Latest lions mailbag the detroit nfl draft edition

Michael RothsteinApr 11, 2015, 09:00 AM ET

Three weeks from now, we'll know. We'll have an idea of what was the truth, what was a smoke signal and what just never really transpired.

This is the crazy season heading into the NFL draft, where opinions are everywhere and those who truly know what might occur don't say all that much. Of course, that doesn't mean you don't have questions, and we'll answer them in the draft version of this week's Lions Mailbag. To ask a question, tweet with the hashtag #LionsMailbag, email me at michael.rothstein@espn.com or pop on over to the Facebook page (and give a follow there, t00).

Now, on to this week's questions.

@mikerothstein assuming no pick in round 4 or 5, which position do they pass on in the first 3 rounds? CB RB T G DT #LionsMailbag
— Vince Vielhaber (@vieltech) April 10, 2015

@mikerothstein: It's a tough question because all are needs and the Lions have said in the past -- and shown -- that they'll take the best player available. Defensive tackle and offensive line are the two biggest needs and it would be very surprising not to see those areas addressed in the first three rounds. Of the options you gave me, running back would be the most likely position to be passed on in those first three rounds. It's a pretty deep class and considering how running backs are valued now (or not valued), a good one could be had in the sixth round. To guess, I'd say the Lions go some combination of cornerback, defensive tackle and offensive line in the first three rounds. Now, if they trade back and pick up a pick or two, that could change things.

@mikerothstein #LionsMailbag Can the pre-draft visits indicate whether the #Lions are more interested in moving up or down in the 1st round?
— Jon & C.J. Lindsey (@JonnyLZ) April 9, 2015

@mikerothstein: Not really, unless they brought in someone like Amari Cooper or Leonard Williams or something like that. Most of the guys Detroit has brought in so far -- including Breshad Perriman and DeVante Parker -- at least have a slim chance of being there at No. 23. Plus, the Lions don't have the picks to play with in order to move up in this year's draft unless a player or a 2016 pick is involved. There are too many needs and too few selections for the Lions to be going that route. Moving down is possible, depending how the draft turns out. That's the thing, and something brought up over and over, that the Lions need a willing trade partner to make it happen. So the best thing for Detroit is a player at a position of little to no need (quarterback, linebacker, tight end) slips.

@mikerothstein #LionsMailbag do you see Lions moving down in 2nd (1st) round to gain picks for (cont) http://t.co/vq5GgLhH6N
— Dino Hill (@Dinordo) April 9, 2015

@mikerothstein: It all depends on trade partners, Dino. If the Lions find a willing one still in the first round and have some players left on their board in that range, then I could see the Lions trying to get out of No. 23 to try and make a move down in order to recoup some picks they gave away to acquire Haloti Ngata from Baltimore. But it is easier talked about than accomplished, as draft picks are high-value currency in the NFL. I'd imagine Detroit would definitely consider making that move if there's an opportunity, though.

Melvin from Facebook asks: Do you have any indication that the Detroit Lions will draft a cornerback this year...

Rothstein: I'm not in the draft room with Martin Mayhew and the Lions' front office, but positional need combined with recent trends would suggest yes. In the past three drats, the Lions have taken five cornerbacks -- Nevin Lawson in 2014, Darius Slay in 2013 and Bill Bentley, Chris Greenwood and Jonte Green in 2012. Of those players, only Slay and Bentley were taken in the first three rounds. Slay is an emerging star. Bentley won the slot job before an ACL tear. Lawson replaced him but had a season-ending foot injury the next week. Green and Greenwood are no longer on the roster. The Lions have a depth issue at cornerback still, especially on the outside, and they need to find an eventual replacement for Rashean Mathis. So that's a long answer for saying, yes, I'd expect the Lions will take a corner in the draft. If you're looking for names, Eric Rowe could be an intriguing one at No. 23 in the first round.

NFL Nation

Lions Mailbag: NFL draft edition