Day 2 NFL draft fits for Detroit Lions: What will they do with Round 2 pick?
The Detroit Lions jumped from playoff contender to Super Bowl contender last year in part because general manager Brad Holmes nailed Day 2 of the NFL draft.
The Lions opened the second day of the 2023 draft by taking record-setting tight end Sam LaPorta with the second pick of the second round, No. 34 overall, and followed by trading up to take slot cornerback Brian Branch 11 picks later.
LaPorta caught an NFL rookie tight end record 86 passes for 889 yards, while Branch had three interceptions and seven tackles for loss in 15 games.
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The Lions added quarterback Hendon Hooker and defensive tackle Brodric Martin in Round 3, and while they don't have nearly as much draft capital today — they currently have just one Day 2 pick, No. 61 in the second round — they will be looking for similar impact talent.
Here are some names to watch out for:
16 players who could interest Detroit Lions on Day 2
OT Kingsley Suamataia, BYU — Penei Sewell’s cousin; has starting experience at both tackle spots.
OL Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon — Won the Rimington Award as the nation’s best center last season; also got snaps at defensive tackle in his career.
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OL Zach Frazier, West Virginia — Four-year starter with a nasty demeanor was a popular first-round mock draft choice to the Lions.
OG Cooper Beebe, Kansas State — Started games at left tackle, right tackle and left guard in college; projects inside as a pro.
WR Keon Coleman, Florida State — Former Michigan State star plays faster than his timed speed (4.61 seconds).
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WR Troy Franklin, Oregon — Speedy deep threat set an Oregon record with 25 career receiving touchdowns.
WR Ja’Lynn Polk, Washington — One of new Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Penix’s favorite receivers after starting his career at Texas Tech.
WR Roman Wilson, Michigan — Averaged 16.4 ypc and had just one drop last season.
DE Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan — ESPN’s sixth-ranked edge prospect, though he had just 4.5 sacks last season.
DT Braden Fiske, Florida State — Former Western Michigan star has a relentless motor.
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DT Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois — Top pass-rushing interior lineman in the draft; Lions likely will have to trade up to get him.
DT Kris Jenkins, Michigan — Key cog in Michigan’s national championship run and son of former Pro Bowl lineman Kris Jenkins.
DT Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson — River Rouge High product had nine sacks the past two seasons and would add another pass-rushing threat to the interior line.
LB Junior Colson, Michigan — Linebacker isn’t a huge need, but Colson might be too good to pass up.
S Tyler Nubin, Minnesota — With Ifeatu Melifonwu entering the final year of his contract and Kerby Joseph out for the spring following hip surgery, Lions have a sneaky need at safety.
DB Cooper DeJean, Iowa - DeJean can play outside corner, slot corner or safety and is a dangerous return man.
Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on X and Instagram at @davebirkett.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Day 2 NFL draft fits for Detroit Lions: Who are the players to watch?
