By adding depth at running back (Central Florida's Kevin Smith), defensive tackle (Florida State's Andre Fluellen) and defensive end (Purdue's Cliff Avril), the Lions hit the biggest remaining areas of need with players who should contribute and in Smith's case maybe even start as rookies.
Lions coach Rod Marinelli is fond of saying he steps to the draft-day plate swinging for doubles, and I think he went 3-for-3 with a couple RBI Sunday. The Lions moved up two spots at the start of the day to grab Smith, who was the best running back left on the board and the best fit for the Lions' new zone-blocking offense. He's got great vision, plays faster than his speed and will contribute on special teams.
Of the defensive picks, it's unlikely either Fluellen or Avril will start, but Fluellen should develop into a very good undertackle in the Tampa 2. He battled an elbow injury most of his senior season that affected his stock, and has first-day talent.
The Lions traded up again at the end of the third round to grab Avril, giving away fourth-round picks this year and next. A speed-rushing end, Avril may never develop into a three-down lineman, but the Lions had trouble getting off the field on third downs last year and Avril can get after quarterbacks. He had 6 1/2 sacks and caused four fumbles last year, and is a nice insurance blanket for 2008.
Source: By Dave Birkett of Birk's Eye View
