Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Lions are in desperate need of an offensive tackle, especially following the retirement of veteran tackle Jeff Backus. He was a staple in the Lions’ offensive line for over a decade.
When the Lions take the field next season they will have a new tackle on the left side of the line. The 2013 NFL Draft is the perfect opportunity for them to jump at the chance to take one of the top lineman in the draft.
In the 2013 Rant Sports NFL Mock Draft, the Detroit Lions selected offensive tackle Eric Fisher from Central Michigan. He has been argued to be the top lineman in the draft along with Luke Joeckel from Texas A&M. No matter if he’s the best or the second best lineman in the draft, the Lions need him on their team with the fifth overall pick.
Many people believed that the Lions may take a cornerback like Dee Milliner from Alabama at No. 5, but the need for a lineman is far greater, especially after they resigned Chris Houston.
The Lions also lost the offensive tackle on the other side of the line, Gosder Cherilus, in free agency, which leaves them with Reilly Reiff moving from his normal position, guard, to one of the offensive tackle positions.
With Reiff being a talented lineman at one tackle spot, they will likely go with an offensive tackle at No. 5, likely being Fisher.
If Fisher adds a bit of upper body mass and gets quicker off the snap, he will be an all-pro lineman in a couple of years and make the Lions’ front office look pretty smart.
At No. 6, the Cleveland Browns select…
Connor Muldowney is a College Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
