Typically, in the NFL, Free Agency takes place before the NFL draft does. Teams know the complete composition of there roster, and whomever they draft become the final pieces of the puzzle and the last additions they make of the off-season.
Because of the lockout, things are markedly different this time around. The Free Agency period in the NFL has yet to happen, so teams still have time to address their needs through other means than the draft.
I hope the Lions have big plans in free agency, because they approached their needs with a stunning apathy.
Listen, I am a big proponent on taking the best player available and not getting so caught up on need. I loved the Nick Fairley pick at #13, because of his upside and the thought of him and Ndamukong Suh being such a nightmare to block. I thought he was far and away the best player on the board, and I credit the Lions for taking him.
I also like the PLAYERS they took in the second round, and thought that they were good values at that point from a talent standpoint. But third wide receivers and timeshare running backs are luxury picks, things you look for once you have your major needs taken care of. There are still MAJOR needs at cornerback and outside linebacker, and the offensive line could really afford to be upgraded.
I am taking a wait-and-see approach before I evaluate this draft. If Mayhew and co. can do an adequate job of addressing those needs in free agency, I really like the draft. If they can not do so, there will have been players in the draft that could have helped this team win more right away, which the Lions are aiming for.
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