Lions' Day 2 Wishlist

The Detroit Lions shocked many with their decision to draft running back Jahmyr Gibbs and linebacker Jack Campbell during the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Detroit general manager Brad Holmes made both picks inside the top 20. Though both players were taken higher than expected, the organization was excited about the quality of players it drafted.

"They're football players. If you believe they can have an impact for you on the football field, then you go ahead and take them," Holmes explained. "It's no disrespect to the mock drafts. I get it's not the guys that everybody had in their mock drafts and all that stuff. But, frankly, we don't care."

The Lions made a trade in the first round to move back from the sixth overall selection. In addition to adding the No. 12 overall pick, they picked up a third pick in the second round.

Detroit now holds the 34th overall selection, along with the 48th and 55th overall picks. The team is slated to pick three times Friday during the draft's second day, which covers the second and third rounds.

Here are eight players the Lions could select on the draft's second day.

Alabama DB Brian Branch

The most surprising development from Thursday's events may have been the fact that the Lions did not add a defensive back. They were the favorites to land either Devon Witherspoon or Christian Gonzalez.

Witherspoon was picked fifth overall, while Gonzalez went No. 17 overall to the New England Patriots. With defensive back remaining a top priority, Holmes and company could add the best one still available on Friday: Brian Branch.

Branch is a versatile defender who can line up in a number of different spots. With Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn's adaptable defensive scheme, the young defensive back could find his niche as either a slot corner or box safety.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson has a similar, more polished skillset. However, he's only on a one-year deal, and Branch would provide future insurance.

Penn State CB Joey Porter Jr.

If the Lions want a more conventional cornerback, Porter fits the mold. He's a lengthy and athletic, man-to-man cornerback who was avoided most nights in the Big Ten.

Though he had only one interception in college, he broke up 21 passes over three years. With free agents Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley, along with veterans Jerry Jacobs and Will Harris, Porter would have a safety net that would allow him to develop.

The Penn State product has been connected to the Pittsburgh Steelers, which pick first Friday. Thus, he could be the first player taken on Day 2.

Wisconsin DT Keeanu Benton

With concerns about Levi Onwuzurike's health, the Lions need to add depth on the defensive interior. Benton brings an athletic presence, with the ability to plug running lanes.

The Wisconsin product would pair well with Alim McNeill and Isaiah Buggs, both of whom were solid in 2022. Detroit needs to improve against the run, after being among the league's worst defenses last season. So, drafting help in the trenches would be beneficial.

Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer

A consensus first-rounder entering the draft, Mayer surprisingly slid out of the first night of the draft. He's a top-tier pass-catching target, with good athleticism from the tight end position.

The Lions were content with the performance of their trio of young tight ends following the T.J. Hockenson trade. Mayer could contribute in a way similar to Hockenson, and aid a Lions offense that has added weapons throughout the offseason.

Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker

Holmes made the backup quarterback position a point of emphasis early in the offseason. With Hooker and Kentucky QB Will Levis still on the board, the team could target Jared Goff's understudy early on Friday.

Coming off a torn ACL, Hooker seems to be on the fast-track to recovery heading into his rookie season. He's reportedly aced his pre-draft meetings, and has desirable leadership qualities.

An accurate quarterback who demonstrated control taking care of the ball, he would be an ideal backup, with future starter potential.

Northwestern DT Adetomiwa Adebawore

Adebawore is an athletic defender who is big enough to play inside. He wowed at the Scouting Combine, and the Lions were clearly interested, meeting with him on multiple occasions.

He's lighter than Benton, but his ability as a rusher makes him an intriguing option.

Ole Miss WR Jonathan Mingo

A big-bodied receiver with high-end speed, Mingo could be a stellar target for Goff. The Lions need receiver depth with Jameson Williams suspended for the first six games, and Mingo could help fill the void.

The departure of DJ Chark also puts Detroit in need of a prototypical "X" receiver. Mingo has those capabilities, and would be a solid addition.

Georgia Tech EDGE Keion White

With Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston emerging as rookies, the Lions could stand to draft another talented rusher. White fits that bill, as he was able to punish passers in the SEC.

He moves well, and has good rush technique. He profiles as an immediate rotational rusher who could serve as a change of pace from Hutchinson.