Lions Mock Draft: 11 Prospects Still on the Board for Pick 50
The Lions are on the clock in the second round of our community mock draft, and if you’ve been following along, you know Erik Schlitt already grabbed Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano with the 17th overall pick. Now we’re looking at what’s left at pick 50, and honestly? There are some intriguing options still sitting there.
Here’s the thing about second-round picks for this franchise. We’ve seen Brad Holmes nail some late-round gems, but we’ve also watched this team burn through draft capital like it was 2008 all over again. The difference now is we actually have a front office that seems to know what it’s doing.
So what’s available? Let me break down the top 11 prospects that could be wearing Honolulu Blue come April.
The Offensive Line Double Down
**OL Gennings Dunker** represents the kind of move that would make Lions fans either nod in approval or scratch their heads. Taking two offensive linemen to start the draft isn’t conventional, but when has conventional ever worked for us?
Dunker brings that mean streak Detroit loves in their linemen. He’s an interior option with college tackle experience, which means he could take his time moving inside while the Lions figure out their left guard situation. After decades of watching this team get pushed around up front, doubling down on protection doesn’t sound crazy.
The Edge Rush Buffet
Here’s where it gets interesting. Only one edge defender has been taken in the second round so far, with just seven selected overall. That means the Lions have their pick of pass rushers, and God knows they need help getting after the quarterback.
**T.J. Parker from Clemson** is the highest-ranked edge defender still available. At 6-foot-3 and 263 pounds, he’s got the size Detroit typically targets. His 16.0 sacks over the last two seasons at Clemson don’t hurt either. This feels like the safe pick.
**Mason Thomas from Oklahoma** is smaller than the Lions usually prefer at 6-foot-2 and 241 pounds, but he doesn’t play small. The guy meets blockers with an audible pop and racked up 15.5 sacks over two seasons. Sometimes you take talent over size, and Thomas has talent.
**Gabe Jacas from Illinois** fits the physical mold perfectly. Tall, long, broad, and with the grinder mentality that Lions coaches love. His 19.0 sacks and six forced fumbles over two years are eye-popping numbers. The concern? Some analysts question his run game instincts, and that matters more in Detroit than most places.
**Cashius Howell from Texas A&M** would be a departure from the Lions’ typical edge defender profile, but hear me out. This guy can rush the passer. He had 9.5 sacks in his last season at Bowling Green and 11.0 sacks in 2025 with the Aggies. At 6-foot-2 and 253 pounds, he’s not the prototypical size, but sometimes you need juice more than bulk.
The Michigan Connection
Two Wolverines are sitting there, and they offer completely different skill sets.
**Derrick Moore** is more of a physical edge setter who could help in the run game while still bringing pass rush ability. His 10.0 sacks last year and 92.4 PFF pass rushing grade suggest he’s got more than just size going for him.
**Jaishawn Barham** is the more intriguing option. He started as an off-ball linebacker before moving to edge defender during the Wolverines’ 2025 season, which means he brings those linebacker instincts to the position. At 240 pounds, he’s got the athleticism to drop into coverage and defend the run. The pass rush production isn’t there yet (4.0 sacks last year), but the tools are.
Plugging the Middle
**Domonique Orange** might be the last defensive tackle worth taking in this range. With Roy Lopez gone and DJ Reader still unsigned, the Lions need a nose tackle. Orange, nicknamed “Big Citrus,” won’t wow you as a pass rusher, but good luck moving him in the run game. Sometimes you need a boulder in the middle.
The Coverage Options
**Kyle Louis from Pittsburgh** could be the coverage linebacker Detroit needs in a post-Alex Anzalone world. At 6-foot and 220 pounds, he’s undersized, but he’s got the hands and instincts of a former safety with the tackling mentality of a linebacker. Plus, his reputation as a hard worker fits the culture perfectly.
In the secondary, **Keionte Scott from Miami** offers versatility and ball skills, while **Treydan Stukes from Arizona** brings that walk-on to three-time captain story that screams Detroit grit. Stukes is 25 and coming off an ACL injury in 2024, but he had his best season, which included six passes defended and four interceptions.
The Reality Check
Look, we’ve been here before. We’ve gotten excited about second-round picks that looked perfect on paper and watched them flame out faster than a Matthew Stafford comeback attempt in 2014. But this front office has earned some trust.
The smart money is probably on an edge rusher given the need and available talent. Parker feels like the safest bet, but Jacas has that perfect combination of size and production that could make him special. Thomas brings the juice, and the Michigan guys offer different flavors of potential.
Whatever Erik Schlitt decides, it better be someone who can contribute immediately. This team is in win-now mode, and second-round picks need to matter. We’ve waited long enough for relevant football in January.
So what’s it gonna be, Lions fans – do we go safe with Parker, swing for the fences with Jacas, or completely surprise everyone with a different direction entirely? Drop your hot takes below before Erik makes this thing official.
