Detroit Lions fans will have to wait a little longer than usual to see who they draft in the 2012 draft.
Detroit has the No. 23 pick in the draft, the lowest pick since the 1992 draft when the Lions selected defensive end Robert Porcher out of South Carolina State with the No. 26 overall pick.
Most have identified the Lions biggest needs at offensive line and defensive back but Detroit has been known to surprise in the draft. (i.e. Calvin Johnson (2007) and Nick Fairley (2011).
Below are what various experts project the Lions to do:
Bucky Brooks NFL.com-Whitney Mercilus DE Illinois
Elliot Harrison NFL.com-Whitney Mercilus DE Illinois
Chad Rueter NFL Network-Janoris Jenkins CB North Alabama
Charles Davis NFL Network-Stephon Gilmore CB South Carolina
Albert Breer NFL Network-Alfonzo Dennard CB Nebraska
Detroit has had success in recent drafts with players such as Ernie Sims, Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford,Louis Delmas, and Ndamukong Suh. They will look to replicate that in 2012.
Detroit’s first round picks since 2000: *Indicates still on team
2011-Nick Fairley DT Auburn*
2010-Ndamukong Suh DE Nebraska*
2010-Javid Best RB California*
2009-Matthew Stafford QB Georgia*
2009-Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma St.*
2008-Gosder Cherilus OT Boston College*
2007-Calvin Johnson WR Georgia Tech*
2006-Ernie Sims LB Florida St.
2005-Mike Williams WR USC
2004-Roy Williams WR Texas
2003-Charles Rogers WR Michigan State
2002-Joey Harrington QB Oregon
2001-Jeff Backus OT Michigan*
2000-Stockar McDougal OT Oklahoma
The 2012 NFL Draft begins Thursday, April 26, 2012, and ends Saturday, April 28, 2012. Coverage of all rounds is on ESPN.
