In this mock NFL Draft, we look at 11 contenders for the Detroit Lions’ second-round choice.
The Detroit Lions are on the clock in the second round of our 2024 NFL Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft. Erik Schlitt will make the Lions’ decision (which will be disclosed on Wednesday), but first, let’s look at the options.
If you need a refresher on who has been selected in the past 60 picks, visit our 2024 POD Community Mock Draft tracker here.
This piece will go over the top remaining possibilities on the board, and at the bottom, you may vote on which player you’d choose if you were the Lions’ general manager in this situation.
Remember that Erik selected Penn State EDGE Chop Robinson with the 29th pick.
Lions’ top remaining running back alternatives Trey Benson of Florida State — So far, only one running back has been announced (Jaylen Wright), and while running back is not a priority for Detroit, Benson might help them prepare for the future. David Montgomery’s contract expires in 2024, and Benson (6-foot-1, 216 pounds) may be a powerful replacement. He runs hard, has good contact balance, and scored 14 touchdowns on the ground for the Seminoles last year.
WR Roman Wilson of Michigan — Wilson may feel a little redundant alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown, as they both win in similar ways: with accurate route running and an amazing work ethic. Wilson has a little more athleticism than St. Brown, but there’s nothing wrong with having a couple options to rotate in and out of the spot.
OT Kiran Amegadjie, Yale – Amegadjie played both right guard (10 games) and left tackle (14) in college, and given his size (6-foot-5, 323 pounds), he could potentially play either position in the NFL. Another cultural match in Detroit—Dane Brugler described him as “intelligent, tough, and driven”—Amedgadjie would provide Detroit with multiple alternatives for the future of their offensive line.
OL Dominick Puni of Kansas — Puni, another talent who could play inside or outside, has a wealth of experience (43 starts) from Central Missouri and Kansas. He may need to improve his game, but a year on the bench in Detroit could be just what he needs.
Edge – Bralen Trice, Washington — Trice seems like an unusual choice given that Chop Robinson was selected in the first round, but you might argue that he is the greatest player available. Trice is a cultural match as Washington’s dynamic captain. While Chop brings great speed to the edge, Trice wins via strength, effort, and active hands.
DT Kris Jenkins of Michigan — Jenkins would be a formidable addition if Detroit wants to plan for the future without DJ Reader while also providing Alim McNeill insurance. While he hasn’t shown much as a pass rusher (4.5 career sacks), his play power and ability to stop the run might make him valuable in Detroit.
DT T’Vondre Sweat, Texas— Sweat, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 366 pounds, was seen as a potential first-round pick due to his incredible power and ability to stop the run. However, some have raised concerns about his conduct, citing his reputation as a “party animal” and his recent arrest for driving while intoxicated.
DT Ruke Orhorhoro of Clemson — Orhohoro is raw, and Clemson has a recent history of poor NFL transitions, but he possesses an outstanding athletic profile for a potential quality pass rusher and expertise as a two-gapping run defender. In college, he excelled in the run game, but the potential to grow into a pass rushing menace remains.
DT Michael Hall Jr. of Ohio State — If you’re looking for a little more polish in the pass rush, Hall’s advanced metrics are far superior to his total productivity (6.0 sacks in two seasons as a starter). His 84.8 PFF pass rush grade ranked 11th in the country, and his athletic profile translates well.
CB Max Melton of Rutgers — Melton resembles an Aaron Glenn defensive back: little (5-foot-11, 187 pounds) yet tenacious. He’s also exceptionally fast (4.39 40-yard dash) and has great ball production. In his final three years at Rutgers, Melton defended 30 passes and intercepted eight in 34 games. There are both good and bad signals about his character. He’s rough and gritty on the field, but he was charged with aggravated assault after a paintball gun incident in 2021.
S Jaden Hicks of Washington State — Dane Brugler’s top safety in this class (Javon Bullard and Tyler Nubin were picked ahead of Hicks in our mock), Hicks excels as a run defender (6.0 tackles for loss) and occasional blitzer (2.5 sacks last season). But he’s also athletic enough to be a rangy pass defender. Regardless of whether a starting role is available, safety is likely the Lions’ most pressing overall need.
Vote for your preferred option below and explain your reasoning in the comment box at the bottom of the article.
