The selection of Clemson OT Blake Miller checked off a huge box for the Detroit Lions. Though Detroit filled its top need in round one, there is much more work to be done. Now that the tackle position has been addressed, the Lions can turn their focus elsewhere in round two. Updating my previous list, here are the top remaining second-round targets for the Detroit Lions:
1. Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
The Lions still need an edge rusher who specializes in getting to the quarterback. Derrick Moore is that guy, and has been my choice for Detroit at pick 50 for a while. Pairing Aidan Hutchinson with fellow Wolverine Moore would give the Lions a lethal duo of pass rushers. Detroit’s new edge D.J. Wonnum is a stout run defender who can handle early downs, meaning Moore can see the field in passing situations as a rookie while his run defense develops.
2. Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
Having Jake Golday and Jack Campbell lined up side by side would make Detroit’s defense downright scary in the middle. Golday, at 6’4 and 240 pounds, is frequently compared to Campbell, who has already become one of the NFL’s best. In Golday, the Lions would get a true sideline-to-sideline linebacker who is a tackling machine. Golday can also cover and is an efficient blitzer when called on. Adding a day-one starter who could replicate the production Detroit lost with Alex Anzalone’s departure would be a fantastic pick for the Lions.
3. Jermod McCoy CB, Tennessee
It is somewhat shocking that Jermod McCoy wasn’t chosen in the first round. Though an ACL injury cost McCoy his entire 2025 season, McCoy is widely believed to have top-10 talent, if healthy. After the Kansas City Chiefs shockingly traded up to pick six for CB Mansoor Delane, it was thought McCoy would hear his name called shortly thereafter. He didn’t, and could be a tremendous homerun pick for Detroit in round two. McCoy isn’t likely to last until pick 50, meaning the Lions will need to move up to draft him. Brad Holmes should seriously consider it.
4. Gabe Jacas EDGE, Illinois
Gabe Jacas is another edge rusher who would be an excellent selection for Detroit. After recording 19 sacks over his final two seasons at Illinois, Jacas is coming into the league ready to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. At 6’3, 265 pounds, Jacas has the size and strength the Lions seek in their edge rushers. Jacas could quickly become a major, disruptive force for Kelvin Sheppard’s defense. If he is still on the board when Detroit is on the clock, the Lions may have a difficult time passing on Jacas.
5. Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh
I had hoped the Lions would trade down in the first round to acquire an extra pick, then use that pick on Kyle Louis. While that didn’t happen, there is still hope Detroit ends up taking Louis, my biggest draft crush for the Lions. Louis would provide an instant spark to the Lions’ linebacker group. At Pitt, Louis was a playmaker all over the field. Having a chess piece like Louis, who can line up anywhere, would add an extra dimension to this defense. Admittedly, pick 50 may be a bit early for Kyle Louis, but if Brad Holmes can move down a few spots and secure Louis (while picking up more draft capital), it would be a tremendous win for Detroit.
The Lions will have another opportunity to add another premium talent in round two of the 2026 NFL Draft. Along with Blake Miller in the first round, Detroit drafting any of these five players in the second round will put the Lions well on their way toward another stellar draft class.
