The rumor is not new, that Wisconsin tackle Joe Thomas may be drafted 2nd overall by the Detroit Lions. Detroit needs help on its offensive line, and Thomas could anchor it, specifically the left side — the quarterback’s blind side.

Thomas has had some injury concerns, but his size and power are unmatched by any other tackle in this year’s draft. In fact, he’s a projected top 5 selection. But a couple things are holding his selection by Detroit from being realized.

And it begins with Oakland. Who the Raiders draft could have implications on how the Lions pick. Detroit loves Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech’s stud wide receiver, and the Raiders are projected by many to take JaMarcus Russell first overall. The Lions might have had troubles in the past with first round wide receivers (three consecutive drafts picking a wide receiver and only Roy Williams has panned out), but Johnson is a special breed. He has an amazing blend of size, speed, and athleticism. Think of him as Terrell Owens without the extra baggage and controversy. No one could fault the Lions for taking Johnson.

But there is a greater need at quarterback. While LSU’s JaMarcus Russell might not fit the system (or be available when Detroit is on the clock), Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn could. He has good poise in the pocket at most times, though there remains a question mark above his head: when under pressure he tends to fold.

But the abilities are there, the throwing accuracy, the understanding of a pro offense (coached by Charlie Weis), and the one thing that everyone seems to overlook: he played the entire 2006 season under intense expectations and criticisms. Notre Dame was ripped (every week of the year) for being overrated, and when the Irish lost to LSU, it was the icing on the cake for doubters. It also pushed JaMarcus Russell’s stock ahead of Quinn where it sits today. In Quinn’s defense, he handled it all very well.

And with the second overall pick, the Lions are faced with an interesting scenario: if they do want to select Quinn, they have an opportunity to wield a trade. Many expect Quinn to fall to either Minnesota at 7th or Miami at 9th; but Detroit could make a trade with a team interested in Joe Thomas or, better yet, Calvin Johnson (see: everyone), preferably a team with a fairly high position (top 5-6 overall). Detroit could make the trade, gain something in the process — perhaps a late-rounder — and still get Quinn. It’s win-win… sort of.

The obvious problem is just that the Lions are playing with fire. If they do make the trade and someone ahead of them drafts Quinn, they get burned — bad. So, there is obviously some risk here, but you know the Lions will have done their homework on every other team’s they make a move like that.

In short, Detroit has boundless options at the 2nd overall spot. Let’s just hope GM Matt Millen doesn’t bonehead it this season, or the team could find itself in a similar position next season.

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