ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Gosder Cherlius and Jordon Dizon didn't grow up like typical football players.

In both cases, though, their unusual backgrounds have led them to Detroit and promising NFL careers. The Lions' first two picks met the news media Sunday.

Cherlius, the Lions' first pick, grew up in Haiti and didn't play football until he was a high schooler in Massachusetts. Dizon, a Waimea High alum from Kaua'i, spent his youth on the beach in Hawai'i.

"In Haiti, you don't have any football — everything is soccer and basketball," said Cherlius, an offensive tackle from Boston College. "My guidance counselor saw me running in the hallway one day at school and told me that he wanted me to play football."

In between surfing, swimming and fishing, Dizon played well enough in high school to earn a scholarship to Colorado, and now a spot in the NFL.

"The reason I love football is the competition," Dizon, a linebacker, said. "Other than maybe being a stockbroker, there's nowhere in life where you can compete one-on-one like you can in football against the guy on the other side of the line."

In Round 3 Sunday, the Lions picked Central Florida running back Kevin Smith (64th overall), Florida State defensive tackle Andre Fluellen (87th) and Purdue defensive end Cliff Avril 92nd.

In Round 5, the Lions picked Wake Forest wide receiver Kenneth Moore (136th) and Furman running back Jerome Felton (146th).

Detroit's picks report for rookie mini-camp later this week.