announcement of Calvin Johnson's retirement, the Detroit Lions would be wise to target Laquon Treadwell as apotential successor to Megatron.

Comment

0 Comments

Close Article Return to stream X

NFL• 3 weeks ago

2016 NFL Draft: Lions Pre-Combine Seven-Round Mock

The Detroit Lions will be looking to improve upon a disappointing 7-9 season in 2015 as they prepare for the 2016 NFL Draft.

Comment

0 Comments

Close Article Return to stream X

NFL• 4 weeks ago

Lions' 5 Biggest Needs Entering 2016 NFL Combine

The 2016 NFL Combine takes place this week and it will be a vital part of the Detroit Lions' rebuilding phase.

Comment

0 Comments

Close Article Return to stream X

NFL• 1 month ago

Lions Made Right Move By Cutting Bell

The Detroit Lions have gained a lot by cutting Joique Bell.

Comment

0 Comments

Close Article Return to stream X

NFL• 1 month ago

5 Prospects Lions Should Target In 2016 NFL Draft

After a disappointing 7-9 finish last season, here are five prospects the Detroit Lions should target in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Comment

0 Comments

Close Article Return to stream X

NFL• 1 month ago

Lions' Stafford Has Much To Prove If Johnson Retires

Matthew Stafford will have to prove that he can sustain success without Calvin Johnson.

Comment

0 Comments

Close Article Return to stream X

NFL• 2 months ago

5 Free Agents Detroit Lions Should Target In 2016

With the added element of Calvin Johnson's possible retirement, here are five free agents the Detroit Lions should pursue this offseason.

Comment

0 Comments

Close Article Return to stream X

NFL• 2 months ago

Calvin Johnson and 4 NFL Stars Who Retired Early

Calvin Johnson is following in the footsteps of some of the NFL's greatest players by announcing his early retirement.

Comment

0 Comments

Close Article Return to stream X

NFL• 2 months ago

Lions' Calvin Johnson Reportedly Retiring

According to one report, Calvin Johnson has informed the Detroit Lions of his plans to retire from the game of football.

Comment

0 Comments

Close Article Return to stream X

NFL• 2 months ago

Lions Keeping Caldwell Has Benefits

Though Jim Caldwell isn't the greatest head coach, the Detroit Lions still benefit by keeping him.

Comment

0 Comments

Full Coverage

Your Favorites