The Detroit Lions have gone back and forth on what they will do with their No. 5 overall pick. While some experts have them focusing on defense, others have them look towards offense. General manager Martin Mayhew is beginning to make the Lions' draft picture a little more clear as the team is denying any interest in Dee Milliner, the top cornerback in this year's draft.
Milliner has been associated with the Lions now for most of the scouting process. Milliner has been compared to the likes of Deion Sanders. He is a cornerback that comes with size and speed and will be able to have an immediate impact on the Lions' defense. Martin has spoken out in support of Milliner, saying he is the type of player that teams dream about getting. However, Martin is changing his tune a bit, saying the Lions know who they are targeting in the draft and they are very satisfied with the current cornerbacks on the team.
"I like the three guys we drafted last season. All three are good players and we expect them to be around for a long time," Martin said.
Bill Bentley, Jonte Green and Chris Greenwood all joined the team last season and helped lead the Lions to a dispointing 14th rank in yards allowed. Their pass coverage struggled due to the sub-par coverage. Martin believes that those three cornerbacks will be the building blocks of the Lions defense. So, if Milliner is not destined to land in Detroit, the team's likely target could come at wide receiver.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford has voiced his support in the team drafting a wide receiver to pair next to Calvin Johnson. He is hoping the team grabs someone that could stretch the field and run well.
"I think with what we have on the roster right now I would say somebody that can stretch the field. I think in the NFL, more and more today, everybody's looking for that," Stafford said.
The Lions have hosted four wide receivers during the draft process. Tavon Austin and Jordan Hunter remain the team's top options. Austin is projected as a first-round pick and would be available when Detroit is ready to draft. With a 4.34 40-yard dash time, he is exactly what the Lions would want running next to Johnson. Austin, Hunter and even receiver Robert Woods are likely gone by the time Detroit drafts at No. 36 in the second round. If they want a wide out, the first-round will be their best option.
