The Detroit Lions have had very good drafts the previous two seasons, and this year was just as good. Selecting 13th, the Lions were hoping that Prince Amukamara would still be there so they could select the Nebraska star to shore up a porous defensive backfield. Amukamara was there, but so was a player they could not pass up.
Nick Fairley, seen by many as the unanimous #1 Overall selection when the Mock Draft season started, was on the board at #13. As much as Detroit wanted Amukamara, they could not pass on Fairley. They now have perhaps the best defensive tackle combination in the NFL, with Fairley lining up next to Pro Bowler Ndamukong Suh. Two athletic, disruptive tackles with a serious mean streak. There are centers and guards looking at their schedules next season to see if they are going to face this new dynamic duo. The Lions pass defense got better because they will be putting so much pressure up the middle that the quarterbacks will not have nearly as much time to get the ball away.
In Round 2, Detroit got two more playmakers for their ever improving offense. Titus Young is the quick wide receiver who should line up opposite Calvin Johnson, and later in the round brought Mikel Leshoure, the power running back from Illinois. Leshoure will bring the north-south between the tackles game that will compliment Jahvid Best and his quickness on the outside.
A late round sleeper looks to be Douglas Houge, a linebacker selected in Round 5 out of Syracuse. He will contribute on special teams and could move into the starting lineup down the road.
Draft Grade: A
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