The Detroit Lions are in an interesting position heading into the 2015 NFL Draft – while they had the league’s most dominant defense last year, they lost several key contributors to free agency, and they’ll have to decide whether they want to bring in reinforcements or get Matthew Stafford some help on offense. Who are they targeting in the first round of the draft to help them get back to the playoffs?
1) OL La’el Collins, LSU
Detroit’s offensive line was wildly inconsistent in 2014, and the front office is looking for upgrades to help protect Stafford better and open up holes in the running game. Collins has the size, strength, and footwork to be an impact player right away on the next level, and he’d be an immediate upgrade for the Lions.
2) OL Andrus Peat, Stanford
If Collins is off the board, Detroit will go after Peat. He has great length and athleticism allowing him to play either tackle position, and he has surprising quickness off the line. Peat may not develop into a star, but he'll be a reliable player that will have a long career in the NFL.
3) DT Eddie Goldman, Florida State
If there are no offensive lineman left that Detroit likes in the first round, Detroit will look to improve the middle of their defensive line. Goldman probably has the biggest upside of any lineman in the draft as he has the size, strength, and quickness to be disruptive in all phases of the game, but he needs to work on his consistency and improve his work ethic.
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