And with the 15th selection of the NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select ___________.

Insert name here. And the names will change the closer the draft gets.

You got me. Just when you think you have an idea, the team changes course. But I will admit, I get caught up in all the information and misinformation that is bandied about this time of year, right before the draft. No one wants to really show their hand even if every expert in the land believes they know. And they form their opinions just as us regular Joes so, watching the off-season transactions the teams make. From what I have seen, the Lions may be ready for April's festivities, but then again ... or here we go again, take your pick.

Let's see. The Lions have dealt for corner Leigh Bodden and signed another in Brian Kelly. Does that take corner off the wish list? More than likely. And forget the Pacman Jones crap his agent is spewing about the Lions being one of the teams interested. If you think the wolves were hungry for Matt Millen's head before, this move would really endear him to the Lion faithful (yeah, right). It would be a judgment call, and we know what Millen's judgment has meant so far. Did they talk about it? Sure, you'd have to. Its lip service as far as I'm concerned, because we want to believe that Millen is doing more in the office than sleeping.

With the signings and re-signings here, I would say corner will be addressed on day two. The most interesting position here would be taking a running back. Most mock drafts I've read have the Lions selecting Rashard Mendenhall, running back out of Illinois. And with the release of Kevin Jones and T.J. Duckett signing with the Seahawks, the Lions have a stop-gap player in Tatum Bell but little else. I would not argue the pick, but with the depth at this position, is the best way to go for Detroit?

I am of the belief (and I'm sure this sounds obvious), but if there is a difference maker here (at #15), do it. If its Mendenhall, fine. Oregon stud Jonathan Stewart has had toe surgery and that injury scares me. That limits him, even when heeled in his first season my opinion, to more north and south and little versatility. Those are the two to consider this high and I don't think trading down from here is an option unless someone blows the Lions away.

I am a huge fan of Michigan's Mike Hart and he should be available after the first round and would play behind Bell for a season of seasoning. Another nice possibility is Matt Forte, the Tulane back who is has been in for a visit at Ford Field and is coveted by the Bears and Texans, who are also looking for a sleeper that could make an impact. Another possibility in the second round would be East Carolina's Chris Johnson, but that boat is sailing quickly as his stock has sky-rocketed since the NFL Combine.

But if there is a Chris Williams of Vandy here, or a Ryan Clady of Boise State or a Jeff Otah of Pitt, that may be the thing to do. The Lions recently signed left tackle Jeff Backus to an extension so you have to wonder if the plan of drafting a tackle here means a move to the right side for Backus or the rookie stepping in. The position is a need, and one of these would fill it.

What about a pass rusher? Another vital need and other than Ohio State's Vernon Ghoulston, who will be a top ten selection, there isn't much love being shown for other defensive ends here. I've read Derrick Harvey out of Florida and Lawrence Jackson of USC being possible picks for Detroit in the first. Big names, big schools, and productive players indeed, but at this slot, there needs to be substance. While the Lions selected Ernie Sims last season at nine while most thought it was much too high, he worked out and played well. Can it be done again? Sure, but make sure.

I have documented some of the blunders (okay, I'm laughing too) the Lions have made on draft day in the past in past articles. And although at the time picks are made, most of the time they are in accordance with experts and "draftniks" who are paid quite well to forecast and form opinions on the event. Do they always work? NO. Have the Lions had much luck in the draft lately? NO.

For the Lions to get better, it has to get better.