If you're surprised Lions general manager Martin Mayhew drafted a tight end (Eric Ebron) in the first round, you didn't read my blog that was posted on Wednesday. He always goes for best player available. See below and check out the ninth paragraph. ...

Detroit Lions will draft best available player; won't focus on offense or defense

OK, it’s easy to say the Lions need more help on defense therefore they should draft defensive help in the first round. It’s just wrong.

It all depends on who the best available player is when the Lions’ clock starts. There is also the factor of draft depth and if the Lions think they can get defensive help in later rounds. Oh, and value for the pick.

It’s a weak draft for safeties so unless they can trade down. It wouldn’t make sense to draft a safety with the 10th overall pick — even Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.

The draft is knee-deep in good cornerbacks so that’s something the Lions certainly will keep in mind. They could find quality in later rounds. 

It seems some Lions fans have forgotten about the Lions defense last season. It could have and should have been better, but it wasn’t in the NFL basement when it comes to stats.

In 2013, the Lions’ defense ranked 16th in yards per game allowed, 15th in total points allowed and best on third downs, allowing just 30 percent to be converted. 

On the other hand the defense had just 33 sacks (28th in NFL) and 15 interceptions (tied for 17th).

Yes, the offense was better — sixth best in yards per game.

That doesn’t mean the Lions won’t draft a wide receiver or tight end in the first round if the guy they like the best is available.

Do not think for one minute that if wide receiver Sammy Watkins or MIke Evans is available that general manager Martin Mayhew will be thinking, “Well we drafted wide receivers in the first round in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2007 so I can’t possibly draft one now.’’

That will not happen. Guarantee it.

The NFL draft starts at 8 p.m. Thursday, 7 p.m. Friday and at noon on Saturday.

Join me for a live chat at 3 p.m. Thursday.

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