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In the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions addressed defensive end. This area of need was filled with project player Ziggy Ansah, which I am skeptical of. The Lions will also need to address secondary and offensive line in the later rounds.
Despite four cornerbacks being drafted in the first round, the Lions may have an opportunity to take a key player in the second round. With the 36th overall pick, the Lions are in position to draft Jamar Taylor, a cornerback from Boise State University. Taylor was listed as one of the best corners in several mock drafts, but ultimately saw Dee Milliner (#9), D.J. Hayden (#12), Desmond Trufant (#22) and Xavier Rhodes (#25) selected ahead of him.
Taylor played four seasons at Boise State. In his senior season, Taylor recorded 51 tackles, four interceptions, nine pass breakups and 2.5 sacks. Taylor was part of a defense that ranked fourth overall in pass defense and allowed only three passing touchdowns on the season.
The Lions would welcome Taylor’s experience and speed to the team. Taylor competed in the 2013 Senior Bowl, which was coached by Jim Schwartz and other Lions coaches. Taylor also impressed scouts at the 2013 Scouting Combine, where he ran a 4.39 official 40 yard dash time. This shouldn’t come as a huge surprise, as Taylor also ran track and field at Boise State. Taylor ran a personal best 10.72 in the 100 meter dash during his senior year.
Detroit needs to start working on its secondary. The team took a couple of small school corners in the 2012 NFL Draft. I have also listed several options in my final mock draft. However, with Taylor slipping out of the first round, this is a pick Detroit must make if it is there.
Chris Katje is the featured Detroit Lions writer for Rant Sports. Follow Chris on Twitter or Google Plus.
