With the 13th pick in the TST Community Mock Draft, the Detroit Lions, represented by the one and only 3k, select: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
3k gives us his reasoning:
I really think Detroit has three main targets this year: Smith, Da'Quan Bowers and Prince Amukamara. If two of the three are gone, I think they have a relatively easy call to make. If though, like in our community mock, only one is gone, it's time to make that war room work. I went with Smith over Bowers for two reasons: Backus and Suh. Jeff Backus, the Lions' starting OT, is 33 years old, and he's only got one season left under contract. Two Detroit writers recently talked about offensive tackle as a possibilty at 13, and both mentioned Backus (first and second article).
The second reason I think they could favor OT over DE is Ndamukong Suh. He makes the defensive line that much better by himself that you add pieces to what's in place. On the offensive side, the Lions need a replacement starting LT, not exactly a small need. They can go after CB, OLB & D-line additions later in the draft.
I'm afraid that I should even analyze this pick because 3k's draft knowledge (and acumen, I think that word sounds really cool. Acumen) is so much higher than mine, but I'll give it a shot. 3k is right on the money here. I myself have never been a huge Jeff Backus fan and considering the fact that he is getting older, it should be Tyron Smith. The top priority will be for them to protect Stafford and his noodle-like toughness (sorry Lions fans). I wonder just how far Da'Quan Bowers will fall?
crashoveride1 and the Rams are now on the clock!
If you missed any of the previous picks in our community mock draft, you can catch up here.