The Detroit Lions upgraded their linebacking core last night, adding Jarrad Davis out of Florida with the 21st pick. After a somewhat strange first round, there is a good amount of talent left on the board. The Lions currently hold the 53rd and 85th overall selections. With that in mind, let’s see what our writing staff has to say about day two of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Lions Draft Day 2 Predictions
Al Stahl
Round 2: Quincy Wilson, DB – Florida
This is a value pick as much as it is a need. Wilson was projected to go anywhere from the late first to the late second, and I think he just might be there when the Lions go on the clock. I expect Kevin King and Sidney Jones to go before Wilson. He should shore up the outside corner spot, allowing Nevin Lawson to play in the nickel and as a backup.
Round 3: Kareem Hunt, RB – Toledo
Although I suspect Detroit will go defense with their first three picks, I also think Toledo RB Kareem Hunt makes sense here. He may not make it this far into the third round, but the versatile and solid back can do it all and should provide quality depth as a rusher or pass catcher for a unit that has been banged up in recent years. Keep an eye out for pass rushing DT Jaleel Johnson here as well. –@LethalSax
Jack Ozark
Round 2: Obi Melifonwu, S – Connecticut
After seeing how odd the first round ended up being, I think Obi continues to fall as teams seem to be in love with offense right now. Obi answers a need and has been connected to the Lions already. He’d be a great value with the 53rd pick.
Round 3: Carlos Henderson, WR – Louisiana Tech
It’s finally time to flip the script on the Lions drafting dud wide receivers (sans Calvin.) Henderson would come into a great position, fighting for the number three receiver spot, but not having added pressure of needing to be a stud right away. –@J_Zark
Matt Urben
Round 2: Joe Mixon, RB – Oklahoma
While it seems less likely that Detroit would take a player with a questionable background after grabbing Jarrad Davis over Reuben Foster in the first, Bob Quinn has shown some interest in Mixon. Drafting what is considered by some to be the best overall runner in this draft would give Detroit a true every-down threat in the backfield. Also, look out for Michigan corner, Jourdan Lewis.
Round 3: ArDarius Stewart, WR – Alabama
Stewart is one of my favorite prospects in this draft class. He was extremely productive last season for a run-first Alabama team (54 catches for 864 yards and eight touchdowns). If the team had a better quarterback, Stewart’s stock would probably be much higher. The Lions need to add depth at receiver badly, and Stewart provides that, with great upside. –@MattUrben88
Ryan O’Bleness
Round 2: Jordan Willis, DE – Kansas State
The Lions have been linked to Willis, as early as the first round, in many mock drafts. Willis has slid down to Day 2, and if he is there for Detroit at Pick No. 53, the Lions shouldn’t hesitate to add him to the roster. After filling a huge need at linebacker with Jarrad Davis in Round 1, an edge rusher should be Detroit’s next order of business. Willis, who had 25.5 career sacks in college, makes perfect sense.
Round 3: Ahkello Witherspoon, CB – Colorado
Detroit continues to build the defense by going cornerback here. Witherspoon is projected to go somewhere in the third round, but I think he provides great value at pick No. 85. He is a big, lengthy cornerback at 6-feet-3-inches tall, but he also has 4.45-second 40-yard speed. His long strides help him to reach top speed quickly. Witherspoon’s presence would allow Nevin Lawson to move inside to a nickel back role where I believe he is a more natural fit. –@RyanOBleness
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