With the losses of Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley, and the rapid regression along the offensive line, the Detroit Lions needs in the 2015 NFL Draft are clear. But with a general manager who believes in taking the best player available and a need for a third wide receiver – and perhaps Calvin Johnson‘s eventual replacement -the Lions could be in play for someone like Central Florida wide receiver Breshad Perriman.

Notable Pro Day Measurables

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 212

225-lb Bench Press: 18 reps

Vertical: 36.5 inches

40-yard dash: 4.22 & 4.27

Broad Jump: 127 inches

Traits and Projected Round

Perriman, son of former Lions wide receiver Brett Perriman, is a physical specimen. At 6’3″, 212 lbs and a 40 yard dash time clocked as fast as 4.15, the UCF product has the height/weight/speed of an elite NFL wide receiver. Fresh off of a 1,000 yard season and back-to-back season’s with over 20 yards a catch, Perriman’s stock is at an all-time high, particularly after his impressive showing at his pro day. At this point, Perriman is almost a lock to go in the first round, but there is a small chance he falls to round two.

Why the Lions could draft Breshad Perriman

Although I think the whole “Calvin Johnson isn’t the same Calvin Johnson” narrative is a giant overreaction to an injury plagued season, the Lions would be wise to add a player to the receiving corps that could take the top off a defense and reduce the wear and tear of Johnson long-term.

While offensive line and defensive tackle are glaring needs, taking a player of lesser talent at a position of need is something Marin Mayhew will never do.

Last year the Lions had a chance to draft Aaron Donald, but passed on the dominate interior rusher for tight end Eric Ebron despite uncertainty surrounding Ndamukong Suh. I mention this, because while drafting a wide receiver may not be popular– especially in the first round– it’s a move that could really pay off in the long run and possibly even extend Calvin Johnson’s prime years.

The Lions also have to be enticed about the opportunity to bring in a player with as much potential as anyone to learn from the game’s best in Johnson.

NFL Comparison: Demaryius Thomas

Perriman is almost a carbon copy of Demaryius Thomas coming out of college. Both possessed world-class athleticism, but suffered from the occasional dropped pass and both were under developed route runners. Thomas was able to improve both areas and become a top-tier NFL wide out and under the tutelage of Johnson and the Lions’ coaching staff, Perriman should have no issues overcoming his weaknesses either.

Breshad Perriman collegiate stats

Demaryius Thomas collegiate stats

As you can see by the above charts, Perriman and Thomas shared nearly identical collegiate resume’s against similar competition which further illustrates the comparison between the two’s game coming out of college.

Highlight Film

Snap-by-Snap Film