Day 3 Diamonds in the Rough
The first 100 picks are in the books, and your Detroit Lions have already snagged two players: RT Blake Miller from Clemson and edge rusher Derrick Moore from Michigan. Saturday brings Day 3, the final chance to find those late-round gems that could actually contribute in Allen Park.
With six picks left and some intriguing names still sitting there, here are 25 prospects Lions fans should keep an eye on. And yes, I know what you’re thinking. After decades of watching this franchise, we know Day 3 can make or break a draft class.
The Must-Watch Names
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee: Once considered a first-round pick, concerns surrounding his knee have caused his stock to plummet. At what point is it worth the risk to stop his free fall?
Keionte Scott, NB, Miami: Easily the favorite player remaining on the board. Scott is a dynamic nickel with hitting skills, a nose for the ball, and the ability to blitz and cover.
Kyle Louis, Cover LB, Pittsburgh: As the best cover linebacker in this draft class, Louis should be coveted early on Day 3, and while he is undersized (6-foot, 224 pounds) for a linebacker, he can be an effective hybrid player.
Jalon Kilgore, NB/SAF, South Carolina: A big nickel/Rover option who can cover tight ends and running backs, and has a knack for getting his hands on footballs.
Talent That Fell Too Far
Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State: While adding another base DE is not a priority for the Lions, his talent is too good to pass up on Day 3.
Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State: The highest-rated center on several draft boards, Hecht has the potential to develop into a starting center with time.
Darrell Jackson, NT/5T, Florida State: An impressively sized human (6-foot-5 1/2, 315), Jackson has the range to play at the nose or the 5-Technique (5T), and gives off some Dalvin Tomlinson vibes.
Chandler Rivers, NB, Duke: If the Lions want a nickel corner option, instead of a safety who plays in the slot, Rivers is comfortable in press-man and is arguably the top nickel corner remaining on the board.
Backfield Options Worth Considering
Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska: Johnson is a James Cook-like back who plays with balance, explosion, and as an above-average receiving option.
Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington: A power back who will remind you of David Montgomery. He has power, intelligence (he was an Academic All-American), and grit for days.
Nick Singleton, RB, Penn State: If Singleton didn’t injure his foot at the Senior Bowl, he may already be off the board. A downhill/speed/power runner, Singleton has starter range and experience as a kick returner.
Linebacker Depth and Special Teams Value
Bryce Boettcher, WILL LB, Oregon: Arguably the top pure linebacker option available, Boettcher would compete for a WILL role early while providing the team with a dynamic special teamer.
Rayshaun Benny, 4i/3T, Michigan: An inside, pass rushing 3T at Michigan, Benny has previously operated at the 4i, giving him the positional range the Lions covet.
Keyshaun Elliott, LB, Arizona State: As an inside linebacker and three-time captain, Elliott has the instincts and football character to earn a spot on the roster via special teams early in his career.
Secondary Help and Hidden Gems
Jadon Canady, NB, Oregon: A nickel corner who has the range to play safety, and the coverage experience to fit most systems, Canady would instantly be in competition for a starting role.
Michael Taaffee, SAF, Texas: A split-safety with single-high range and the mentality to thrive on special teams. His character and Grit score (9.32) are elite.
Kaden Wetjen, Returner/Slot WR, Iowa: The best returnman we’ve seen in a decade. Full stop.
Depth and Development Options
Febechi Nwaiwu, IOL, Oklahoma: Guard isn’t a pressing need, but Nwaiwu has the highest remaining Grit Index score at 9.43, so he could get some consideration.
Reggie Virgil, WR-X, Texas Tech: A big-bodied WR-X who is best on vertical routes, Virgil is also versed on special teams. A high-quality depth option overall.
George Gumbs, EDGE, Florida: A pass-rushing linebacker with the range to play SAM, Gumbs is a physical edge setter and run filler, which will get him some consideration.
Riley Nowakowski, TE/H-B, Indiana: A shift from TE to H-B helped open up Indiana’s offense, as his blocking skills helped the system maul defense into the ground.
Taurean York, WILL LB, Texas A&M: A Will linebacker who will start his career by being a special teamer but has the growth to develop into a steady linebacking contributor.
Specialists and Sleepers
Dontay Corleone, NT, Cincinnati: A 340-pound plugger at nose tackle, “The Godfather” is a stout run defender who has shown promise as a pass rusher in previous seasons.
Michael Heldman, pass rusher, Central Michigan: The Romeo, Michigan prospect has been building momentum throughout the offseason, as evaluators catch wind of his improvements.
Max Bredeson, FB/H-B, Michigan: One of, if not the best, blocking skill players in this class, Bredeson is a finisher who can line up all over the backfield. He will level up any run game with his presence.
Six picks left, plenty of talent still sitting there. After watching this franchise for decades, we know Day 3 separates the smart organizations from the rest. Which category do we fall into this time? Drop your predictions below.
