The Detroit Lions addressed a number of needs in free agency with veteran players, which has allowed them to approach the draft as they always have under general manager Bob Quinn, by blending best available player with the needs of the roster.
With the draft just two weeks away, let's take a look across the current Lions roster and evaluate where there are still some needs to fill.
1. Guard
Currently on roster: Frank Ragnow, Kenny Wiggins, Oday Aboushi, Joe Dahl, Graham Glasgow (C/G)
Twentyman's take: The Lions have options at guard, especially if they move second-year tackle Tyrell Crosby inside to see if he's a viable option to fill their opening at the starting right guard spot. Wiggins and Aboushi are veterans with starting experience, but both are free agents after 2019.
It makes sense to add a young interior lineman to the mix -- Maybe hit on a youngster, find someone to pair with Ragnow, and have both guard spots locked down for the next four or five seasons.
Top 5 available guards in draft: Cody Ford (Oklahoma), Chris Lindstrom (Boston College), Dalton Risner (Kansas State), Dru Samia (Oklahoma) and Michael Jordan (Ohio State)
View photos of NFL prospect Chris Lindstrom.
Boston College offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom (75) blocks Purdue defensive tackle Anthony Watts (44) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. Purdue defeated Boston College 30-13. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Boston College offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine on Friday, March 1, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Boston College offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Boston College offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom runs a drill during the 2019 Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Friday, March. 1, 2019. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Boston College offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Boston College offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Boston College offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Boston College offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom does he bench press at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Boston College offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Boston College offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom poses for a headshot during the 2019 Scouting Combine,Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Logan Bowles via AP)
Boston College offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine on Friday, March 1, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Boston College offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom runs a drill during the 2019 Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Friday, March. 1, 2019. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Boston College offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom does he bench press at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Boston College offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Boston College wide receiver Ben Glines (19) celebrates his touchdown with offensive linemen Chris Lindstrom (75) and Aaron Monteiro (67) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Louisville in Boston, Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Boston College offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom (75) lines up against Purdue during the second half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. Purdue defeated Boston College 30-13. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Boston College offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Boston College offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Boston College offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
North offensive guard Chris Lindstrom of Boston College (75) during practice for Saturday's Senior Bowl college football game, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Boston College offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom does he bench press at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Boston College offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
North offensive guard Chris Lindstrom of Boston College (75) blocks out South defensive tackle Demarcus Christmas of Florida State (90) during the first half of the Senior Bowl college football game, Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Boston College offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom (75) plays against Purdue during the second half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. Purdue defeated Boston College 30-13. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
2. Tight end
Currently on roster: Jesse James, Logan Thomas, Michael Roberts, Jerome Cunningham
Twentyman's take: James was a big free agent signing. The Lions think the ceiling is high for his skill set, and he should have more opportunities in the passing game in Detroit than he did in Pittsburgh. But after James, there's not a lot of production on the roster. Thomas, Roberts and Cunningham have combined for 40 catches, 349 yards and four touchdowns between them throughout their careers. This draft class is loaded at tight end, and there will be players well into Day 2 that should be impact players in this league.
Top 5 available tight ends in draft: T.J. Hockenson (Iowa), Noah Fant (Iowa), Irv Smith Jr. (Alabama), Jace Sternberger (Texas A&M), Kaden Smith (Stanford)
3. Defensive end
Currently on roster: Trey Flowers, Romeo Okwara, Da'Shawn Hand (DL), Mitchell Loewen, Eric Lee, Jonathan Wynn
Twentyman's take: Flowers was an ideal signing for Detroit in free agency. He knows Matt Patricia's schemes, and has a perfect skill set for this multiple defense. Okwara also proved to be a fit in this defense with a career-high 7.5 sacks in his first season in Detroit last year. The question with him is if he can consistently put up those numbers. That's a fair question to ask after he had one sack combined his first two seasons with the New York Giants. Hand played more inside than outside last year, but has the ability to do both. Still, it seems the Lions could use one more player to add to this mix. The good thing for them is that this draft is loaded with pass rushers, especially at the top. And they could potentially get a good one at No. 8.
Top 5 available defensive ends in draft: Nick Bosa (Ohio State), Josh Allen (Kentucky), Montez Sweat (Mississippi State), Rashan Gary (Michigan), Brian Burns (Florida State)
View photos of NFL prospect Montez Sweat.
Charleston Southern quarterback Shane Bucenell (6) pitches the ball as Mississippi State defender Montez Sweat (9) puts pressure on him during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017. (AP Photo/Jim Lytle)
Mississippi State defensive lineman Montez Sweat runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 3, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Mississippi State defensive lineman Montez Sweat runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine on Sunday, March 3, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Mississippi State defensive lineman Montez Sweat runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 3, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Mississippi State defensive lineman Montez Sweat runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 3, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Mississippi State defensive lineman Montez Sweat runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 3, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
FILE - In this Oct. 6, 2018, file photo, Mississippi State defensive end Montez Sweat (9) forces Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham (8) to fumble as he attempts to pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game, in Starkville, Miss. A main reason Mississippi State is allowing fewer than 13 points per game is a defensive front anchored by end Montez Sweat and tackle Jeffery Simmons. Sweat has 18 sacks in 19 career games. Mississippi State plays at LSU on Saturday, Oct. 20. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Kentucky quarterback Terry Wilson (3) is sacked by Mississippi State defensive end Montez Sweat (9) during an NCAA college football game in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Mississippi quarterback Jordan Ta'amu (10) is sacked by Mississippi State defensive end Montez Sweat (9) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi State defensive lineman Montez Sweat runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 3, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Mississippi State defensive lineman Montez Sweat participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine on Sunday, March 3, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
South defensive end Montez Sweat of Mississippi State (9) during the first half of the Senior Bowl college football game, Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama running back Josh Jacobs (8) is tackled by Mississippi State defensive end Montez Sweat (9) as he carries the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Mississippi State defensive lineman Montez Sweat runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 3, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Louisiana-Lafayette wide receiver Jarrod Jackson (20) tries to escape from Mississippi State defenders Montez Sweat, left and Erroll Thompson during the first half of their NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, in Starkville, Miss. Mississippi State won 56-10. (AP Photo/Jim Lytle)
Mississippi State linebacker Montez Sweat (9) prepares to sack Charleston Southern quarterback Shane Bucenell (6) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017. (AP Photo/Jim Lytle)
Mississippi State defensive lineman Montez Sweat runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 3, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
South offensive tackle Tytus Howard of Alabama State (58) loses his helmet in a drill with South defensive end Montez Sweat of Mississippi State (9) during practice for Saturday's Senior Bowl college football game, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama running back Najee Harris (22) carries the ball as he gets by Mississippi State defensive end Montez Sweat (9) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Mississippi State defensive lineman Montez Sweat runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 3, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Mississippi State defensive end Montez Sweat (9) warms up before their NCAA college football game against Louisiana Tech on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Jim Lytle)
Florida wide receiver Joshua Tse (27) runs for a first down past Mississippi State defensive end Montez Sweat (9) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. Florida won 13-6. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Arkansas quarterback Austin Allen is tackled by Mississippi State defender Montez Sweat during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017 in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Kansas State quarterback Skylar Thompson (10) gets past Mississippi State defensive end Montez Sweat (9) as he runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Stephen F. Austin place kicker Storm Ruiz (36) kicks a 36-yard field goal past the outstretched arms of Mississippi State defensive end Montez Sweat (9) during the first half of their NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
4. Wide receiver
Currently on the roster: Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones Jr., Danny Amendola, Tommylee Lewis, Brandon Powell, Andy Jones, Chris Lacy, Deontez Alexander, Brandon Reilly
Twentyman's take: The real question for me at receiver is whether Powell, Jones or Lacy is the real deal in terms of competing for the fifth receiver spot. The other two things to consider here are where Amendola is at in his career and Lewis' experience. Amendola is 33 years old, and probably isn't a long-term solution in the slot. Lewis hasn't caught more than 10 passes in any of his first three seasons. He's also a free agent next offseason. Powell showed real promise in Green Bay Week 17 last season, catching six balls for 103 yards, but that was just one game. There are a number of good receiving options in this draft, especially in the slot, and that's a position where it's always good to have options.
Top 5 available wide receivers in draft: D.K. Metcalf (Ole Miss), Marquise Brown (Oklahoma), A.J. Brown (Ole Miss), N'Keal Harry (Arizona State), Deebo Samuel (South Carolina)
5. Cornerback
Currently on the roster: Darius Slay, Justin Coleman, Rashaan Melvin, Teez Tabor, Jamal Agnew, Marcus Cooper, Dee Virgin, Mike Ford, Andre Chachere
Twentyman's take: Of the players on that list, I pencil in Slay and Coleman (slot) as starters. Melvin looks to have the inside track for the No. 2 outside cornerback spot, but Tabor, Cooper, Virgin and Ford will compete for it. I'd expect there to be a rookie draft pick in that mix as well. In this day and age, teams can never have too many good players who can cover. Melvin's been an on-again off-again starter throughout seven NFL seasons. Tabor, a former second-round pick, hasn't worked out the way Quinn had hoped, though he said this offseason the team is still hoping he takes a big leap in year three. There isn't a clear-cut top 10 cornerback in this class like there's been the last couple seasons with Denzel Ward and Marshon Lattimore, but there's good depth to the class, and the Lions could look to tap into it at some point.
Top 5 available cornerbacks in draft: Byron Murphy (Washington), Greedy Williams (LSU), Rock Ya-Sin (Temple), DeAndre Baker (Georgia), Justin Layne (Michigan State)
View photos of NFL prospect Greedy Williams.
Louisiana State University Tigers cornerback Greedy Williams jumps prior to running the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine on Monday, March 4, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
LSU defensive back Greedy Williams runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Monday, March 4, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
LSU defensive back Greedy Williams participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine on Monday, March 4, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
LSU defensive back Greedy Williams runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine on Monday, March 4, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
LSU defensive back Greedy Williams runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, March 4, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Portrait of LSU defensive back Greedy Williams taken during the NFL Scouting Combine, Sunday, March 3, 2019, in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
LSU defensive back Greedy Williams runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine on Monday, March 4, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
LSU defensive back Greedy Williams participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine on Monday, March 4, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
LSU defensive back Greedy Williams runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Monday, March 4, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
LSU cornerback Greedy Williams (29) celebrates his interception with safety Grant Delpit (9) and cornerback Kristian Fulton (22) in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Southeastern Louisiana in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018. LSU won 31-0. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU defensive back Greedy Williams drinks from a Gatorade bottle during the NFL football scouting combine on Monday, March 4, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
LSU defensive back Greedy Williams participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine on Monday, March 4, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
LSU defensive back Greedy Williams runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, March 4, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
LSU defender Greedy Williams against Arkansas during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
FILE - In this Nov. 11, 2017, file photo, LSU cornerback Andraez "Greedy" Williams (29) pulls in an interception in the endzone late in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Baton Rouge, La. Williams was selected to the AP Preseason All-America team, Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)
LSU defensive back Greedy Williams runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine on Monday, March 4, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
LSU defensive back Greedy Williams participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine on Monday, March 4, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Portrait of LSU defensive back Greedy Williams taken during the NFL Scouting Combine, Sunday, March 3, 2019, in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
LSU defensive back Greedy Williams runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine on Monday, March 4, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
LSU defensive back Greedy Williams runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Monday, March 4, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Miami wide receiver Jeff Thomas (4 ) attempts a catch as LSU cornerbacks Terrence Alexander (11) and Greedy Williams (29) defend during the first half of an NCAA college football game Sunday, Sept. 2, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Arkansas tight end Cheyenne O'Grady pushes past LSU defender Greedy Williams to score a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Fayetteville, Ark. LSU won, 24-17. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
