Calvin Johnson is, according to many NFL draft experts, the only can't-miss prospect in the 2007 draft. With most believing the Oakland Raiders will take quarterback JaMarcus Russell with the top pick, it is now believed that the Detroit Lions, who select second overall, may take Johnson, the huge Georgia Tech wide receiver.

There have been many supposed "can't-miss" draft picks in the past few decades. Tony Mandarich, Ryan Leaf, Tim Couch, and Blair Thomas immediately come to mind, but the list is as long as some lakes are deep.

Sure, Calvin Johnson is a huge target (6-5, 239), who runs like a much smaller receiver and has proven to have more than adequate hands, but to say he's a can't-miss is a bit of a stretch. Admittedly, Johnson will make some NFL team very happy.

That team, though, should not be the Detroit Lions, who already have two proven receivers in Roy Williams and Mike Furrey. Although Furrey has just one excellent season under his belt for the Lions, Williams is a true star, coming off of a fabulous season, in which he latched on to 83 passes for over 1,300 yards.

In just three NFL seasons, Williams has 181 catches for a 15.5 yards-per-catch average and 23 touchdowns. And Williams has done it against NFL defenders.

The Lions have a proven quarterback, a splendid young running back in Kevin Jones and a fiery young head coach. Detroit does not need Calvin Johnson. The Lions need more protection for quarterback John Kitna, and better run blocking for Jones.

The answer in the 2007 NFL draft for Detroit lies in Wisconsin offensive lineman Joe Thomas. At 6-7, 311 pounds, Thomas is one of the best offensive tackle prospects to come along in years. With the Lions need, Thomas is the only no-brainer selection for the 2007 draft.

Everyone may love Calvin Johnson, but this is a need pick, and the Detroit Lions don't need a wide receiver. The Lions need Joe Thomas.