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With the NFL Draft now in the rearview mirror we take the Detroit Lions "Off The Clock" with pick-by-pick analysis, the Bible's take and our grade.
 (1-1) Matthew Stafford, QB (Georgia): With the official selection of Matthew Stafford as the number one overall pick, a new era begins in Detroit. The seat that Daunte Culpepper currently resides in just got a tad bit hotter as the Lions will be looking for reasons to insert Stafford as the starter and send Culpepper to the bench as a veteran insurance policy. Look for a grooming process similar to that of Eli Manning’s in New York--by mid-season he was anointed the quarterback of the present. If Culpepper struggles, Stafford could be steering the ship sooner than you think.
(1-20) Brandon Pettigrew, TE (Oklahoma State): An interesting selection considering the Lions have so many needs on defense, but the organization seems intent with providing their new quarterback with some weapons. The presence of Pettigrew will keep opposing defenses honest and provides a much-needed target underneath to complement Calvin Johnson. (Pick From Dallas)
(2-33) Louis Delmas, DB (Western Michigan): Many people along press row criticized the Lions for passing up on James Laurinaitis and Rey Maualuga but Delmas should provide some immediate help in the secondary, primarily as a free safety. Detroit expects all three of their picks from day one to start (Stafford & Pettigrew).
(3-76) DeAndre Levy, LB (Wisconsin): The same could be said of Mr. Levy…although the third round seemed too high for this Badger. He has good skills and should be a special teams contributor right away, but will he ever be more than that? He will need to get bigger and more physical if he is to be a full-time player on Sundays. (Pick From New Orleans via New York/AFC)
(3-82) Derrick Williams, WR (Penn St.): Giving Matt Stafford a potential playmaker with this pick makes sense. Williams is a poor man's Percy Harvin--a high school running back who moved to wide receiver at the college level. He can make things happen with the ball in his hands and although he’s not as fast as Harvin, playing on the turf will help him. For a team that needs a lot I liked this pick because of Williams' versatility. He’s not a potential number one receiver, but that’s the one position they had covered heading into the draft. (Pick From Dallas)
 (4-115) Sammie Lee Hill, DT (Stillman): Detroit grabbed one of the most athletic DTs in the draft in Hill. Although he is unpolished, he has great potential. He will likely serve as a backup in his rookie season, but may eventually emerge as a full-time starter down the road. (Pick From Washington via New York/AFC)
(6-192) Aaron Brown, RB (TCU): Brown was considered to have one of the best sets of hands out of the RBs in this years’ draft, which is what has been missing in the Detroit backfield for some time. He doesn’t have great top-end speed, but has great moves and could be a heavily used third-down back option. (Pick From Dallas)
(7-228) Lydon Murtha, OT (Nebraska): Murtha is a big tackle, but he lacks the strength that is needed at the NFL level. He may need to stay at the RT position, which could pose a problem for the Lions if injuries arise. If he can add the bulk and strength that is needed in the league, then he just might have a productive career. He did show good athleticism at the Combine and ran the fastest forty-yard dash amongst the OT. (Pick From New York/AFC)
(7-235) Zach Follet, LB (California): He is a versatile player who can play outside linebacker and middle linebacker in a 4-3 defense. He gives the Lions depth at the position, which they have needed. He may find himself on the practice squad this year. (Pick From Atlanta via Denver)
(7-255) Dan Gronkowski, TE (Maryland): Gronkowski snuck into the last round of the draft due to a good Pro Day showing. He will likely be limited to the practice squad, at least for this year. (Compensatory Pick)
Team Needs: QB, OT, DT, CB, ILB
Needs Filled: Four of Five.
Bible’s Take: The Lions did what they needed to do and that’s get a franchise quarterback. Stafford was the most coveted and talented quarterback in the draft and was a must have for the Lions, who have not had a solidified starter--unless you consider Jon Kitna solid--at this position in past years. They drafted some offensive talent to help out Culpepper/Stafford and wide out sensation Calvin Johnson. They also beefed up their defense, especially at the linebacker and tackle positions. The only position they failed to address was at cornerback, which can be solved during the second wave of free agency.
Grade: B-
Photo Credit: College Press Box, SEC Sports Media
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