In SB Nation's 2011 NFL Mock Draft last week, the Detroit Lions' selection was Florida cornerback Janoris Jenkins. One of the Lions' biggest needs this offseason is to build depth at cornerback, so the pick was no surprise, especially considering the mock draft had three corners being taken before Detroit even went on the clock. Jenkins was the top remaining corner, which is why he was slotted to go to the Lions.
Last week ESPN's Joe Schad reported that Jenkins was indeed going to enter the 2011 NFL Draft, meaning the Lions would have a shot at picking him. After meeting with new Florida coach Will Muschamp, however, Jenkins changed his mind. He is now going to return to Florida for his senior season, partly because he needs to have shoulder surgery. The timetable to be fully recovered from the surgery could have affected his preparation for the NFL Draft. While having a bad combine because of the injury wouldn't have for sure lowered his draft stock, Jenkins decided to not take a chance and go back to Florida for one more season.
Although the SB Nation Mock Draft had three cornerbacks being taken, the hope going into the 2011 NFL Draft for the Lions is that at least one of Patrick Peterson, Prince Amukamara and Brandon Harris will be available at pick No. 13. Peterson is likely going to be a top five pick, and it wouldn't be surprising if Amukamara goes in the top ten, but the Lions' hope will be that at least Harris is around for consideration when they go on the clock.