FanHouse Mock Draft: Lions Select Calvin Johnson No. 2

With each pick of the FanHouse mock draft, we get into the head of an NFL general manager and let you know who he'll pick and why.

Yes, another receiver. Though the remnants of Matt Millen's receiver frenzy leaves a trail of disaster in its wake, the Lions still have to make this pick. There are rumors about Detroit trading down, teams looking to move up haven't been crazy about offering fair value for such a high pick lately. The Lions shouldn't short-sell the price of their selection just because they've got Roy Williams and Mike Furrey already on the roster.

Brady Quinn and Joe Thomas were tempting choices, but the Lions have made improvements on the line in bringing in Edwin Mulitalo, George Foster, and Zach Pillar, and I think Josh McCown could be at least serviceable in Mike Martz's offense (with Drew Stanton possibly available in the second round). Though the Lions haven't filled all of their holes in free agency (on the contrary, there are still holes just about everywhere), no one hole deeper than the others. Thus, you've got to take the best player on the board, and that's Calvin Johnson.

CJ has the measurables and the immeasurables. His speed will give the Lions a deep threat, his size will offer them a reliable target in the endzone. He'll open the rest of the skill players up for additional looks, and he'll bring a renewed interested in the Lions.

The precedent was set last year at this very spot in the draft. The Saints selected Reggie Bush despite holes on defense and the offensive line (and the presence of Deuce McAllister), and Bush -- even in a limited role -- won at least three games alone for New Orleans and made defenses constantly nervous. CJ can have that same effect, and if the Lions draft properly the rest of the way, they can have their cake and eat it too.

The Skinny
Team Needs: QB, OL, LB, DB, GM
Player Selected: Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
Also Considered: Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame; Joe Thomas, T, Wisconsin.

Previous Picks:
No. 1 Raiders: JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
No. 2 Lions: Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech

Next Pick:
No. 3 Browns