The jury's still out on whether Lions GM Martin Mayhew's top three 2012 draft picks will meet the needs of a Lions team looking to build on a 10-6 record in 2011. For every good play made by one of Detroit's top rookies, there are an equal measure of mistakes.
The Lions will need Riley Reiff, Ryan Broyles and Bill Bentley to step into meaningful roles this season, and their ability to contribute –- or lack thereof –- could prove crucial to the Lions' playoff chances.
Here's a look at Detroit's top three selections and how they've fared in camp:
Top pick: T Riley Reiff (first round, 23rd overall) – Questions about Reiff's size (6-6, 313) had some experts wondering if he could handle the NFL's more physical D-linemen. After two preseason games, Reiff's solid play has quieted his critics. He has taken reps at guard and tackle in practice, and has settled in to Detroit's offensive system well. Reiff took extended reps with the second team in Detroit's first two preseason games and provided outstanding pass protection. Lions coaches were pleased enough with his effort to give him some first team reps late in the second quarter of Friday's game against the Ravens. He's not ready to start yet, but if Reiff maintains his solid play, he'll challenge for a first-team place at some point in 2012. Grade: B+
No. 2 pick: WR Ryan Broyles (second round, 54th overall) – Instead of adding a DB in the second round to bolster Detroit's suspect secondary, Mayhew drafted Broyles, a player whose outstanding college resume was mitigated by an ACL injury during his senior season. Broyles' ACL rehab has limited his participation in practice, but it's clear he's making progress. He made two catches in his NFL debut Friday, and was able to create space even when clearly not playing at full speed. Broyles certainly has potential, but his value to the team can't be fully measured until his rehab is complete. If he's healthy, his talent could give the Lions the deepest WR corps in the league. If he's not, the decision to use a second-round pick to take him could haunt Detroit. Grade: Incomplete.
No. 3 pick: CB Bill Bentley (third round, 85th overall) – Bentley's camp got off to a torrid start that saw him make several interceptions in practice and start Detroit's preseason opener. Despite making an interception against the Browns, Bentley's play was criticized by Lions' coach Jim Schwartz. Schwartz warned that Bentley's risk-reward style could cost him, and he was proven right in practices leading up to Detroit's second preseason game. Bentley's aggressiveness made him susceptible to receivers' double moves, and he was routinely beaten in drills. He lost his starting place to CB Jacob Lacey for Friday's game, and was held to just one tackle. Bentley has the talent to compete in the NFL, but he needs to use his aggressiveness at the correct time. Grade: C.
Follow Lions reporter John Kreger on Twitter at @CBSSportsNFLDET and @JohnKreger.
