Top 11 options for the Detroit Lions in Round 2 of our mock

Q: Who are the top options for the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2026 NFL draft?

The top options include Gennings Dunker, T.J. Parker, R Mason Thomas, Gabe Jacas, and several other edge defenders.

Q: What position did the Detroit Lions select with their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft?

The Lions selected offensive tackle Spencer Fano with their first-round pick.

Q: Why is the edge rusher position a priority for the Detroit Lions in the 2026 NFL draft?

The edge rusher position is a priority due to the team's need for improved pass rush capabilities, with only one edge defender selected in the second round so far.

Q: What are the strengths of Gabe Jacas as a potential pick for the Lions?

Gabe Jacas is known for his physical attributes and high pass rush production, boasting 19.0 sacks and six forced fumbles in two years.

CHAMPAIGN, IL - NOVEMBER 01: Illinois Fighting Illini OLB Gabe Jacas (17) during a college football game between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and Illinois Fighting Illini on November 1, 2025 at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign, IL (Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The Detroit Lions are on the clock for their second-round pick in our site-wide 2026 NFL mock draft. This draft is run by our commenters. We took 31 of our most loyal commenters and asked them to act as general managers for 31 teams. The Lions’ general manager is our own Erik Schlitt. We’ve spent months talking about the Lions’ pick in the first round, but now let’s talk about the second round. Before we do, remember that with the 17th overall pick, Erik grabbed Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano for the Lions. And if you want to know how the board has fallen since then, check out our 2026 Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft Tracker. In this post, I’ll break down my top 11 options remaining on the board for the Lions, and you can vote on your favorite option in the poll at the bottom of the post. **OL Gennings Dunker** It would be a bit unconventional for the Lions to pick two offensive linemen to kick off the draft, but Dunker is an intriguing interior option with a mean streak on the field. No one would be able to accuse the Lions of half-assing their offensive line upgrades if they added Fano and Dunker to start. Plus, as a college tackle, Dunker could take his time in moving inside since has playable options at left guard right now. **EDGE** **T.J. Parker, Clemson** Oddly, only one edge defender has been selected in the second round thus far—and only seven overall. So the majority of these options are going to be at that position, a huge position of need for Detroit. Parker is generally the highest-ranked edge defender on the board, and for good reason. He’s got good size (6-foot-3, 263), is solid in the run game, and produced 16.0 sacks in his last two years at Clemson. **EDGE , Oklahoma** Thomas is a bit undersized for the Lions’ liking (6-foot-2, 241), but he doesn’t play small. He’s extremely strong and meets blockers with an audible POP. The effort in the run game won’t be a problem, and his production as a pass rusher (15.5 sacks in the last two seasons) is tempting. **EDGE Gabe Jacas, Illinois** Tall, long, and broad, Jacas physically fits in Detroit well. His reputation as a grinder will likely endear him to Lions coaches, as well. Combine that with high pass rush production (19.0 sacks, six forced fumbles in two years), and it’s easy to see why he’s a popular pairing for Detroit’s second-round pick. However, some analysts have questions about his instincts in the run game, and that’s something the Lions will care about more than most teams. **EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M** Howell would represent a deviation from what the Lions are typically looking for in an edge defender, given his size limitation (6-foot-2, 253), but he would bring some much-needed pass-rushing juice to Detroit. He had 9.5 sacks in his last season at Bowling Green and 11.0 sacks in 2025 with the Aggies. He’s somewhat familiar with dropping into coverage, so he could even fill part of the role necessary with a SAM linebacker, but that would require a lot of development. **EDGE Derrick Moore, Michigan** The pair of Michigan edge defenders offers very different skill sets for Detroit, but both could work. Moore is more of a physical edge setter, which could be a plus in the Lions’ run game. But he appears to have some athletic tools to be an above-average pass rusher, too. Last year, he posted 10.0 sacks for the Wolverines and an impressive 92.4 PFF pass rushing grade. **EDGE , Michigan** Barham, on the other hand, may be a better fit for Detroit’s SAM linebacker role. He started his college career as an off-ball linebacker, but transitioned to an edge defender during the Wolverines’ 2025 season. He brings a linebacker’s instincts to the edge position, allowing him to drop into coverage smoothly and defend against the run. And at just 240 pounds, he’s got a ton of athleticism. The pass-rushing production hasn’t quite developed yet (4.0 sacks last year), but he’s got the tools for it. **DT Domonique Orange** There’s been a little run on defensive tackles, with three taken in the second round thus far, but Orange is potentially the last available on this tier. Plus, as a pure nose tackle, he fits one of Detroit’s biggest remaining needs after left in free agency and DJ Reader remains unsigned. Orange—AKA “Big Citrus”—probably won’t bring a ton to the NFL as a pass rusher, but he’s a boulder in the run game. Good luck moving him. **LB Kyle Louis, ** Four linebackers were taken in the last 13 picks, but Louis is still there and could be worth it. While undersized (6-foot, 220), he could be the coverage linebacker the Lions need in a post-Alex Anzalone world. As a former safety, he’s got both the hands and instincts of a defensive back, while maintaining an aggressive mindset as a tackler. He’ll also score highly on the GRIT Index given his excellent reputation as a hard worker and competitive player. **DB Keionte Scott, ** I’ll forfeit my space here to , who wrote . **DB , ** Stokes went from walk-on to three-time captain, displaying his gritty fit with the Lions. As a defensive back, his best fit is unclear. He played mostly on the outside at Arizona, but his size and physical nature could fit him best on the inside. There are age (25) and injury (ACL in 2024) concerns, but he’s coming off his best season, which included six passes defended and four interceptions. Vote on your selection, and we’ll reveal Erik’s pick on Friday: