1 - Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa (6-6, 313); 2 - Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma (5-10, 192); 3 - Dwight Bentley, CB, Louisiana Lafayette (5-10, 182); 4 - Ronnell Lewis, DE, Oklahoma (6-1, 253); 5 - Tahir Whitehead, OLB, Temple (6-1, 233); 5 - Chris Greenwood, CB, Albion (6-1, 193); 6 - Jonte Green, CB, New Mexico State (5-11, 191); 7 - Travis Lewis, ILB, Oklahoma (6-1, 246)
Top Pick Analysis: With pressing needs at offensive tackle and cornerback, the Lions took steps to fill those weak spots with the early picks of Reiff and Bentley. The former is regarded as one of the most technically sound offensive linemen of this year's class, and the Lions hope Reiff can become the eventual replacement for 35-year-old Jeff Backus on the left side. His immediate future, however, may be to put disappointing onetime first-rounder Gosder Cherilus on notice on the right. Bentley was lightly regarded at the start of the draft process, but boosted his stock with strong showings at the combine and Senior Bowl and could quickly earn a prominent role in Detroit's suspect secondary as a slot corner asked to mirror smaller, quicker receivers. The selection of Broyles, the career leader in receptions at the FBS level, was more of a surprise, as the prolific ex-Sooner tore his ACL in November and may not be ready for the start of the season and the Lions appear well set at wide receiver. If healthy, he's an excellent route runner with soft hands and the toughness to man the slot and may be able to push highly-paid vet Nate Burleson off the roster.
Best Value Pick: The Lions got a potential fourth-round steal with another Oklahoma player, as Ronnell Lewis is a high-energy hard-hitter with the strength and quick burst off the edge to be an impact pass rusher. Though undersized for a 4-3 end and incredibly raw, academic problems in college were a big reason why he lasted until the late fourth round.
Questionable Calls: Taking the brittle Broyles over a cornerback capable of manning one of the outside spots is a decision that could come back to bite Mayhew, as Bentley may be too small to develop beyond a dependable nickel back. Not adding a running back showed great faith in the health of concussion-prone Jahvid Best and 2011 second-round pick Mikel Leshoure, but that position still remains tenuous.
Summary: Not as impressive as Mayhew's first two hauls which produced the likes of Ndamukong Suh, Best, Nick Fairley and Titus Young. There are concerns about Reiff being athletic enough to handle the left side and Broyles has serious durability flags, and the late rounds were mostly devoted to small- school wild cards. If the first two picks turn out to be hits and Ronnell Lewis makes the grade, this will be another strong cast. But there are questions.
FINAL GRADE: C+
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