The 2016 NFL Draft is exactly two weeks away, and the first few mock drafts were all over the board when it comes to the Lions' No. 16 selection.
What does this new round of mock drafts have in store for the Lions?
Well, more of the same. In the latest installment of mock drafts from around the country, nine different players and five different positions are linked to the Lions' first-round pick.
Charlie Casserly, NFL.com
Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson (via trade)
Why: Projected trade from Colts (No. 16 to No. 18). First-year GM pulls a Bill Belichick move and trades back, adds extra picks, and still fills a need.
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
Why:The Lions need to find a young, disruptive defensive tackle to fill a void in the middle.
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com
Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi St.
Why: Jones has a rare mix of size and athleticism.
Charles Davis, NFL.com
Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan St.
Why: The Lions saw potential from RB Ameer Abdullah last season and believe this mauler can help him realize it.
Lance Zeirlein, NFL.com
Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
Why:It's hard to imagine too many scenarios where Detroit wouldn't race this card up to the podium considering its need at the position and the steady play of the Alabama thumper.
Ike Taylor, NFL.com
Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
Why: Alexander doesn't create many turnovers but he has major attitude and the confidence you need to play cornerback in the NFL.
Maurice Jones-Drew, NFL.com
Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan St.
Why: With the Megatron retirement, the Lions need to run the ball more and to do that you need guys who run block. Conklin is a really good run blocker, and he can also protect Matthew Stafford. He stays home.
Chad Rueter, NFL.com
Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio St.
Why: Using back-to-back first-round picks on the offensive line (they selected guard Laken Tomlinson last year) fortifies the group.
Mel Kiper, ESPN.com
Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
Why: The Lions have needs elsewhere, but getting the top wide receiver in the draft class at No. 16 overall is a good value. It's absurd to say Treadwell can replace Calvin Johnson -- nobody is doing that -- but he does give them length, strong hands and playmaking ability. They can get a good D-lineman in either of the next two rounds thanks to so much depth at the position.
Todd McShay, ESPN.com
Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio St.
Why: Matthew Stafford was sacked 89 times the past two seasons, so the Lions have to address their offensive line somehow this offseason. Decker has good experience and is a solid fit at right tackle -- a specific need for Detroit up front. A highly efficient run-blocker, Decker plays with enough toughness and range to hold up in pass protection at the next level.
Rob Rang, CBSSports.com
Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan St.
Why: With needs on both sides of the line of scrimmage, the Lions can hold tight and wait for the most talented lineman to fall into their laps. After starting at left tackle for the Spartans the past three years, the walk-on turned All-American would likely be a popular pick with the fan base, who have watched Matthew Stafford's development slowed in part due to leaky pass protection. Conklin's length, strength and tenacious, aggressive play projects well on the right side, where he'd provide third-year pro Michael Ola some competition.
Dane Brugler, CBSSports.com
Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan St.
Why:Detroit has drafted a first round offensive lineman two of the past four years, but right tackle is still a trouble area. Conklin, who is a Michigan native, has the position flexibility to play on either the left or right side.
Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com
Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio St.
Why:They have to improve in front of Matt Stafford. Decker was a left tackle, but I think he could play all the line spots except center.
Will Brinson, CBSSports.com
Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
Why:Big, physical red-zone threat who just has to step in and replace Calvin Johnson. Good luck with that, pal.
Jared Dubin, CBSSports.com
Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
Why: We pivoted to Emmanuel Ogbah here last week, but Lawson is just the better player, and should be the pick if the Lions are deciding between the two.
Pro Football Focus
Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
Why: Need and value match up here as Stanley is one of the best pass protectors in the draft and Detroit is thin at offensive tackle. He has some question marks in the run game, but Stanley can step right in and play right tackle initially before a possible move to the left after Riley Reiff's contract is up at the end of the year.
Chris Burke, SI.com
Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio St.
Why: New Lions GM Bob Quinn has taken a very measured approach to the offseason thus far, stockpiling depth and taking that one big swing on WR Marvin Jones. There has been no chance to get a real read on how he will be as a drafter. In lieu of that, let's play the odds. The Lions need a right tackle; they seem to want low-risk players for 2016; they're building an offense built on functionality. Decker is a match.
Doug Farrar, SI.com
Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio St.
Why: There's a need to replace Calvin Johnson's production in Detroit's offense, but another obvious issue is that Matthew Stafford has taken more sacks than ever over the last couple years. Detroit has been fairly aggressive about trying to fix this problem, but it needs to find the true left tackle who will allow Riley Reiff to kick over to the right side. Decker, the 2015 Big Ten Lineman of the Year, isn't a lead-pipe lock to start on the left side from day one, but he's a tough, experienced blocker who could overcome a few physical deficits (like his short arms) to shore up Stafford's blind side over time.
Sporting News
Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
Why: The Lions will strongly consider offensive line and cornerback support, but it's hard to pass on the opportunity to fill the void left by Calvin Johnson with another big-bodied receiver like Treadwell. While he isn't the athlete or vertical threat Johnson was, his addition, along with Marvin jones and incumbent Golden Tate, could ease the tension in an offense that just lost it's most important asset.
