My Predictions: Detroit Lions 2013 NFL Draft

Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner is one of
the many targets that the Detroit Lions will
look to add in April's NFL Draft.
Photo Courtesy: The Bleacher Report

As the NFL Draft draws closer, the Detroit Lions have a few needs to replace. Despite the recent signings of speed threat, Reggie Bush, and cover safety, Glover Quin, the Lions will target many players to fill their off-season needs as April 25 approaches.

One of the first needs to be addressed with be the offensive line, where Jeff Backus, a twelve year veteran, will need to be replaced. All signs are turning towards Riley Reiff to replace Backus, who the Lions drafted with the 23rd overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Reiff made brief appearances in games last season, lining up as an extra blocker at tight end in many formations, but this year it'll be a bit more often. If Reiff takes over at left tackle, there are still many more needs on the line.

Another big need will be at right guard, where Lions released Stephen Peterman. As it currently stands, three of the five starters on the offensive line from last season's 4-12 team will not return. Jeff Backus, Stephen Peterman, and freshly signed Indianapolis Colt right tackle, Gosder Cherilus will need to be replaced. With Reiff most likely taking over at left tackle, Rob Sims remaining at left guard, aged-veteran Dominic Raiola remaining under center, the right side of the line remains a question. The Lions, however, resigned Corey Hilliard at right tackle early this week. Hilliard reportedly was told that he can have a chance to start at right tackle, leaving the main question at right guard for Lions.

With the need at right guard being exposed, let's take a look at offensive guard prospects in the upcoming draft class. Top guard prospect in the draft is Alabama's Chance Warmack. Will the Lions take Warmack early with the sixth overall pick? Most likely not. Chances are the Lions will look to naturally fit in backup, or address the need later on in the draft, instead of taking a risk on Warmack.

That being said, what do you do with the sixth overall pick? Cliff Avril left for the Seattle Seahawks with a two-year deal, but that need at defensive end was replaced by former Eastern Michigan Eagle, and Seattle Seahawk, Jason Jones. The defense looks set, until you get to the secondary, where recently resigned cornerback, Chris Houston will be the only reliable corner in the Lions secondary for another season. That is, unless the Lions draft Dee Milliner of Alabama. Milliner, one of the draft's top prospects, ran a 4.37 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, had a 36 inch vertical jump, and stands at six-feet tall. Milliner also was selected a first-team All-American after his outstanding junior season in which he recorded 54 tackles, two interceptions, and a stellar 22 passes defended.

Ultimately, look for Milliner to become a Detroit Lion, IF (and it's a big if) he falls to the Lions at number six in the draft. A huge wish of mine is for Louis Delmas to return to Detroit. Delmas could add a huge hitting safety dimension to the Lions secondary with their cover safety, Glover Quin, who signed a five year deal earlier in the week. If Delmas, Quin, Chris Houston, and Dee Milliner are all combined into one secondary, it could be tremendous for Detroit fans.