I want to start by wishing everyone a Happy Easter. I am Orthodox, so my Easter is next Sunday. The best part of Orthodox Easter is getting all the candy we need at 50-75% off. That said, we are less than three weeks away from the 2026 NFL Draft. It is definitely one of the most exciting events on the NFL calendar for all 32 fan base franchises. The Detroit Lions have plenty of pressure on them to hit on this draft class. GM Brad Holmes has not seen his last two draft classes have nearly the same impact as his 2021-2023 masterpieces. I have already picked the best options for Detroit in the first round, as well as full 7-round mock drafts. Now I am selecting the top 5 second-round targets for the Detroit Lions.
It is widely assumed that the Lions will secure their left tackle of the future in the first round. If that is the case, EDGE should be their target in the second round. Luckily for Detroit, this year offers a deep crop of edge talent, with a local product who could fall into their lap at pick 50.
Derrick Moore had a phenomenal season for Michigan in 2025. Utilizing an unstoppable bull rush, Moore powered his way to 10 sacks and 41 QB pressures. That production would be a welcome sight opposite Lions’ superstar Aidan Hutchinson. The 6’3, 260-pound Moore has the versatility to line up all over the defensive line. If the former Wolverine can improve his run-stopping ability, Detroit will finally have the complete edge rusher it has been starving for to complement Hutchinson. Moore’s addition to an edge group that also includes free agent signings D.J. Wonnum and Payton Turner would give the Lions a ferocious defensive line.
If the Lions don’t draft a tackle in the first round, I can’t imagine them passing on one in the second. Taylor Decker’s long-term successor is not yet on the roster. Caleb Tiernan could be that guy.
The massive 6’8 and 325-pound Tiernan has the physical traits to stick at LT in the NFL. Thought to have a very high floor, Tiernan is ready for the next level. Possessing a high football IQ, Tiernan showcased smooth lateral movement at the Combine. Tiernan would come to the Lions as a polished pass blocker, which would be a welcome sight for QB Jared Goff. If Detroit decides to move All-Pro Penei Sewell to the left side, Tiernan could easily switch to RT, making him even more appealing to the Lions.
The Lions have quite a few solid edge options in the second round. If Brad Holmes doesn’t get Derrick Moore, Gabe Jacas would be a great alternative. Jacas has the ideal size Detroit wants for its edge rushers at 6’3 and 265 pounds, making him a terrific fit for Kelvin Sheppard’s defense.
Jacas is coming off two impressive seasons at Illinois. After a breakout 2024 campaign, where he registered eight sacks, Jacas followed with a Big Ten-leading 11 sacks in 2025. At the Combine, Jacas put up 30 bench press reps, showing his great strength. Also boasting a 79-inch wingspan, Jacas can quickly become a disruptor for the Lions.
The Illinois standout has frequently been mocked to the Lions, and it is easy to see why. Jacas can play the SAM linebacker spot as well, a complex position in Detroit’s scheme, should Sheppard want Derrick Barnes to switch to Alex Anzalone’s old WILL LB spot.
4. Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State
Zakee Wheatley, who has been steadily rising on draft boards, would be a terrific addition to the Lions. With Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph both dealing with significant injuries, the Lions head into 2026 with a huge question mark at the back of their defense. Brad Holmes signed veteran S Chuck Clark a few days ago, which was a smart acquisition, but more depth is needed.
Wheatley, the Defensive MVP of the 2024 Fiesta Bowl, brings a lot to the table. With excellent size at almost 6’3 and 202, the former Nittany Lion has a knack for making big plays. Over his final two years at Penn State, Wheatley amassed 169 total tackles, 4 interceptions, and three fumble recoveries.
As well as being highly productive, Wheatley has the range to be a “centerfielder” for the Lions. With Wheatley patrolling the back of his defense, opposing quarterbacks feel extra pressure not to make a bad throw or read. Wheatley can also line up in the box, as he is a willing tackler against the run. Having a chess piece like Wheatley would be a huge boon for the Lions’ defense.
Jake Golday can immediately fill the void left by Alex Anzalone’s departure. Golday is a big, super-athletic LB who stands at 6’4 and weighs 240 pounds, often drawing comparisons to Lions’ star LB Jack Campbell. Lining both up side by side would be a nightmare for opposing offenses.
Golday had a stellar season for the Bearcats in 2025. He finished the year with 104 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Ranked at number 47 on Dane Brygler’s top 100 list, Golday showed his excellent speed by running a 4.62 at the Combine. That speed allows Golday to be trusted in coverage, which Detroit demands of its linebackers.
The Lions met with Golday at the Combine. If his medical records look good, it would be hard for the Lions to pass on a potential difference-maker who would likely start from day one. Golday fits with everything the Lions want to do on defense. Pairing him with Jack Campbell would keep linebacker a team strength, even after Anzalone’s exit.