Looking at starter-level quality pairs to add to the Tyleik Williams draft class.
As anticipated, when the Detroit Lions were on the clock at Pick No. 28, many of the first-round-level trench players were already off the board. But general manager Brad Holmes thought highly enough of Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams to have the conviction to pull the trigger on the versatile shop-wrecker.
Now, with Day 2 ahead, we identify a few potential starter-level duos the Lions might target with Picks No. 60 and 102 tonight. Pride of Detroit’s Ryan Matthews already laid out his 10 best remaining prospects for Detroit, and while players like Landon Jackson remain my top targets if they fall, I’ll be highlighting other options not covered by Ryan.
One caveat worth noting: Holmes has a well-established history of being aggressive in going after his guys. The strength of this draft lies in the middle rounds, and with two 2026 third-round picks in his pocket, I wouldn’t be surprised if Holmes moves up from either 60 or 102—or both. During Thursday night’s press conference, he even said (rather villainously): “I have some ideas in mind already. Not going to reach for position—has to be a productive player.”
With that in mind, here are some potential Day 2 draft decisions for the Lions.
Lions Potential Day 2 Duo No. 1
Pick No. 60: Purdue OL Marcus Mbow
HT: 6-foot-4 | WT: 302 | Age: 22.06 | GI: 53.13 | RAS: N/A
Pick No 102: LSU DE Sai’vion Jones
HT: 6-foot-5 | WT: 283 | Age: | GI: 72.19 | RAS: 9.20 (No agility drills)
If Georgia’s Tate Ratledge and Arizona’s Jonah Savaiinaea are off the board, Mbow could be a gem to slide into the Lions’ more finesse-oriented left guard slot. A double-digit game starter at both tackle and guard for Purdue, he brings polished handwork and the athleticism to hold up in pass pro and climb to the second level. The question will be adding strength to his leaner frame and building out his anchor.
Jones is one of my favorite underrated defensive ends in this class. His length and bully-ball mentality would be welcome additions to the Lions’ front. A versatile, three-year starter, Jones is a demolition man who blasts through contact and brings the kind of high-motor, tough-as-nails presence that fits Detroit’s Grit mantra. Plus, he’s been sharpening his game against NFL-caliber O-linemen in Baton Rouge for years.
If Brad Holmes opens this draft with a triple stack of USDA-certified trench beef, that might be the best thing on the menu.
Lions Potential Day 2 Duo No. 2
Pick No. 60: Ole Miss WR Tre Harris
HT: 6-foot2 | WT: 205 | Age: 23.15 | GI: 47.97 | RAS: 9.23 (No agility drills)
Pick No 102: Michigan Edge Josaiah Stewart
HT: 6-foot-1 | WT: 249 | Age: 22.00 | GI: 74.32 | RAS: N/A
Malik Nabers’ former high school quarterback, Harris, glides past defenders both as a route runner and with the ball in his hands. A lower-body injury midway through the season cut short what was shaping up to be a prolific year, and it might be the reason he’s available for Brad Holmes to pounce on late in Round 2. He’s a size-speed X receiver with a blue-collar mindset and could benefit from a year learning behind Tim Patrick while adjusting to a more structured NFL route tree.
Stewart is the pick Michigan fans have had circled for months. He’s undersized, sure—but his aggression and acceleration more than make up for it. A mid-season captain in 2023, Stewart profiles as a developmental SAM linebacker behind Derrick Barnes, who can contribute early on passing downs as a situational rusher off the edge.
This duo could add some big-play juice on both sides of the ball.
Lions Potential Day 2 Duo No. 3
Pick No. 60: Oregon DE Jordan Burch
HT: 6-foot-4 | WT: 279 | Age: 23.54 | GI: Incomplete | RAS: N/A
Pick No 102: Colorado State WR Tory Horton
HT: 6-foor-2 | WT: 196 | Age: 22.40 | GI: 68.26 | RAS:9.83 (No agility drills)
Burch is one of my guys — a throwback Lions-style edge with the length, strength, and physicality to rough up opposing linemen. If Landon Jackson, J.T. Tuimoloau, and Nic Scourton come off the board early, Burch would be a great fallback option. He flashes NFL-caliber power and athleticism, and with a more refined pass-rush technique, he could thrive opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
Horton, meanwhile, might be the best-kept secret in this receiver class. Several draft analysts have hinted that teams are keeping unusually quiet about him—maybe trying to keep their hands close to the vest. Brad Holmes won’t be so coy. The two-time team captain is a natural ball-tracker with the toughness and skill to work the middle of the field or the sideline as an X.
If Holmes pulls off this pairing, expect fist pumps, back slaps, and two potential starters seeing meaningful snaps in Year 1.
Lions Potential Day 2 Duo No. 4
Pick No. 60: Notre Dame CB Benjamin Morrison
HT: 6-foot | WT: 193 | Age: 21.12 | GI: 74.89 | RAS: N/A
Pick No 102: Georgia OG Dylan Fairchild
HT: 6-foot-5 | WT: 325 | Age: 21.96 | GI: 71.46 | RAS: N/A
As I mentioned in my first-round preview, Morrison checks a number of Brad Holmes boxes: he was a Notre Dame captain, brings some injury discount value, and is fiery, fluid, and physical in press-man coverage. He may not need to start right away, but he profiles as a future starter on the outside — potentially across from Terrion Arnold by Year 3.
Fairchild, meanwhile, might not have had the recruiting buzz or four-year starting experience of teammate Tate Ratledge, but he was arguably the more consistent player in 2024. A two-time state champion wrestler and Freaks List dynamo in the weight room, Fairchild plays with the kind of strength, balance, and leverage that screams “Dan Campbell guy.” He’d compete for the starting left guard spot right away and could anchor that role for years.
This duo would give Detroit three high-character, high-effort players from blue-blood College Football Playoff programs in their first three picks — exactly the kind of foundation Holmes and Campbell love to build with.
Lions Potential Day 2 Duo No. 5
Pick No. 60: UCLA Edge Oluwafemi Oladejo
HT: 6-foot-3 | WT: 261 | Age: 21.59 | GI: 63.46 | RAS: N/A
Pick No 102: Virginia Safety Jonas Sanker
HT: 6-foot | WT: 206 | Age: 22.42 | GI: 77.61 | RAS: 7.06
Oladejo is a raw but intriguing former green-dot linebacker who transitioned to edge rusher and brings a unique skill set to the table. He wins with heavy hands, long strides, and surprising balance as a speed rusher. His versatility would make him a fun chess piece for Kelvin Sheppard — capable of setting the edge in the run game, generating pressure, and even moonlighting as a SAM linebacker.
Sanker feels like a strong bet at Pick No. 102. A former high school quarterback turned tone-setting safety, he checks a ton of Lions boxes: team captain, reliable communicator, productive special teamer, and punishing tackler in the box. He brings good size, length, and athleticism to a safety group that could use some depth behind Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch.
This duo might not have the most prominent names — but they offer the type of upside, grit, and versatility the Lions love to bet on.
Lions Potential Day 2 Duo No. 6
Pick No. 60: West Virginia OL Wyatt Millum
HT: 6-foot-6 | WT: 313 | Age: 22.32 | GI: 73.51 | RAS: 9.16 (OG)
Pick No 102: Iowa State CB Darien Porter
HT: 6-foot-2 | WT: 195 | Age: 24.30 | GI: 71.04 | RAS: 9.99
Milum was a 40+ game starter at both tackle spots for West Virginia but projects as a guard at the next level—a transition that could suit him perfectly in Detroit. He’s fundamentally sound with vice-grip hands and sturdy body control, and he hasn’t allowed a sack since his freshman year back in 2021. That kind of pass protection consistency is precisely what the Lions value on the interior.
Porter is one of the most intriguing late-round risers in this class. A sixth-year senior and former wide receiver, he played in a zone-heavy scheme at Iowa State, where his instincts and athleticism stood out. While he’s still developing in man coverage, his absurd 9.99 RAS, height, length, and fluid movement skills suggest a real upside if given time. He also brings immediate value on special teams, and head coach Matt Campbell raved about him as “the most selfless, most incredible human” on the roster — traits the Lions front office places a premium on.
This pairing would give Detroit two athletic, high-upside prospects who fit their locker room and could grow into key contributors.
Lions Potential Day 2 Duo No. 7
Pick No. 60: South Carolina LB Demetrius Knight
HT: 6-foot-1 | WT: 235 | Age: 25.30 | GI: 84.87 | RAS: 8.17
Pick No. 102: Miami Offensive Guard Jalen Rivers
HT: 6-foot-6 | WT: 319 | Age: 22.62 | GI: 55.99 | RAS: 6.62
Knight is a mature, gritty player that I highlighted earlier this week as a potential surprise second-round pick for the Lions. Linebackers aren’t necessarily a need, and it’s not necessarily a strong linebacker class, but the Lions might make an exception for him. Knight is a no-nonsense captain, green-dot, weight room addict, and special teams ace who would do door dash deliveries with his wife after games. Tell me that’s not a player that Lions personnel would fall for during the interview process.
Rivers is a girthy offensive lineman with tackle and guard starting experience who is flying under the radar of the usual Day 2 offensive line prospects. He’s heavy-handed, with square power, that can anchor well and bulldoze in the downhill run game.
The Lions would continue to be an imposing match-up, week in and week out, with the additions of these two tough players.
