Detroit Lions 2011 NFL Draft Grades

The Detroit Lions came into the 2011 NFL Draft looking to mainly fill holes at cornerback, outside linebacker, and offensive line as their biggest needs.

But despite not using their higher picks on these positions, many analysts still have given Detroit high draft grades coming out of this year's selections and also coming off a six-win season.

Are the so-called experts right on this one? Did Detroit really have a great draft despite not filling so many holes?

With the first pick in the draft at #13, the Lions got Nick Fairley out of Auburn. While Marcell Dareus, another defensive tackle, went earlier, many think Fairley has more potential. Fairley was the guy who dominated in all the big games, also, particularly in the national title game against Oregon.

Pairing him with Ndamukong Suh up front not only provides an overwhelming amount of talent at the position, Fairley also meshes well with Suh's powerful style because he has exceptional quickness and athletic ability. Fairley didn't necessarily fill a need but he was an excellent pick because he was simply too talented to pass up at that spot.

In the second round at #44, the Lions took Titus Young out of Boise State. Young didn't play in a great conference but he showed up in the big games and proved to be an explosive playmaker in college. He could be the ideal slot receiver the Lions need and a kick returner as well. Last year, the third wide receiver position was abysmal for Detroit so Young does fill a need.

Some have compared him to a step-slower version of DeSean Jackson and that seems pretty accurate from watching his running style. He is great after the catch and will be a contributor in the first year.

The other big acquisition was RB Mikel LeShoure of Illinois. Detroit traded up to get LeShoure in the second round. The Lions' 2011 NFL Draft grade in terms of drafting players high on their own board continued to be excellent and LeShoure was the second RB on Detroit's board.

LeShoure doesn't fumble the ball, he averaged over 6 yards a carry, and racked up tons of yards in a Big Ten that features good run stuffers at DL and LB. He could be a sleeper of all the draft picks made in the second round and he's a strong complement to Jahvid Best who reminds many of his predecessor Rashard Mendenhall. This was also a need for Detroit, albeit a lesser one.

Later picks Johnny Culbreath and OL and Doug Hogue at OLB are up for debate but anything provided outside of special teams help by Hogue will be a bonus.

While Detroit didn't fill their biggest needs in this draft, they supplemented their strengths and drafted potential gamebreakers with their first three picks while getting amazing value.

Now, more free agents will be attracted to the Lions because of all the potential or current stars (Suh, Fairley, Matt Stafford, Calvin Johnson) and will see the Lions could be building something big if they can just fill holes. They also have a one-two combo up front that could be the best in the league with Fairley and Suh.

While Millen got a lot of credit after drafts for getting big-name guys at glitzy positions from analysts, GM Martin Mayhew has a much better track record and the Lions have more team depth affording them the ability to make such moves.

Detroit Lions 2011 NFL Draft Grade: A-