It appears the Detroit Lions are looking for an upgrade to protect the blindside of their multimillion dollar investment in young quarterback Matthew Stafford.
After rotating a number of left guards on the offensive line last season, the Lions are no doubt in need of some talent at the position.
And the Lions certainly are putting a great deal of time into seeing if Oklahoma State offensive tackle Russell Okung fits the bill. Okung visited the Lions’ training facility in Allen Park, Mich. today, despite two previous meetings with the Lions at the NFL Combine and his pro day workout.
Widely regarded as the top offensive lineman in this year’s draft, the 6-foot-6, 310-pound tackle is expected to be one of the first names chosen on April 22.
The likelihood of the Lions choosing Okung with the No. 2 overall pick may depend on the St. Louis Rams’ choice with the first overall pick. If the Rams take Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford, then the Lions would face a difficult decision choosing between Okung and Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who is regarded by many as the best prospect in the draft.
However, after going 2-30 in the past two seasons, the Lions need to fill the roster with as many talented players as they can get, leaving the possibility open of trading down a few spots.
If the Lions do select Okung or acquire another top-tier left tackle, it is widely believed that the Lions’ current left tackle Jeff Backus will be moved inside to left guard. The move would give Detroit better pass protection on the outside, with Backus’ run-block skills being utilized on the inside.
Okung is Lions’ first of up to 30 pre-draft visits allotted to each NFL team. Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy is scheduled to arrive Wednesday night for a Thursday visit in Allen Park.
How would you feel if the Lions took Okung with their first round pick? Feel free to leave your comments or other suggestions for how the Lions should fill their need on the offensive line.
(Image courtesy of bleacherreport.com)