Lions rebuilding in unusual way

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — The Detroit Lions knew they had to use the draft to help rebuild a franchise that has only won two games in the last two years.

They just didn't do it in the traditional way.

Detroit traded five of their seven draft picks, helping them pick up several veterans and an extra first-rounder, but leaving them with just two picks between the second and sixth rounds.

The Lions picked up Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh with the second overall pick, then made a trade with Minnesota that allowed them to select Cal running back Jahvid Best with the 30th selection.

Detroit's only second-day pick was third-rounder Iowa cornerback Amari Spievey.

The Lions started the draft's final day Saturday by taking Miami offensive tackle Jason Fox with the 30th pick of the fourth round.

They did not have another selection until making three picks in the seventh round.

"We're excited about getting Jason — this is a kid who was a four-year starter at Miami," Lions offensive line coach George Yarno said. "He can play either tackle and, even though he's tall at 6-foot-7, we think he can play guard as well. Right now, we're looking at him as our third tackle."

Fox missed Miami's appearance in the 2009 Champs Sports Bowl after having minor knee surgery, then pulled a hamstring during his pro-day workout.

"My knee probably affected my draft status a bit, but I went in the fourth round, so it could have been a lot worse," he said. "I think I'm very close to 100 percent right now, and I'll be ready for whatever they need."

Fox also missed one game last season with an irregular heartbeat, but insists it isn't an issue going forward.

"I'd really prefer not to get into that," he said. "It was a fluke one-day thing that will never happen again. I've had several stress tests and they've all come back clear."

Before the draft, the Lions made five trades, giving up 2010 picks and linebacker Ernie Sims for draft choices and veterans defensive end Corey Williams, cornerback Chris Houston, guard Rob Sims and tight end Tony Scheffler.