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NFL Mock Draft 2013: Lions could tab a Texas A&M defensive end in the 1st round

Detroit lacked effective pass-rushers in 2012 and free agency could make that group even thinner. Who could help them out in that area?

By Kenneth Arthur
Thomas Campbell-US PRESSWIRE

The Detroit Lions have some work to do if they are going to get back to the promise they showed at the end of 2010 and their playoff run in 2011. That promise turned into disaster after a 4-12 record this past season, and Detroit might need to use their first round pick on a defensive end -- a position of need and a place on the field that could be getting very thin for the Lions after free agency is done.

Cliff Avril signed the franchise tag last year and could be allowed to walk, Kyle Vanden Bosch is going to be 35 and Lawrence Jackson is also a free agent. Avril led the Lions with 9.5 sacks and Vanden Bosch was second among defensive ends on the team with sacks at just 3.5.

Those numbers could be plenty enough reason for Detroit to take a DE with the No. 5 overall pick, and Dane Brugler of CBS Sports mocks Texas A&M defensive end Damontre Moore to the Lions at that spot:

Moore is still developing as a hand-in-the-ground edge rusher, but his motor and tenacity is enough to consider him a top-10 pick.

There are certainly a number of different players available in the draft at that position. If not Moore, it certainly seems like DE makes the most sense for DET.