This is not in order of need just in order by position.

4-15-2001

QB
Charlie Batch's contract makes his job pretty safe, for now, but the Lions will look for a QB in the later rounds to develop and eventually take over for him in a few years. The Lions signed Jim Harbaugh as a free agent to back up Batch so drafting a QB early is unlikely. but if Drew Brees is available when they draft at 18, they will take him in a snap. Quincy Carter of Georgia, Florida's Jesse Palmer, and Sage Rosenfels from Iowa State could be mid to late round picks for Detroit. UPDATE: Another QB that's starting to turn some heads at the Silverdome is Marques Tuiasosopo out of Washington. Head coach Marty Mornhinweg was at Washington's pro day workout and he was said to be very impressive in his workouts. San Diego coach Mike Reily was also in attendance.
The Lions were inquiring about trading for Jaguars QB Mark Brunell, and Charlie's health has been questioned again. I don't think Matt and Marty are as happy with him as they say. I have a sneaking suspicion they are gonna try to get the best QB in the draft, No, not Michael Vick, Drew Brees, Vick WILL be better, Brees IS better, and I think they're gonna make a run at him.
RB
James Stewart is in the 2nd year of a 5 year deal that he signed before last season for $25 million, so he is the #1 guy here, but the Lions need someone to compliment him and to come in on 3rd down. They are looking for an explosive, play maker type back with speed that can catch the ball out of the backfield. The Lions signed Amp Lee as insurance and might look for a late round sleeper such as Travis Henry of Tennessee, Travis Minor or Florida State, or Derrick Blaylock out of Stephen F. Austin. They also re-signed RB/FB Brock Olivo, who hasn't played much but could see increased time as he's experienced in the West Coast Offense. He's a solid special teams performer none-the-less.

WR

The Lions need a big play threat to compliment Germaine Crowell, the surprising Larry Foster, and the rest of the receiving core. Herman Moore's skills are diminishing, and he has had trouble staying healthy the last few seasons. He has a huge salary over the next few years so he will need to restructure or he may risk being cut. The coaching staff is very happy with the receiving core and likely will look to add depth in the middle of the draft unless someone unexpectedly falls to them. They have more pressing needs right now but if a play maker like Santana Moss from Miami fell to them at 18 they may go for him there.
Herman Moore was asked to re-structure his contract, and although he is willing, if something can't be worked out, he will be cut after June 1st. They will be looking to add depth in the later rounds, and maybe find a hidden gem in an extremely deep draft at the position.

TE
The Lions are looking for another TE to go with David Sloan, who is a free agent after the 2001 season. They are looking for a big TE that can block and get out and catch some passes. Some mock drafts have them taking Todd Heap from Arizona State, but I don't think they'd spend their 1st pick here. As in the case with WR they have more pressing needs to fill and can get a solid TE in the middle rounds or in free agency after veteran cuts are made this summer.
 OL
The Lions signed G Brenden Stai, a free agent from Jacksonville to replace Jeff Hartings at RG.  They are also expected to  match Miami's offer to C/G/TE Eric Beverly. G Tre Johnson was in town and if he is healthy could be signed. They still need to add depth to the interior line even if they do get Johnson. They may trade down in the 1st to get C Dominic Raiola out of Nebraska, or grab C Ben Hamilton from Minnesota or G Chad Ward from Washington in the 2nd. If G Steve Hutchinson is available when they pick at 18 and they have only signed one free agent G, they snatch him there. Also, I've seen some mock drafts that have the Lions taking C Robert  Garza out of Texas A&M-Kingston in the 3rd round. He's very strong, he put up 225 37 times at the combine, and would make a solid back up to Beverly and to take over in a year or two.
The Lions are being patient in filling the rest of their line. They matched the offer to Beverly, but no other moves have been made. I expect they will add depth all through the draft, and look for someone, still possibly Tre Johnson, after June 1st.
DL
Tracy Scroggins won't be brought back unless he lowers his contract demands significantly. Jared Devries and James Hall may be able to fill in nicely there, but if a play making End or Tackle is available at 18, they might bite. If DE's Jamal Reynolds out of Florida State or Andre Carter of Cal, or possibly DT Shaun Roger from Texas are still on the board, they would be hard to pass up. Otherwise, they will be looking to add depth as DT Kelvin Pritchett was cut and DT James Jones is an unrestricted free agent.
I think the Lions are going to draft a DE with their first pick, probably Florida State's Jamal Reynolds. If he's gone, there are plenty more, as DL is a very deep position in the draft.
LB
With Allen Aldridge's age as well as his high salary, he may be cut if he does not restructure his current contract. The Lions need an OLB with speed that can rush the passer as well as drop back into coverage and run with RB's. Even if Aldridge does restructure  his contract, the Lions need to add depth as he is getting up in age and could use an upgrade. 2000 2nd round pick Barrett Green from West Virginia has not played up to expectations and they would like to upgrade if they can. LB Dan Morgan of Miami would be a steal if he fell this far but it is highly unlikely.
Aldridge has said he or his agent have not been approached about restructuring his contract, but he was open to the idea, and would be willing to help. If for some reason it can't get done, then like Moore, he will be cut. There are a few FA LB's available and in the middle rounds of the draft if they cannot get Morgan out of Miami.
DB
Bryant Westbrook's injured achilles is worse than most people think, and with Kevin Abrams retiring, there is a need at CB for depth and insurance in the event Westbrook doesn't return to last year's Pro Bowl form. If they don't sign a free agent such as CB Eric Davis, then they may look to take a CB in the 1st round. Fred Smoot from Mississippi State is a player similar to Westbrook and could step right in and start. Others that could be taken in the 1st are  Jamal Fletcher of Wisconsin, Nate Clements from Ohio State, or Ken Lucas out of Mississippi.
Todd Lyght was agreed to terms with the team last week. The Lions are only $59,000 under the cap according to ESPN.com so they cannot sign him until they clear some cap room. This fills a major need and they can concentrate on other needs in the draft. They will probably draft a corner in the mid to late rounds for depth as well.