2008 NFL Draft Preview: Detroit Lions' Wishlist

Jon Kitna's 10-win prediction looked good when Detroit stood at 6-2. The wheels came off after that, leading to a 7-9 record for the Lions. Calvin Johnson looks to be the real deal, but the defense and offensive line have many holes. The offense was based around the pass in 2007 as the Lions struggled to maintain a running game (80 yards/game, 31st in NFL). Jon Kitna throwing the ball around 561 times led to a bad 18/20 TD-INT ratio and an eye-popping 51 sacks. The defense wasn't much better - last in the NFL in total yards and points allowed. Giving up 50+ points to Philadelphia and San Diego didn't help their final numbers.

The Lions have plenty of talent at the skill positions - Calvin Johnson, Roy Williams, Mike Furrey, Kevin Jones, etc. The offensive line needs across-the-board upgrades and a young quarterback, not named J.T. O'Sullivan, needs to be brought in. On defense, the secondary needs an overall in addition to the defensive end positions. Boss Bailey and Ernie Sims are young talent at linebacker and Shaun Rogers anchors the middle of the defensive line adequately.

With a mid-1st round selection, the Lions will be able to look at offensive line, the secondary or even a quarterback if one fits their system. Chris Williams (Vanderbilt) and Sam Baker (USC) are top-tier tackles that could be available in the #15 spot. Top quarterback Brian Brohm (Louisville) could fall to Detroit or Andre Woodson could be a good fit for the Lions. Cornerbacks Mike Jenkins and Antoine Cason are graded as 1st round prospects. With the Lions recent troubles protecting the quarterback, offensive line is the highest priority entering the 2008 off-season.

In the 2nd and 3rd rounds, Detroit can look for a 2nd offensive lineman or safety. Jamar Adams (Michigan) and Craig Steltz (LSU) are good all-around strong safeties, likely to go in the 3rd round. Both are over 6', 210 pounds and can be the eighth man in the box against the run. Anthony Collins (Kansas) and Nick Carls (Nebraska) are big, physical offensive tackles. Drafting two top linemen in the first three rounds would be a great start to help the offense heading into 2008.

In the later rounds, Detroit can get the best players available. Late-round sleepers include Barry Richardson (OT, Clemson), Chevis Jackson (CB, LSU) and Johnny Dingle (DE, West Virginia).

Detroit was on the right path in 2007 with a 6-2 start. The playoffs are possible in 2008 with better play out of Jon Kitna, cutting sacks by 30% and winning a few more divisional games (3-3 in 2007). Calvin Johnson will only get better along side Roy Williams.