POLL: Who should the Detroit Lions draft in 2nd round of our 2021 mock?

The first round of POD’s community mock draft is in the books and we are rolling along into round two. While every pick in the first round was explained and graded in their own article, the second round will move quite a bit quicker.

We are fast forwarding through the first eight picks in round two and getting right to the Detroit Lions selection at pick No. 41. So, here’s what happened so far in the second round:

33. Jacksonville Jaguars: DT Christian Barmore, Alabama
34. New York Jets: NB Asante Samuel Jr, Florida State
35. Atlanta Falcons: EDGE Azeez Ojulari, Georgia
36. Miami Dolphins, WR Rondale Moore, Purdue
37. Philadelphia Eagles: CB Greg Newsome III, Northwestern
38. Cincinnati Bengals: TE Pat Freiermuth, Penn State
39. Carolina Panthers: LT Dillon Radunz, North Dakota State
40. Denver Broncos: S Richie Grant, UCF
41. The Detroit Lions are on the clock...

Before we get to my selection, let’s quickly review some of the top available options remaining on the board in this scenario, keeping in mind I picked WR Ja’Marr Chase (LSU) in the first round.

Here are the top-six options I considered, presented alphabetically:

Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky

The Lions have two off-the-ball starting linebackers, but Alex Anzalone is on a one-year deal, and the Lions should be in the market for a player that can give them immediate depth with future starter potential.

Lions general manager Brad Holmes has shown a habit of prioritizing athletic linebackers and with a 9.93 RAS, Jamin Davis is one of the most athletic players in this class. Davis played MIKE in Kentucky’s two off-the-ball linebacker scheme—similar to what the Lions scheme will look like—and has the potential to play either off-the-ball role at the next level. He has sideline-to-sideline range and can be trusted in coverage—five career interceptions—making him a four-down player the Lions could build around.

Next best LBs: Nick Bolton (Missouri) and Jabril Cox (LSU)

Landon Dickerson, IOL, Alabama

The highest ranked player remaining on my board, Landon Dickerson has legit first round talent at center and guard, making him a plug-and-play starter in the NFL. An absolute monster on the inside, Dickerson has a stout anchor in pass pro, will maul people in the run game, and routinely finds a way to separate defenders from the ground.

Dickerson has an injury history that could push him into the second round, but he would be an immediate starter at right guard for the Lions, giving them three starters—with Frank Ragnow and Jonah Jackson—that can all play all three interior positions. This would also push Halapoulivaati Vaitai and Tyrell Crosby into a battle for a starting spot at right tackle, hopefully elevating their games via competition.

Next best OL: Liam Eichenberg (OT, Notre Dame), Alex Leatherwood (OT/G, Alabama)

Jamar Johnson, S, Indiana

In the defensive secondary, the Lions have a clear need to upgrade both their safety and nickelback spots—Jamar Johnson has the skill set to do both.

Johnson is a prefect fit for the Lions split zone coverage scheme they plan to implement, while also having the range to cover man-to-man in the slot. One of Holmes’ favorite players he identified and pushed for the Rams to draft was John Johnson, and Jamar Johnson is basically his clone.

Next best DB: Elijah Molden (NB/S, Washington), Eric Stokes (NB, Georgia), Jevon Holland (S, Oregon)

Levi Onwuzurike, DT, Washington

The Lions have several capable interior defenders but also a lot of question marks. Finding the right blend of talent and draft value is going to be challenging in this draft class, but this is just about the right spot for Onwuzurike to be selected.

At Washington, they typically deploy their most talented defensive tackle at the 0-technique, hoping to gain an advantage in the center of the line and that’s where Onwuzurike played the last two seasons. In the NFL, he will have to shift to the 3/4i-technique to maximize his skill set. His first step is terrific and he uses his speed to chase down the play, but his most valuable asset is his hand usage when attacking gaps—something the Lions will need in their new attacking front.

Next best DT: Milton Williams (La Tech)

Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida

Would the Lions double dip at receiver in back-to-back early rounds? If they are keeping all their options on the board in this draft, Kadarius Toney would give them great value at pick No. 41. Landing two of the top-4/5 receivers in this class would go a long way to turning over the receivers room.

While Chase would give the Lions a legit WR1 on the outside, Toney would give the Lions a slot gadget player who can set a defense on fire. Jared Goff needs receivers who can separate, and Toney can provide that in spades, even against elite NFL defensive backs.

Next best WR: Elijah Moore (Mississippi)

Joe Tryon, EDGE, Washington

You can never have enough pass rushers and Joe Tryon could give the Lions another weapon in the Romeo Okwara mold. Ideally, Julian Okwara, Austin Bryant, and Charles Harris would fill this role, but injuries and/or production issues make all three an unknown at this time. Tryon himself is also a a bit of a project due to Washington’s defensive scheme, but adding him to their front would go a long way to helping shore up their issues getting pressure.

Next best edge rusher: Joseph Ossai (Texas)

With the top six candidates listed, now it’s time for you to vote. My pick is coming on Saturday, but if you were in my spot, who would you pick?