By Moses Joshua 
Detroit weighs crucial Day 2 options with pick No. 60 after addressing the edge in Round 1
As the dust settles on their first-round pick—Boston College edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku—the Detroit Lions find themselves at another crossroads. With the 60th overall selection looming, general manager Brad Holmes and his war room are exploring a wide spectrum of talent. From explosive wideouts to versatile trench warriors, Detroit’s second-round decision could be just as pivotal as their Day 1 move.
Let’s dive into the most compelling candidates still on the board.
Receiver Reinforcements on the Radar
Despite ongoing speculation around Jameson Williams’ future, it’s clear the Lions intend to deepen their receiving corps in this year’s draft.
Elic Ayomanor (Stanford) stands out as a strong, high-character receiver with a physical presence. Known as one of the best blockers at his position, Ayomanor’s polished route running and athleticism could make him a long-term WR-X for Detroit.
Tre Harris (Mississippi) brings a rare blend of size (6’2”, 205 lbs) and elite production. With over 900 receiving yards in three separate seasons—including a remarkable 1,030 yards and seven touchdowns in just eight games last year—he could become a reliable target for Jared Goff.
Jack Bech (TCU) offers inside-outside flexibility and does his best work over the middle—ideal for Detroit’s intermediate passing game. His willingness to block adds to his value in the Lions’ team-first offensive scheme.
Building Grit in the Trenches
Detroit has placed a premium on toughness and athleticism in the trenches. Several interior linemen fit the mold.
Tate Ratledge (Georgia) leads the pack as a top-tier athlete with elite movement skills. Scoring high on the Lions’ internal “Grit Index,” Ratledge could shore up a guard spot for years.
Jonah Savaiinaea (Arizona), another high-character leader, excels in pass protection but may need refinement in the run game. His upside as a dependable blocker gives him long-term potential.
Marcus Mbow (Purdue) provides positional versatility with experience at center, right tackle, and guard. A strong, cerebral player, Mbow thrives in the run game—a key aspect of Detroit’s identity.
Strengthening the Defensive Interior
After adding an edge defender in the first round, the Lions could double down on defense by fortifying the interior.
T.J. Sanders (South Carolina) delivers a rare blend of size and pass-rushing ability. With 33 pressures and 4.0 sacks last season, he offers instant value as a disruptive presence on the interior.
Shemar Turner (Texas A&M) flashes explosive upside, though his aggressive style may need refining to fit Detroit’s disciplined gap scheme. Still, his motor and playmaking ability are undeniable.
Darius Alexander (Toledo) could be the gem of the group. With the athleticism to play both inside and occasionally on the edge, his 90.3 run defense grade and highlight-reel interception at Ford Field scream “Dan Campbell guy.”
EDGE Depth Still in Play
Despite investing in Ezeiruaku, the Lions may not be done hunting edge talent.
Jack Sawyer (Ohio State) fits the gritty archetype the Lions covet. He’s not a pure speed rusher, but his relentless style and strength make him a top candidate to set the edge against the run.
Josaiah Stewart (Michigan) is a local favorite with eye-popping numbers—21.5 tackles for loss and 14 sacks in just 11 starts. Though slightly undersized, his production and physicality have kept him on Detroit’s radar.
What Comes Next
With Round 2 just around the corner, Detroit has a chance to inject more youth, versatility, and toughness into their roster. Whether Holmes chooses to bolster the offense or double down on defense, the Lions’ draft strategy is becoming increasingly clear: target high-character players with athletic upside who can contribute immediately.
Who will it be at pick No. 60? Lions fans won’t have to wait much longer to find out.