Lions draft preview: Detroit lost Suh & Fairley, but should still be a contender

By Ross Jones
Published

The Detroit Lions hold the No. 23 overall pick in the NFL Draft. In our 32-team preview series, FOXSports.com takes a look at their roster post-free agency and delivers a plan of attack for the last day in April.

Losing defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley to free agency certainly stole the headlines in Detroit this offseason.

While the Lions initiated a trade with the Baltimore Ravens for Haloti Ngata and signed Tyrunn Walker, who has some promise, it's no secret Teryl Austin's defense could be lacking some punch up front. For a defense that allowed the fewest rushing yards per game (69.3) and finished with the eighth most sacks, general manager Martin Mayhew could address this need with the team's first-round pick.

Additionally, the Lions could use some help on their offensive line. Quarterback Matthew Stafford was sacked 45 times a season ago, and adding competition at right tackle with LaAdrian Waddle wouldn't be a terrible idea.

Head coach Jim Caldwell's first season in Detroit was extremely underrated. After a disappointing 2013, Lions president Tom Lewand made an unpopular hire in Caldwell, but he proved to be what the team needed. With an 11-5 record, the Lions made just their second playoff appearance since 1999. Contending in the NFC North is no easy task, but with a couple smart picks and another year in the respective systems, things may be looking up in the Motor City.

Positions of need: OL, DL, CB

Three options to consider at No. 23

T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pitt: Clemmings began his playing career as a defensive end but has grown into a nice build as an NFL offensive tackle. Clemmings, who has drawn comparisons to Dallas' Tyron Smith, would add some strength and athleticism to a woeful offensive line.

Malcolm Brown, DT, Texas: The 6-foot-4, 320-pound run stuffer has some scheme flexibility and could play the 5-technique in Austin's defense. With Ngata an experienced veteran, adding Brown would be great value and instantly make this defense much more difficult to push around. 

Jalen Collins, CB, LSU: Collins, who made just 10 starts at LSU, has a rare blend of size and speed. He's raw, but his natural talent makes him hard to pass on. If Caldwell wants to add a talented players with some upside down the road, Collins could be his guy.