Here are 12 to watch for Lions on Day 2 of NFL Draft
Allen Park — When members of the Detroit Lions’ front office return to work Friday morning, the first priority will be resetting the board, a series of subtle adjustments which reflect the team’s updated needs matched against the draft’s remaining talent.
The Lions are scheduled to pick twice on the draft’s second day, No. 51 in the second round and No. 82 in the third. After a quick review of the talent remaining, general manager Bob Quinn likes the way things are shaking out as the team seeks to address its remaining needs.
“I think there’s plenty of options of where we’re taking,” Quinn said.
Following Detroit’s addition of Arkansas offensive lineman Frank Ragnow in the first round, checking off the glaring need along the offensive line, here are 12 potential options on the second day of the draft.
Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia
Three running backs came off the board in the first round and Chubb is one of the two best remaining, along with LSU’s Derrius Guice. Will either of them make it to the Lions at 51? Tough to say. But Chubb would be an outstanding addition as a north-south runner with excellent vision and balance.
Tim Settle, DT, Virginia Tech
Looking for a long-term nose tackle? Settle checks off all the boxes. The 6-foot-3, 329-pounder isn’t easily moved on run downs, and offers some surprising ability to disrupt the backfield in passing situations when asked. Quinn has shown a preference for hefty interior lineman and they don’t get much bigger than this.
Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
The Lions have a full depth chart at tight end following the additions of Luke Willson and Levine Toilolo, but both those guys are on one-year deals. Goedert, who was frequently projected as a first-rounder early in the pre-draft process, is extremely athletic and has dual-threat potential.
Darius Leonard, LB, South Carolina State
The idea of adding a coverage linebacker like Leonard hinges on the current coaching staff’s opinion of Jalen Reeves-Maybin, a fourth-rounder from last season who was drafted with the previous defensive scheme in mind. Leonard is long and quick, with the ability to cover sideline-to-sideline.
Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford
You never quite get over how productive Phillips was at Stanford, racking up 100 tackles as an interior lineman last year. He’s a powerhouse with a wrestling background, an ideal combination to take on multiple blocks while still making plays.
Lorenzo Carter, Edge, Georgia
Have you seen the video where Matt Patricia is working out Carter at Georgia’s pro day? We would all be so lucky to have someone look at us with such a loving gaze. Carter is an exceptional athlete who could probably use some extra weight on his frame, but has the potential to be a passing-down contributor who is also capable of dropping into coverage.
Kalen Ballage, RB, Arizona State
A big-bodied back with low mileage on the odometer and an advanced receiving skill set, Ballage would bring value to Detroit’s backfield rotation if he’s still on the board in the third round.
Josh Sweat, DE, Florida State
In many ways, Sweat compares to Carter. Both are former five-star recruits, offer similar frames and top-end athleticism. Sweat is an explosive athlete who hasn’t come close to reaching his potential, but has a skill set that begs to be developed by a competent NFL line coach.
Ian Thomas, TE, Indiana
Thomas is less polished than Goedert, but will probably be a better blocker early in his career. Again, you’re looking at a prospect who has a resume rich with athletic potential. Given the team wouldn’t need immediate production, he’d be set up to be developed as a rookie, similar to the way the Lions brought along Michael Roberts last year.
Jessie Bates, S, Wake Forest
The Lions have three safeties on the roster, and Quandre Diggs and DeShawn Shead also have experience playing the position, but there’s still a long-term need at the position. Diggs and Shead are free agents at the end of next season, while Glover Quin turns 33 in January. Bates has ideal size, athleticism, versatility and instincts to play for Patricia.
Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State
Hubbard isn’t the same level of athlete as Carter or Sweat, but at 270 pounds, he has the frame to better hold up in a variety of packages. Hubbard isn’t going to overwhelm anyone with a dominant skill, but he’s well-rounded and plays with a high motor.
Nathan Shepherd, DT, Fort Hays State
Shepard is probably appearing on similar lists around the league. The small school standout has a world of potential and is viewed as highly coachable. At 6-foot-4, 315 pounds, he has the requisite size to bang inside at the pro level. Give him some time to develop — which Detroit can afford with its current defensive tackle depth — and there’s a good chance you have a quality contributor next season and beyond.
jdrogers@detroitnews.com
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