While the Detroit Lions are now without a second 4th-rounder, sending their 128th overall pick to the New York Jets for the chance to draft edge rusher Derrick Moore, that doesn't mean they can't cook something up with their remaining six picks on Day 3.
The talent drop-off is real in this draft class, but the Lions are typically good at finding at least one gem deep in the draft. Amon-Ra St. Brown is the greatest recent example under general manager Brad Holmes' tenure, with other players like Malcolm Rodriguez and Derrick Barnes other good examples of important depth pieces for the Lions that were found on Day 3.
Detroit has a few routes they can take on the final day of the draft, with other, lesser, areas of need including guard, center, running back, and defensive back.
Lions' best targets remaining on Day 3
S Michael Taafe, Texas
Taafe is a safety that's been mocked to the Lions for a potential fourth round pick, but they've only got one to expend now. That could force them to angle for a larger position of need, possibly at guard, but Taafe would also be a worthy swing.
The Texas safety is tabbed as a potential special teamer, which could be useful for Detroit as they lost some of their fire power there with Grant Stuard leaving in free agency. The Lions could also just use depth in their safety room, which would make this a decent Day 3 pick.
RB Kaytron Allen, Penn State
Allen would be a nice backup fit for Detroit on Day 3. While they did get Isaiah Pacheco in free agency, they lost a huge piece of their running back room by trading David Montgomery. Allen, like Taafe, could be a snag for Detroit to help shore up their special teams unit, and he can compete well with Sione Vaki and Jacob Saylors in camp.
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IOL Jager Burton, Kentucky
Burton has posted an excellent RAS, which we know Holmes pays attention to in drafts. The Lions could use some depth on their offensive line, and especially at center. Juice Scruggs, who the team acquired via the Montgomery trade, could backup Cade Mays at that spot. But, adding Burton as a developmental third-stringer could be good for the Lions' future.
CB Ephesians Prysock
Prysock could be another defensive back worth swinging on for depth. NFL draft expert Lance Zierlein has him as a potential starter in the future, writing:
"Prysock is a tall corner with impressive length but a high center of gravity that limits transitions. He’s upright in his pedal and can be late at break points in off coverage. He stays more connected when he can press and displays good acceleration/make-up speed when needed."
Detroit has some major question marks in their cornerback room, specifically behind D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold. Prysock could add some valuable competition to the room for Ennis Rakestraw Jr., and would be a nice get for Detroit in the 4th round.
G Emmanuel Pregnon
This would be a bit of a dream, but Pregnon slid all the way to Day 3. The left guard is a force as a run blocker, and he could immediately compete with Christian Mahogany for the starting role next to Cade Mays and Tate Ratledge. He'd need to get snagged with the Lions' only remaining fourth-rounder, because otherwise, there's no way he slides all the way to the 5th round.
Emmanuel Pregnon was drafted shortly after the publishing of this article, taken by the Jacksonville Jaguars at 88th overall.
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