NFL Draft Grades: Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions 2008 Draft Picks:

Round 1 (17): Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
Round 2 (45): Jordan Dizon, OLB, Colorado
Round 3 (64): Kevin Smith, RB, Central Florida
Round 3 (87): Andre Fluellen, DT, Florida St.
Round 3 (92): Cliff Avril, OLB, Purdue
Round 5 (136): Kenneth Moore, WR, Wake Forest
Round 5 (146): Jerome Felton, FB, Furman
Round 7 (216): Landon Cohen, DE, Ohio
Round 7 (218): Caleb Campbell, S, Army

The Good: I don't care what anyone thinks, I like the Cherilus pick. Most wanted a running back in that spot, but the Lions needed one of those first-round tackles and the only other viable option, Jeff Otah, is overrated to me. And the Lions got a very good running back anyway in Smith, who never got the recognition he deserved while being incredibly productive in college. He's the perfect big back for the Lions' new zone scheme and will surprise people with his NFL-ready talent.

The divisive story of Campbell is feel-good to some and has been good fodder for talk radio today, but forget about that. He's simply a very good player. He's smart, talented, and has the personality Rod Marinelli likes. Campbell will begin his career as a special teams demon but with steady development can get time in the secondary either this year or next.

The Bad: I think Dizon was a reach in the second, especially with outside linebackers Dan Connor and Xavier Adibi on the board. And though I like Avril, I think the Lions would have been better served passing on him for a greater need (especially given the Dizon pick) in Oniel Cousins, an underrated guard that could have really helped the Lions' offensive line depth.

The Grade: C+. While I really, really like the Smith pickup (and feel he will be a contender for Rookie of the Year) and the maneuvering for extra picks, I think the Lions could have emerged from the draft with more talent than they did. They did address some needs early, however, and those picks will further Marinelli's rebuilding efforts.

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