2024 NFL mock: Who should the Detroit Lions draft in the 2nd round?

The Detroit Lions are on the clock in our Pride of Detroit 2024 NFL Community Draft in the second round. Erik Schlitt will make the pick (to be revealed Wednesday) for the Lions, but before we do, let’s look at the options.

If you need a reminder of the people selected in the previous 60 selections, go to our POD 2024 Community Mock Project Tracker here.

This article will look at the best options remaining on the board, and at the bottom of the article you can vote for the player you would choose if you were the Lions GM at that position.

remember that Erik chose to pick Penn State EDGE Chop Robinson with the 29th pick.

Main options remaining for the Lions

Running back Trey Benson, State of Florida — There’s only one running back so far (Jaylen Wright), and while running back isn’t needed at all for Detroit, they could set up for the future with Benson. There is an out in David Montgomery’s contract in 2024, and Benson (6-foot-1, 216 pounds) would make a formidable replacement. He runs hard, has good contact balance and found the end zone 14 times on the ground last year for the Seminoles.

WR Roman Wilson, Michigan — Wilson may feel a little redundant with Amon-Ra St. Brown, because they win the same way: with a precise route and an incredible work ethic. Wilson brings a little more athleticism than St. Brown, though, and there’s nothing wrong with having a few options getting in and out of the slot.

OT Kiran Amegadjie, Yale — Amegadjie played both right guard (10 games) and left tackle (14) in college, and given his size (6-foot-5, 323 pounds), he could really project into either or the other position in the NFL. Another culture fit for Detroit – Dane Brugler described him as “smart, tough and driven” – Amedgadjie would give Detroit several options for the future of their offensive line.

OL Dominick Puni, Kansas — Another prospect who could play inside or out, Puni has a ton of experience (43 starts) split between Central Missouri and Kansas. He may need a little more polish in his game, but a year on the bench in Detroit might be just what he needs.

EDGE – Bralen Trice, Washington — Trice would make an odd selection considering Chop Robinson was the first-round selection, but you can certainly make a case that he’s the best player available. Trice has a culture worthy of an energetic captain for Washington. While Chop would take elite speed to the limit, Trice wins with strength, effort and active hands.

DT Kris Jenkins, Michigan — If Detroit wants to prepare for the future without DJ Reader and gain the confidence of Alim McNeill, Jenkins would be a great addition. Although he has not distinguished himself as a passer (4.5 career sacks), his play strength and ability to stop the run would make him valuable in Detroit.

DT T’Vondre Sweat, Texas — At 6-foot-4, 366 pounds, Sweat began to be talked about as a potential first-round talent for his ridiculous strength and run-stopping skills. However, some have pointed to possible character issues, as some have called him a “party animal” and was recently arrested for drunk driving.

DT Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson — A little raw, and Clemson has a recent trend of not-so-great transitions to the NFL, but Orhohoro has an elite sporting profile for a potential solid pass rusher while also bringing experience as a two-gap run defender. He produced more in the running game in college, but the traits are there to develop more of a passing threat.

DT Michael Hall Jr., state of ohio — If you’re looking for a little more refinement in the passing game, Hall may have low overall productivity (6.0 sacks in two seasons as a starter), but his advanced metrics are much better. His 84.8 PFF grade was 11th best in the country, and his athletic profile translates as well.

CBMax Melton, Rutgers — Melton fits that Aaron Glenn defensive back mold: small (5-foot-11, 187 pounds) but feisty. He is also extremely fast (4.39 40 yard dash) with excellent ball production. In his final three years at Rutgers, Melton produced 30 passes defended and eight interceptions in a total of 34 games. There are good and bad signs regarding his character. He is tough and courageous on the field, but he was charged with aggravated assault due to a paintball gun incident in 2021.

S Jaden Hicks, Washington State — Dane Brugler’s top safety in this class (Javon Bullard and Tyler Nubin were selected ahead of Hicks in this mock), Hicks is best as a run defender (6.0 tackles for loss) and occasional blitzer (2.5 bags last season). But he also has the athleticism to be a rangy pass defender. Safety is arguably the Lions’ biggest need, even though there may not be a starting position available.

Vote for your preference below and explain your answer in the comments section at the bottom of the article.