While the NFL draft is four months away — it's in May this year — it's never too early for Mel Kiper's first mock draft. Is it?

The ESPN draft analyst revealed his Mock Draft 1.0 today on ESPN.com

I'll spare you the suspense when it comes to the Lions first-round pick at 10th overall.

Kiper has the Lions selecting cornerback Justin Gilbert (6-0, 200 pounds) out of Oklahoma State.

Kiper's comments include this: "... Gilbert would help the cause coming off a season where you could argue that no cornerback in college football performed better. He has the size to compete with bigger wide receivers and the agility and speed to run with anybody. He also brings strong return skills.''

Please, please, please remember it's early in the process.

(Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Order her book,  “100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die’’ here. It’s also available at bookstores.)