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Detroit Lions NFL Mock Draft 2015: Latest 7-round projections

By Ryan Lehrman

Dec 28, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; A Detroit Lions helmet sits on the field during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; A Detroit Lions helmet sits on the field during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 28, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive linesman Ereck Flowers (74) against the South Florida Bulls during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Miami Hurricanes defeated the South Florida Bulls 49-21. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive linesman Ereck Flowers (74) against the South Florida Bulls during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Miami Hurricanes defeated the South Florida Bulls 49-21. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 1 Pick 23: Ereck Flowers, OT (Miami, Fla.)

Since Detroit spent two draft picks securing All-Pro defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, it’s highly unlikely they’ll use the first round for the same position. Instead, the focus switches to the offensive line, which was as porous as a pubescent’s facial glands last year.

The O-line oozed injuries — it lost Corey Hilliard, Riley Reiff, Larry Warford and LaAdrian Waddle. QB Matthew Stafford was sacked 39 times and hit 80 times, as the team fell to 22nd in the nation in offensive points per game.

The remedy may lie in Ereck Flowers. At 6-foot-6 and 329 pounds, Flowers uses his frame to stonewall defenders and stabilize pass protection. If his size doesn’t already start the conversation, his combine performance will. He was the strongest offensive lineman in Indianapolis with 37 reps on the bench press.

His mental and physical toughness has never been in question either: He missed only one game after a surgical knee procedure at Miami last season. Using his brawn to outmatch blockers, Flowers could be an upgrade to Detroit’s offensive front.

The bottomline? Stafford may have gone to the Pro Bowl last season, but the 27-year-old QB still fails to move the chains when it matters most. As the Lions enter the 2015 season, Stafford will need all the help he can get, and Flowers is a promising start.

Next: Round 2

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