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WCG Mock Draft- Detroit Lions

CURRENT SELECTION
Rashard Mendenhall
Running Back
University of Illinois
ANALYSIS: While the Lions' biggest needs are at DT and OT, all of the prospects worth taking at this slot are off the board already, and next-tier players like OT Sam Baker and DT Kentwan Balmer would just be too much of a reach here, even for Matt Millen. DE Derrick Harvey could also get some consideration from Detroit, but the guy Millen won't be able to pass up is Illinois running back Rashard Mendenhall. Nobody with a sane mind can expect Detroit to be content going into the season with Tatum Bell as their starting tailback, and Mendenhall represents a colossal upgrade to their running game to compliment their heavy talent at the receiver position.

Mendenhall is considered by some (including draft guru Mike Mayock) to be the most complete back in the draft and an even better prospect than Darren McFadden. While he was only the starting back for the Fighting Illini for one season, he dominated and set school season records of 1,681 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 1,999 all-purpose yards. Mendenhall is a pretty big kid at around 225 pounds and can bowl over a lot of defenders, but he can also be fluid and make defenders miss, and has great vision to see open lanes. With the Lions' selection of Mendenhall, Bears fans can look forward to banging their heads against a wall twice a year.
Pick Team Player Drafter Analysis
1 Miami Dolphins Jake Long McRipper Details
2 St. Louis Rams Chris Long Chad Details
3 Atlanta Falcons Glenn Dorsey mas12 Details
4 Oakland Raiders Vernon Gholston Doctor Chicago Details
5 Kansas City Chiefs Sedrick Ellis whitebearsox23 Details
6 NY Jets Darren McFadden DaNate23 Details
7 New England Patriots Leodis McKelvin tyger1147 Details
8 Baltimore Ravens Matt Ryan McRipper Details
9 Cinncinati Bengals Keith Rivers tomas21 Details
10 New Orleans Saints Mike Jenkins sirus19x Details
11 Buffalo Bills Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie Chad Details
12 Denver Broncos Ryan Clady Arctic Bronco Details
13 Carolina Panthers Jeff Otah DaNate23 Details
14 Chicago Bears Chris williams tyger1147 Details
15 Detroit Lions Rashard Mendenhall Doctor Chicago Details


See a list of the mock draft participants

The Arizona Cardinals (gillrowdy) are on the clock...