A dozen fits for Detroit Lions on Day 2 of the NFL Draft

Allen Park — The Detroit Lions entered the 2022 NFL Draft with three picks within the second and third rounds, however that dipped to 2 after they orchestrated a commerce the opening evening, shifting up 20 spots to seize large receiver Jameson Williams with the No. 12 general choice.

Now holding the No. 46 and No. 97 decisions on Friday, listed below are a dozen gamers Detroit may think about:

► Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

Up till draft evening, there was a section of the fan base who would have been blissful to see the Lions draft Willis with the No. 2 general decide. Clearly the league’s opinion did not match that sentiment because the Liberty standout slid out of the primary spherical. 

The dialog about Willis’ upside stays. He is is a extremely elusive runner, who additionally possesses one of many strongest arms on this class. However the steep studying curve, and potential must tailor an offense particularly to his talent set have been sufficient to scare suitors away in Spherical 1. With QB-needy groups just like the Colts, Falcons and Seahawks drafting simply forward of Detroit within the second spherical, the Lions probably would want to maneuver up if they’ve any curiosity in touchdown Willis because the franchise’s potential future on the place. 

► Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

Much less shocking was Dean remaining on the board after the draft’s first evening. The undersized Georgia linebacker misplaced a lot of the momentum from his spectacular 2021 season after an damage sidelined him all through the pre-draft course of, stopping groups from getting a full learn on his measurables. 

The query is how a lot do the measurables matter with a participant who has such spectacular tape? The all-round playmaker thrived whatever the project and proved to be significantly adept in protection and as a blitzer. 

► Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State

By deciding on Williams after buying and selling again up within the first spherical, the Lions missed an opportunity to deal with their want for a long-term security answer reverse Tracy Walker. Two potential options, Dax Hill and Lewis Cine (who we had mocked to the Lions at decide No. 32) have been the ultimate two gamers chosen on Thursday. 

Admittedly, Brisker is not a super schematic match for Detroit. Whereas he has some expertise taking part in deep, he is extra recognized for his downhill work working from the field. However his fiery taking part in fashion and eagerness to contribute in run help carries common enchantment, and he demonstrated sufficient playmaking capability to provide you with 5 interceptions throughout his three years at Penn State. 

► Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State / Breece Corridor, RB, Iowa State

OK, we’re dishonest by lumping two guys collectively as a result of the notion is cut up on whether or not Walker or Corridor or the perfect again on this draft. Nonetheless, it feels unreasonable to not acknowledge the likelihood the Lions think about one if both is on the board after they’re scheduled to be on the clock at No. 46. 

Detroit made important strides operating the ball final season, however there’s nonetheless room for enchancment within the operating again room. D’Andre Swift is dynamic, however has struggled with sturdiness points, whereas Jamaal Williams solely has one 12 months left on his contract. If Walker/Corridor are the perfect participant on Detroit’s board, providing three-down expertise and manufacturing, why should not they think about it? 

► Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming

The Lions invested of their linebacking corps this offseason, re-signing Alex Anzalone, including Chris Board and re-signing Jarrad Davis, however all three are on one-year contracts. Muma provides excellent measurement at 6-foot-3, 240 kilos, effectively above-average athleticism and spectacular manufacturing after recording 142 tackles and three interceptions as a senior. However what makes him much more of a super match for Detroit is his competitiveness, extending to spectacular particular groups manufacturing early in his profession. 

► Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati 

Talking of robust soccer character, Bryant embodied that for the Bearcats as a four-year starter and two-time captain. The complement to Sauce Gardner, the No. 4 decide on this draft, the 6-foot-1, 193-pound Bryant is sound in man protection with stable ball manufacturing (six interceptions and 18 move breakups the previous two seasons). 

► Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State

The Lions may stand to improve their depth at offensive sort out behind starters Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell. The notion is Petit-Frere is uncooked and in want of continued growth, even after being named a first-team All-American final season. That is one thing the Lions can afford with Matt Nelson nonetheless on the roster. The long-term view is the 6-foot-5, 316-pound Petit-Frere is usually a starting-caliber expertise, or in Detroit’s case, an impressive swing sort out. 

► Nick Cross, S, Maryland 

If Detroit would not like Brisker’s slot in Spherical 2, they’ll look into filling the security void later Friday evening. Cross is an top-tier athlete who tallied three interceptions final season. He has elite vary, however has developed a popularity for taking pointless dangers that take him out of place. The Lions will not look down on that aggressiveness, however would as a substitute search to channel it. 

► Travis Jones, DT, UConn

We pitched Jones as a risk on the finish of the primary spherical, had the Lions caught with the No. 32 decide. The 325-pounder is impressively athletic and very robust, in a position to dominate on the level of assault. He would instantly enhance Detroit’s inside run protection and is not fully devoid of pass-rush capability, recording 4 sacks in 2021. 

► Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State

Following the addition of Williams and DJ Chark, Detroit’s offense is almost full. One lingering gap is a second tight finish, ideally one with above-average blocking capability. Ruckert is a prepared blocker with enough measurement, however like many collegiate tight ends, he’ll must refine his method and add energy to be efficient on the subsequent stage. He additionally provides extra within the move recreation than he confirmed at Ohio State. The place he thrived for the Buckeyes was within the pink zone, with 12 of his 54 receptions going for touchdowns. 

► Troy Andersen, LB, Montana State

Hey, one other linebacker. Like Muma, Andersen put up enormous sort out totals taking part in for a smaller faculty, racking up 147 stops, together with 14 behind the road of scrimmage. There’s probably going to be an adjustment with the extent of competitors, however Andersen posted among the finest mix performances for a linebacker within the historical past of the occasion, plus possesses wonderful measurement at 6-foot-3, 243 kilos. Should you draft him with the expectation of easing him in as a rookie, whereas getting particular groups contributions, he may find yourself a key contributor beginning in 2023. 

► Bryan Prepare dinner, S, Cincinnati 

Prepare dinner began his collegiate profession at Howard earlier than transferring to Cincinnati. He did not take part within the pre-draft course of attributable to a shoulder damage, however he is a versatile participant who lined up all around the Bearcats’ defensive backfield. He reveals good velocity/vary on movie and has been praised for his motor and toughness, two traits the Lions covet. 

jdrogers@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @Justin_Rogers