2013 NFL mock draft: Lions select Dee Milliner

With the fifth pick in Pride Of Detroit's 2013 NFL mock draft, the Detroit Lions select Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner. Jeremy Reisman is serving as the Lions' general manager, and his reasoning for the pick is below.

This is pretty much a nightmare scenario for the Lions. With offensive and defensive line being primary needs for Detroit, four linemen in the first four picks would be a disaster. However, this is a very realistic possibility and one the Lions must be prepared for.

First, I should mention that if this were the real draft, this would be a great opportunity for the Lions to trade down with a team interested in Geno Smith. Cleveland is a possible landing point for Smith at sixth overall, so Detroit's pick could be quite valuable to a team looking to jump the Browns.

But since trades weren't allowed in this scenario, I made the tough decision of drafting Dee Milliner.

Before I get to Milliner, let me justify my decision to pass on other options.

I strongly considered a player like Bjoern Werner. Defensive end is undoubtedly the Lions' biggest need, and Werner would be an immediate starter in Detroit. However, I was not convinced that Werner would be the elite player that warrants a fifth overall pick, and this draft seems endlessly deep in defensive ends. I will be strongly considering a defensive end in the second round.

My pick was nearly offensive tackle Lane Johnson. Offensive tackle is a huge need, and Johnson has the potential to be an elite left tackle. However, he is a bit of a risky pick at five because of his inexperience and rawness. He could pay off huge, but big risks shouldn't be taken this early in the draft.

Eventually, I landed on Milliner. And while I had a very tough time making the final decision, when it came down to it, Milliner clearly emerged as the best player left on the board. Milliner was dominant in coverage in college. He possesses both the strength and speed to be a multi-talented, versatile player. To simplify, he has all the tools to be a shutdown corner in the NFL. And while cornerback may not even be a top-five need for Detroit, he would still provide an immediate upgrade at the position. And we can all attest to the fact that the Detroit Lions defense needs an upgrade from last year.

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Check out the 2013 Pride Of Detroit Community Mock Draft tracker for a look at all of the picks.