2025 NFL Draft preview: 9 players the Lions should target on Day 2

We’ve talked a ton about the first round in the 2025 NFL Draft, but the Detroit Lions should consider these eight players on Day 2.

The 2025 NFL Draft has no real consensus for back-half Day 1 prospects. It has made it interesting to try to gameplan out, as the mock draft industry is wont to do; there are plenty of guys who I will not be shocked showing up on Friday what belonged on Thursday, and the inverse is also true.

That said, I tried to find eight athletes in the upcoming draft that the Detroit Lions should target if they are available in Rounds 2 and 3. There’s a few who I fear might be in the Day 1 camp, but many should be available when the Lions pick at 60 (or earlier, trade ups, things of that nature). These are still, in large part, athletes who are ready to go in the NFL and just as exciting as any athlete on Day 1.

Danny Stutsman, LB Oklahoma

Stutsman proved he was par excellence at stopping the run and working as an aggressive and efficient blitzer. He needs to work on his coverage to fit in with the modern demands of linebackers, but the Lions would surely appreciate what he brings in taking down the ball carrier (not to mention his swagger).

Elic Ayomanor, WR Stanford

Not sure where this idea the Lions will trade Jameson Williams came from. What’s not dumb is the fact that Detroit probably needs a long-term WR-X and depth past Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown in the near future. What better selection to give former Stanford head coach/current passing game coordinator David Shaw a receiver he recruited? Ayomanor is a specimen, who can track the ball well and was making circus-level catches with the Cardinal. He’s tough, physical and built for the Lions.

Ashton Gillotte, DE Louisville

While a little on the small side for an edge rusher, Gillotte impressed Purdue coach Jeff Brohm over and over with his competitive nature (Brohm played in the OG XFL and he should know ). While the size isn’t on his side, he still marked very high for his speed and agility. On the field, he was exploding into the backfield for 39.5 tackles for loss and 25.5 sacks over four years. He has to work on missed tackles stemming from over-aggression but he would be able to learn well sitting behind Marcus Davenport in Detroit.

Darius Alexander, DT Toledo

Alexander could honestly be early Dy 3 for the draft as easily as he could be Day 2. Toledo’s big man has long arms, big hands and fluidity that allowed him to succeed as a disruptive interior force. What’s going to hold him back is a combination of production numbers (low sack totals on a MAC schedule) and the fact that he will be 25 years old as a rookie. Nevertheless, Alexander is physically built for the pros and with the right fit could flash that upside.

Carson Schwesinger, LB UCLA

I honestly wonder if Schwesinger will be there on Day 2; if he is, he’s a top target immediately. While he doesn’t have the production and profile of a Jihaad Campbell, Schwesinger has cast him in the same vein: a lot of edge rush DNA and a prolific run blocker who needs to work on his off-ball skills a little more. The Lions could use an aggressive man like him to play strongside whenever they can’t rely on Derrick Barnes.

Azareye’h Thomas, CB Florida State

Monster arms, monster hands and with the range and speed to keep up with receivers and play press; Florida State ’s Azareye’h Thomas has a need for seasoning before he can be prime time, and he’s got to work on his technique to not miss tackles. But he’s squarely set as an underneath defender with drive and grit. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler also gave the comp of Thomas to former Detroit Lion Carlton Davis. Sounds like a decent option for long-term replacement.

Landon Jackson, DE Arkansas

Jackson is all raw power when it comes to rushing the passer. He needs refinement, but his build and wingspan are there, as is the speed and violence. He dominated LSU ’s left tackle Will Campbell in head-to-head play, and he’s got the requisite skills to get after any ball carrier to boot. Plus, he’s got some fun special teams power, having blocked three field goals in college. The Lions would appreciate all of it.

Trey Amos, CB Ole Miss

Amos is an impressive athlete with plenty to love in run stopping and special teams in addition to his profile as a pass defender. He’s got the traits of a press-man corner, although he still needs to work on his ability to match routes with receivers. He should be particularly valuable in defending X receivers.

Tate Ratledge, G Georgia

I’m in love with Ratledge’s profile. Both of Georgia’s guards pose excellent draft stock, but Ratledge impressed well at the combine and has a whole lot of personality and grit to him. A multiple All-American and All-SEC, there’s a lot to love with his pass protection and his commitment to protecting the quarterback. Georgia’s run-forward system also means he’s got a proven track record to opening up running lanes and doing all the things the Lions happen to like to do too. Combine his athletics, personality and hard-nose approach to being on the field and he just screams Honolulu Blue.