Detroit Lions Draft

POLL: Who should Lions draft if top two tackles are gone?

If the top two offensive tackles are off the board when the Detroit Lions go on the clock with the fifth pick of the 2013 NFL Draft, who should they pick?

By Sean Yuille Apr 25, 2013, 1:30pm EDT

If either Eric Fisher or Luke Joeckel somehow falls to the No. 5 overall pick, or if the Detroit Lions trade up, it won't be difficult to predict their pick. The expectation is for the Lions to draft Fisher or Joeckel if they have the chance. Both players fit the mold of a franchise left tackle, and the Lions would be able to upgrade their offensive line with a pick that most or all fans would approve of.

In all likelihood, the Lions will not be able to land Fisher or Joeckel. One of them will be the No. 1 overall pick barring a major upset, and it's entirely possible the other one could be picked somewhere in the top four. Let's assume that this happens, and let's also assume there's a run on defensive tackles in the top four. This would leave the Lions with options like Dion Jordan, Ezekiel Ansah, Lane Johnson, Dee Milliner, Jonathan Cooper, Chance Warmack and Tavon Austin at No. 5. A trade to move down would also be an attractive option, but for the sake of this scenario, let's say that no enticing offers are made.

If this situation plays out in the first round on Thursday night, who should the Lions pick? They could address the defensive line and their biggest need by taking a defensive end (Jordan or Ansah). The Lions could also decide to go with the No. 3 tackle (Johnson), the No. 1 guard (Cooper or Warmack) or the No. 1 cornerback (Milliner). The Lions could even go in a completely different direction by shocking the world and picking a wide receiver (Austin).

If it were up to me, I'd go with Johnson in this scenario. I get that he's the third offensive tackle, but given the strength of the position this year, he's still a top talent. Much like Ansah, he could be considered a boom or bust type of player, but that means he has a lot of upside and potential. While Martin Mayhew may not be all that keen on drafting for potential given that the Lions need to win in 2013, Johnson is the best option in my mind.

Who do you think the Lions should pick if this scenario plays out? Leave your thoughts in the comments and vote in the poll below.