After trading away their third-round picks to land their starting outside corners in veteran Carlton Davis and first-round pick Terrion Arnold, the Detroit Lions are only slated to have one selection on Friday night. The Lions still have the No. 61 overall pick near the end of the second round.
It’s certainly possible Lions GM Brad Holmes will look to trade back and recoup some of the lost draft capital from the trades. Trading up will almost certainly require dealing away some 2025 draft assets.
There should still be several attractive prospects for the Lions at No. 61 if they hold onto the pick. Here are 10 players who would fit nicely with the Lions, or players in whom they’ve shown some pre-draft interest, who could realistically be available at the end of the second round.
Javon Bullard, S, Georgia
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Michael Hall, DT, Ohio State
Nov 25, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. (51) celebrates a sack of Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) during the first half of the NCAA football game at Michigan Stadium.
Hall is undersized but very quick, and he’s proven he can finish behind the line of scrimmage. There’s a decent chance Hall comes off the board before 61 (his hometown Browns at 54 have shown a lot of interest), but he’s a player who could add more punch to the interior DL.
Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
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Nubin is the top safety on many draft boards, and his all-around skills would allow him to play either safety spot in Aaron Glenn’s defense.
Chris Braswell, EDGE, Alabama
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The Lions clearly have an affinity for Alabama players, and Braswell offers power-to-speed pass rush and some athletic upside on the edge.
Zach Frazier, IOL, West Virginia
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Frazier is best at center but also projects quite well at guard. He would instantly become Detroit’s top interior reserve.
Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky
WKU’s Malachi Corley runs in for a touchdown against UTEP on Nov. 4, 2023 at the Sun Bowl.
Corley was a dynamic threat after the catch for the Hilltoppers, and he showed he could do more in limited opportunities in their offense. He’s got some Amon-Ra St. Brown to his game, minus the strength in traffic.
Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina
(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame
: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL, Oregon
Oct 14, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) celebrates after the Ducks scored a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the second half at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
A favorite to go earlier than this coming out of the Senior Bowl, Powers-Johnson’s star lost some luster. He’s been honored for his play at both guard and center and seems like a “grit fit” in Detroit.
Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
(Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
Fiske really showed out in his one season at Florida State after a nice four-year run at Western Michigan. He might have the hottest motor of any defensive player in the draft, and Fiske seldom loses a rep even if he doesn’t win.