NFL.com - The Detroit Lions, who have widely been expected to take one of the top defensive tackles (Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy) to shore up their porous defense, have started to entertain the thought of taking offensive tackle Russell Okung with the second overall pick.
As part of their possible preparation for taking an offensive tackle, the Lions have acquired a potential starting defensive tackle in Corey Williams (via trade with the Cleveland Browns) and will host free agent Anthony Hargrove on a visit this week. Both moves suggest the team is seriously considering taking an offensive player with its top pick, and the potential selection of Okung would undoubtedly be a move to protect Matthew Stafford after watching him take a beating in the pocket as a rookie, when the Lions surrendered 43 sacks.
If the Lions make such a bold move at the second pick, the fate of several prospects are bound to change due to the availability of Suh and/or McCoy at the third pick. This could lead to trades from teams outside of the top 10 that are hopeful of landing one of the dominant defenders to become a pillar of their respective defenses.
Another move that is likely to change the tide of the top 10 has been the Cleveland Browns' unexpected jettisoning of both of their quarterbacks from last season. While the release of Derek Anderson was widely anticipated, the Brady Quinn trade has the potential to throw the top 10 into disarray.
The Browns will join a host of suitors looking to improve their quarterback situation, and only two quarterbacks, Sam Bradford and Jimmy Clausen, in the 2010 draft class carry first-round grades on most draft boards.
With Bradford slated to go at No. 1, the rush to snap up Clausen will also lead to furious activity that could result in a trade that completely upsets the apple cart. With the Washington Redskins, Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks and possibly the Jacksonville Jaguars joining the Browns in the quarterback chase, the first round could take on a drastically different look than anyone anticipates.
Let's take a look at how the landscape of the draft could change based on the possible moves by the Lions or Browns:
1. St. Louis Rams
Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
The Rams select Bradford to be their franchise quarterback of the future after doctors express confidence about his long-term health prospects. (Previous pick: Ndamukong Suh)
2. Detroit Lions
Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
Jim Schwartz opts against adding a centerpiece to his defense to give Stafford some protection on the backside; Okung's presence allows LT Jeff Backus to move inside to his natural guard position. (Previous pick: Gerald McCoy)
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
Raheem Morris grapples with the decision to choose McCoy over Suh, but the former Sooner star is a better fit in the Bucs' one-gap scheme. (Previous pick: Jason Pierre-Paul)
4. Washington Redskins
Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
Jimmy Clausen is in play at this spot, but the need for a franchise-caliber left tackle to replace Chris Samuels is a bigger priority. (Previous pick: Russell Okung)
5. Kansas City Chiefs
Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
The thought of nabbing Suh is appealing considering his high grade, but the addition of Bulaga addresses the Chiefs' biggest need on the offensive line. (Previous pick: Trent Williams)
6. Seattle Seahawks
Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
The Seahawks' offer to Charlie Whitehurst indicates the team will address their QB concerns in free agency; Davis gives the team a solid replacement for Walter Jones. (Previous pick: Derrick Morgan)
7. Cleveland Browns
Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
Mike Holmgren will seriously consider pulling the trigger on Jimmy Clausen, but Berry is an impact player capable of upgrading the Browns' secondary with his playmaking ability. (Previous pick: Joe Haden)
8. Oakland Raiders
Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
Al Davis throws off the skeptics expecting an outlandish pick from the Silver and Black; Suh gives the defense a legitimate difference-maker in the middle of the line. (Previous pick: Anthony Davis)
9. Buffalo Bills
Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
The Bills would like to improve their offensive line, but the early run on offensive tackles leaves them without a worthy option at this point; Clausen becomes Chan Gailey's handpicked choice to direct his wide-open offense. (Previous pick: Bryan Baluga)
10. Jacksonville Jaguars
Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
Aaron Kampman's signing won't prevent the Jaguars from adding another pass rusher to the team's arsenal. After tallying only 12 sacks a season ago, the addition of Morgan completes the team's frontline makeover. (Previous pick: Carlos Dunlap)
This has to be the worst case scenario any Lion fan could imagine. If this happens I'm gonna lose my fuckin mind. Like take my reaction when the Lions drafted Pettigrew at #20 and multiply it by a million cause if King Kong is sitting there and we take a mediocre offensive lineman that we could've gotten at #20 last year I might trade in my fan card. This absolutely CAN NOT happen. If the Lions refuse to draft Suh because they are scared that D tackles don't pan then I might start a petition to get Millen back. HIRE MILLEN! HIRE MILLEN!
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