Don Banks Changes Pick For Lions In his Latest Mock Draft

November 3, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Dee Milliner (28) against the LSU Tigers during a game at Tiger Stadium. Alabama defeated LSU 21-17. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The Lions have shored up two of their positional needs in free agency — by acquiring running back Reggie Bush and safety Glover Quin — and set its sights on the upcoming draft. While their needs have been well documented, the suggestions for the fifth overall pick remain varied. From Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah to Eric Fisher to Dee Milliner and anywhere in between, analyst continue to try and get a pulse on general manager Martin Mayhew’s 2013 draft startegy.

Don Banks, of Sports Illustrated, released his latest mock draft 5.0 earlier today. In it, he’s changed his mind from his last mock draft. In 4.0, he mocked left tackle Eric Fisher to the Lions, siting Jeff Backus’ retirement as the key reason.

"A no-brainer for the Leos. Detroit needs a long-term replacement for the retiring Jeff Backus, and here sits Fisher, who has his Michigan connection and a draft grade that puts him in the same neighborhood as the No. 1 overall pick, Joeckel."

Today, he mocked Fisher No. 1 overall to the Chiefs, leaving the Lions with Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner.

"Given the need at offensive tackle, it wouldn’t be a stunner if the Lions, missing out on Joeckel and Fisher, made Oklahoma’s Lane Johnson the third tackle to go in the top five. But cornerback is another obvious spot to upgrade, and Milliner gives Detroit a day-one starter at the position."

After newly re-signed cornerback Chris Houston, the Lions lack a true No. 2 cornerback. Last year, the Lions spent three draft picks on the postition, taking Bill Bentlley in the third round, Chris Greenwood in the fifth round, and Jonte Green in the sixth round. It was widely assumed the Lions would add a veteran corner in free agency, and to this point, it hasn’t happened.

If this pick comes to fruition, the Lions will have revamped an entire secondary that ranked 22nd in pass defense in 2011, while allowing nearly 950 passing yards in their final two games (including the playoffs), and 14th in 2012.

With left tackle, defensive end, wide receiver, right guard and cornerback as positional needs for the Lions heading into draft day, Mayhew has immensely tough decisions to make as his most crucial off-season nears an end.