The Lions have to be feeling good at this point in the draft. Heading into Day 3 they have already taken care of major holes at cornerback, interior offensive line, EDGE, and running back.
With an earlier start on Day 3, the Lions will get right to work with the 109th overall pick in the fourth round, With a total of four selections on Day 3, let’s examine some of the remaining needs and potential players for the Lions.
Hint: The majority of the players have one thing in common.
Wide Receiver
With the talent level of the receiver pool this year, the Lions have yet to dip their toes in it. With several questions at the receiver position after this season, expect that to change today.
Some of the players that could interest the Lions include K.J. Hill (Ohio State), Tyler Johnson (Minnesota), Quartney Davis (TAMU), Jame Proche (SMU), and Antonio Gandy-Golden (Liberty).
The Lions are quite familiar with Hill, Davis, and Gandy-Golden as they got a first-hand look at them at the Senior Bowl. With the Lions’ tendency to take players from the Senior Bowl and familiarity with these receivers, we could see one of them selected.
Defensive Tackle
Even though the Lions signed Danny Shelton and Nick Williams this offseason, they could benefit from adding more bodies to the defensive line.
Jason Strowbridge (UNC), Leki Fotu (Utah), James Lynch (Baylor), and Larrell Murchison (NC State) could all be potential candidates for the Lions.
Strowbridge was coached by the Lions at the Senior Bowl, and from all accounts coach Matt Patricia took a keen interest in him giving him one on one time. Fotu would’ve also been coached by Patricia, but had to back out due to a calf injury. Both can slide right in the defensive line rotation without missing a beat.
Offensive Tackle
The Lions’ offensive tackle depth could use some work, and with Taylor Decker in a contract year, they could bring in some insurance.
There are a pair of tackles from Auburn who fill those particular needs, Jack Driscoll and Prince Tega-Wanogho. Some other potential candidates are Ben Bartch (St. Johns), who could also push to the inside if needed, Charlie Heck (UNC), and Saahdiq Charles (LSU).
None of these players will look to start immediately with Hal Vaitai on the right side and Decker holding down the left. With the depth lacking, they could take one of these tackles and develop them like they did with Tyrell Crosby.
Linebackers
Currently, the Lions have 11 off the ball linebackers on their roster, so the question will be will they towards more of DE/OLB hybrid or go after a traditional linebacker. Either way, the Lions have quite a few options of both options. If they look towards off the ball linebacker, Troy Dye (Oregon), Akeem Davis-Gaither (Appalachian State), and Markus Bailey (Purdue).
If they go towards the hybrid route, look no further than Senior Bowl standout and fan favorite Bradlee Anae (Utah) to fill that need. Casey Toohill (Stanford) and James Smith-Williams (NC State) could be available in the later rounds if the Lions decide to wait.
[Editor Sleeper: Mykal Walker, Fresno State]
Other potential options
The Lions could look to bring in a rookie quarterback if they decide the value is there during Day 3. Going back to the Senior Bowl, the Lions coached Anthony Gordon (Washington State), who is a quality player worth investing in. If the Lions decide to pull the trigger earlier, Jacob Eason (Washington) and Jake Fromm (Georgia) are still available.
With the loss of Sam Martin to free agency, the Lions could look to draft his replacement. Braden Mann (Texas A&M) is widely considered the best punter in the draft and was another Senior Bowl participant. Another name to keep your eye on is Michael Turk (Arizona State), who could also fill a starting role.
With four selections on Day 3, the Lions could fill in the remaining holes on the roster and walk out feeling supremely confident with the status of this team.