2014 Detroit Lions immediate analysis

Round #1 Pick # 10

Eric Ebron TE UNC

Impact for 2014: Could be a player that helps the Lions attack the middle of field. Since the demise of Pettigrew as receiver in 2012-2013 the Lions have struggled in that area. I see him as package guy in 2014 with minimal impact.

Long term prognosis: Could turn into to guy that catches 50 passes a year. I do not see him as a Jimmy Graham mismatch nightmare. Ebron could turn into a solid move guy.

Round # 2 Pick # 40

Kyle Van Noy OLB BYU

Impact for 2014: Should start over Ashlee Palmer. Van Noy is a more complete player than Palmer. The problem is who comes off the field in the nickel? KVN is noted for his coverage, Levy was great on coverage in 2013 and Tulloch is the Captain. Maybe Teryl Austin will keep all three on the field and take out a DT and get creative?

Long Term: A solid 3 down backer. However, not a real impact guy. We traded up to get him? I do think that was good draft management.

Round # 3 Pick # 76

Travis Swanson C Arkansas

Impact 2014: Almost none. Unless Dom gets hurt, Swanson may not even dress for the games.

Long Term: Swanson is tall and long for a center. He must get stronger. I do like the fact he was a two time team captain.

Round # 4 Pick # 133

Nevin Lawson CB Utah State

Impact 2014: This guy might not even make the team. 5'9" guy 190 lbs. Maybe he could be competition for the oft-injuried Dwight Bentley? Could be the 5th CB.

Long Term: Mathis is old, Houston is hurt, Slay, Green, Greenwood, Bentley unproven and injuried. Heck this guy might start.

Round # 4   pick # 136
Larry Webster DE/TE  Bloomsburg

Impact 2014: Pure developmental pick. This guy has rare athletic ability. 6'5" ran under 4.6. Crazy hops 36.5" Vert. I Could see him as the 5th end, maybe some special teams.

Long Term: This is the only pick I like. A raw athlete at #136 why not. This guy has a shot.

Round # 5 Pick #158

Caraun Reid DT Princeton

Impact 2014: He will have to beat out veterans Fluellen, Irvin, JSM  and Martin for the 4th spot.

Long Term: If he makes the team, Suh, Nick, CJ all are on their last year of their contract. DT will be a priority in 2015 draft.

Round # 6 Pick #189

TJ Jones WR Notre Dame

Impact: Will battle the island of misfit toys for the 5th spot. Guys like Broyles, Fuller, Durham, Wilson, Edwards. In other words, he has a chance. Tough kid who can catch it traffic.

Long term: WR is still an issue. They need one guy out of that list to be a player. Maybe it will be Jones.

Round # 7 Pick # 229

Nate Freese K Boston College

Impact: Should kick for the Lions 2014. My pick for Lions rookie of the year in 2014.

Long Term: Needs to develop some distance but has the makings of a solid kicker.

Overall:

Impact 2014: One (KVN) or two (Ebron) contributors. Add Freese and you have three guys who could play roles is 2014.

Long Term: Swanson, Webster, Reid will be needed in 2015. Lawson has a shot because the other guys are all hurt.

Analysis:

Missed opportunities. Did not fill any major holes. Still in need of a # 3 WR. Need a starter at CB and a young safety to develop. Webster could save this draft if he can be a flamethrower down the road.