I was perplexed with this year's 2nd pick , Ryan Broyles, as many Lions fans were. Not because he isn't a quality player, but because of his position. Aren't the Lions set at WR? However, as I thought about it and watched some film, I think I may have cracked the code.

I will start by mentioning the first round pick, Riley "the Great Barrier" Reiff. He will strengthen our O-line in some way immediately. He WILL start somewhere upgrading the line as a whole. It may be at RG, RT, or maybe LT. If he plays either tackle position, Peterman will probably be replaced by the current tackle. This will give the line an option we don't currently have now. 4 WR sets.

The Lions can't do that with only 3 WR's. Davis and Stovall aren't, and will never be, a viable option. Detroit is creating the ability to add 4 WR sets with Broyles. That gives the Lions an additional package that defenses need to prepare for and defend. Adding this set gives our offense more options and difficult to predict. This set is NECESSARY to beat some of the great defenses we face.

Against teams like San Fransisco 49ers, a 4 WR set could have broken last years game open for us. The TE's weren't explosive enough to escape SF's short and medium level coverages. That is how we get more wins, find ways to beat the teams we lose to currently.

Broyles will also add value to the roster if he beats out Burleson for the slot position (which I think he will do), then we just upgraded a position and will be better with 3 WR packages too.

Thirdly, he can also free up a roster spot. Unfortunately due to new rules, Logan's job has become almost obsolete. That makes for a wasted roster spot. Unfortunately it is not worth keeping a guy who only returns punts and kick-offs. Broyles is capable of handling those duties. Depending on who fills that roster spot, we may upgrade or add depth to another position.

Are there more glaring "needs" for the Lions? Maybe, but Mayhew is looking to add the most value he can in the draft, not fill needs. He did exactly that in the second round.