Round 2: Possible Prospects the Lions Could Choose

Unlike the past Matt Millen Drafts, the Lions actually hit a home run when they selected Louis Delmas last year in the second round.  We all know how important each draft pick is to this organization because unlike other teams, the Lions can’t rely on free agency to bring in big-named players.

With everyone focused on who the Lions are going to take with the second pick overall, I decided to make a list of possible second round Lion candidates.  Just remember this list is coming out before the NFL Combine and depending on how these players test they could either boost or downgrade their draft status. Another big factor is who the Lions take with their first round pick. If they select Ndamukong Suh I highly doubt they will take another DT with their second pick, but you never know with the Lions.

1.      Mike Iupati: LG Idaho

Iupati is a massive guard at 6-foot-6, 330 lbs. He has size, strength, and speed. I have Iupati slipping to the second round because of past draft history. Since 2000, only 4 guards have been taken in the first round and none higher than 17th overall. Iupati would be a great building block for the Lion’s offensive line.

2.      Jason Pierre-Paul: DE  South Florida

Jason Pierre-Paul is a raw athlete. He has a long lanky frame (6-foot-6 265 lbs.) but he does have room to add some bulk. If Detroit wants a pass rusher from the DE position Pierre-Paul might be the best consideration at the top of the second round unless someone else slips (Hardy, Dunlap, and Hughes).

3.      Sean Weatherspoon: OLB  Missouri

Now I know OLB isn’t Detroit’s biggest concern, but if Foote leaves town and the Lions ship off either Sims or Peterson, Weatherspoon is the guy you want next to Levy. Weatherspoon would bring size (6-foot-1 240 lbs.) speed (4.55) and attitude to the defense. He might even be the best LB prospect in this draft class.

4.      Brandon Ghee: CB  Wake Forest

A lot of Lions fans want Detroit to draft a “shut down” cornerback this year. My personal opinion is that if they want that “shut down” cornerback they better wait until next year (Patrick Peterson). If Detroit decides to go CB in round two, Ghee would most likely be the guy. Ghee is a good cover corner and also plays the run. Another consideration would be Patrick Robinson from Florida State.

5.      Arrelious Benn: WR  Illinois

Now before you call me crazy let me explain myself. The Lions desperately need another option for Matthew Stafford to throw the ball to. Calvin is double covered every game and Pettigrew is coming off of ACL surgery. If Detroit can’t find a solid second WR in FA they might look to the draft. If they draft by BPA they might see Benn as the best fit.  

6.      Charles Brown: LT USC

It’s hard to guess what LT might fall into round two. As of right now, there are six projected LTs to go in round one. If it was my guess I’d have to say it’s going to be Charles Brown. Brown is a great pass protector and good run blocker. He might be the next best athlete at the LT position next to Anthony Davis.

7.      Jonathan Dwyer: RB  Georgia Tech

With Kevin Smith tearing his ACL towards the end of the season, the Lions could be looking to get a RB in the draft. I think Morris can be a number one back in the NFL, but he’s not a long term investment. Dwyer has good speed and size. He comes from a goofy offense, but he should be able to translate to the NFL game.

8.      Chad Jones: SS  LSU

Jones is a freak athlete; he’s listed at 6-foot-3 230 lbs. and can run a reported (4.5) 40-yard dash. Chad was a two sport star at LSU; playing football and baseball for the Tigers. Chad Jones would be a great compliment to Delmas.

9.      Jared Odrick: DT  Penn State

If somehow Detroit doesn’t go DT in the first round and shocks everyone by either drafting Berry or Okung, Odrick would be a good pick here. Odrick is a first round talent, but an arrest in March of 2009 might send him into round two.  He finished his year with 43 tackles and seven sacks.