By Justin Worsley
For the second consecutive season, the Lions have found a way to earn two first-round draft picks.
Last season, the Lions used the first-overall selection to take franchise quarterback Matt Stafford. Earning Dallas' first-round choice for disappointing wide receiver Roy Williams, the Lions also selected Brandon Pettigrew with the 20th overall pick.
This year, the Lions held the second-overall pick, which was used on Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. Suh gained national attention in the Big XII Conference Championship Game where he decimated the Texas Longhorns' offensive line. He finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting last December.
The Lions needed help at either defensive or offensive tackle, however, it is no secret that head coach Jim Schwartz, a former defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans, was eyeing Suh. Schwartz ha developed stars out of defensive tackles in the past, most notably Albert Haynesworth.
The Lions, however, were not content with finishing the night early. In a shocking inner-division trade, the Lions acquired the Minnesota Vikings' 30th overall pick to select California running back Jahvid Best. In return, the Vikings will receive Detroit's second-round draft pick (34th overall) and their seventh-round pick (214th.) The teams will also swap selections in the fourth-round (Minnesota now has the 100th pick and Detroit will select 128th.)
Best was considered one of the best running back in the draft, despite an injury concern, most notably concussions. In the past 12 months, Best has suffered three concussions, including a season-ending concussion while hurdling a defender in order to score a touchdown against Oregon State on November 7.
Both players will make an immediate impact on the Lions. Detroit was unable to move the ball on offense, ranking 24th in rushing yards. The team was even worst at getting to the quarterback, however, only recording 26 sacks, the fourth-worst in the league.
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