The Detroit Lions have the worst defense in the NFL one of the worst defenses ever, in fact.

The Lions gave up 517 points last season, second most in NFL history. Only the 1981 Baltimore Colts allowed more (533). Detroit has given up more points than it has scored in each of its last 17 games.

They say defense wins championships. It also wins games. When the Lions start playing competitively on defense, they can start winning games again.

Hiring Jim Schwartz as their new head coach in 2009 was a start. He coordinated defenses at Tennessee the last two seasons that ranked in the NFL's top seven.

But the Lions need more than a new scheme. They need new players.

The Lions ranked last in the NFL in both defense and run defense in 2009. Linebacker Aaron Curry of Wake Forest is the best defensive player on the draft board. He can plug in at middle linebacker for the Lions between Julian Peterson and Ernie Sims.

So give Curry to the Lions in the second mock draft offering from The Dallas Morning News.

1. DetroitAaron Curry, OLB, Wake ForestThe first LB taken first overall since 1988

2. St. LouisMatthew Stafford, QB, GeorgiaThe Rams aren't sold on Marc Bulger

3. Kansas CityJason Smith, OT, BaylorBest player available at any position upgrades the Chiefs

4. SeattleMark Sanchez, QB, USCMatt Hasselbeck turns 34 in September

5. ClevelandMichael Crabtree, WR, Texas TechThe Browns may trade Braylon Edwards before the draft

6. CincinnatiEugene Monroe, OT, VirginiaThe Bengals need to protect QB Carson Palmer better

7. OaklandJeremy Maclin, WR, MissouriAl Davis sees Tim Brown all over again

8. JacksonvilleAndre Smith, OT, AlabamaForget his weight Smith is the best blocker in this draft

9. Green BayMalcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio StateBoth starting corners are in their 30s

10. San FranciscoJosh Freeman, QB, Kansas StateCould be the Ben Roethlisberger of this draft

11. BuffaloTyson Jackson, DE, LSUNFL's 22nd-ranked run defense becomes more stout

12. DenverB.J. Raji, DT, Boston CollegeBroncos need to get bigger, better in defensive front seven

13. WashingtonAaron Maybin, DE, Penn StateRedskins hope Maybin can give them what Jason Taylor didn't

14. New OrleansBeanie Wells, HB, Ohio StateSaints envision Beanie as their new Deuce McAllister

15. HoustonBrian Orakpo, DE, TexasTexans need help for Mario Williams up front

16. San DiegoKnowshon Moreno, HB, GeorgiaLT older, Darren Sproles headed toward free agency in 2010

17. N.Y. JetsPercy Harvin, WR, FloridaWith WR Laveranues Coles gone, Jets need big plays on flank

18. DenverRobert Ayers, DE, TennesseeBroncos need to get bigger, better in defensive front seven

19. Tampa BayBrian Cushing, OLB, USCBoth starting outside linebackers gone from 2008

20. DetroitPeria Jerry, DT, MississippiBoth starting defensive tackles gone from 2008

21. PhiladelphiaMichael Oher, OT, MississippiAndy Reid loves linemen

22. MinnesotaDarrius Heyward-Bey, WR, MarylandBetter receiver play means better quarterback play

23. New EnglandRey Maualuga, MLB, USCMaualuga and Jerod Mayo would forge a dynamic middle

24. AtlantaVontae Davis, CB, IllinoisThe NFL's 21st-ranked pass defense needs his cover skills

25. MiamiClay Matthews, OLB, USCBill Parcells loves stocking the defensive front seven

26. BaltimoreBrandon Pettigrew, TE, Okla. St.Ravens always draft the best value on the board

27. IndianapolisZiggy Hood, DT, MissouriGM Polian is tired of playing with free agents at DT

28. BuffaloEben Britton, OT, ArizonaTrading Pro Bowler Jason Peters creates a huge hole at LT

29. N.Y. GiantsKenny Britt, WR, RutgersGiants need a size receiver to replace Plaxico Burress

30. TennesseeJames Laurinaitis, MLB, Ohio St.Quality LBs will go fast in this draft

31. ArizonaDonald Brown, HB, ConnecticutThe heir apparent to Edgerrin James

32. PittsburghEric Wood, C, LouisvilleWood can play inside at center or guard