17 prospects for Detroit Lions to consider on Day 2 of NFL draft

Historically, the second round of the NFL draft has been awful for the Detroit Lions.

Titus Young. Mikel Leshoure. Ryan Broyles. Jordan Dizon. Even Kyle Van Noy, though he’s gone on to have success with the New England Patriots.

The Lions’ hit rate on second-round picks has been dismal dating back to the turn of the century. Save for Darius Slay in 2013, none of the team’s last eight second-round picks has earned a second contract in Detroit, and none of its second-round selections from 2008-12 is even in the league anymore.

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Defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson and cornerback Teez Tabor, the Lions’ last two second-rounders, showed flashes of promise in the second half of last season, but the jury is still out on their futures.

The Lions found help for their offensive line in the first round of the draft Thursday, taking Frank Ragnow with the 20th pick overall. They still have needs along the offensive and defensive lines, at running back and even tight end, and it’s up to general manager Bob Quinn to make good use of picks No. 51 and 82.

Here are 17 players who could interest the Lions in Friday's second round:

RB Derrius Guice, LSU — Some thought Guice would be in play for the Lions at 20. He fell out of the first round because of maturity concerns and the position he plays, but would be a slam dunk if he makes it to 51.

RB Ronald Jones, USC — Once projected as a first-round pick, Jones did not have a great pre-draft process, pulling his hamstring at the combine. He’s still a top talent, though, who averaged 6.1 yards per carry for his career.

RB Nick Chubb, Georgia — The Lions had the worst rushing offense in the NFL last season. They could use a workhorse like Chubb, a three-time 1,000-yard rusher in the SEC.

Read more: In deep RB draft, Lions' best bet might be waiting

DE Harold Landry, Boston College — Landry led the nation with 16.5 sacks in 2016, but wasn't the same player last year while playing through an ankle injury. Many projected him as a first-round pick, but NFL Network reported that some teams flagged him medically for his knee and back.

LB/DE Lorenzo Carter, Georgia — The Lions didn’t get a pass rusher in the first round, so it’s imperative they land one on Day 2. Carter has the length at 6 feet 5 and the speed at 4.5 seconds in the 40 to get after quarterbacks.

OLB Malik Jefferson, Texas — Jefferson has flown under the radar some as a prospect, but his 40 time (4.52 seconds) was comparable to Roquan Smith, and he’s a three-down player who can help as a pass rusher.

DE Rasheem Green, USC — Green, who made a pre-draft visit to Detroit, left school after a 10-sack junior season. He’d play as a rotational end as a rookie, but could replace Ziggy Ansah in 2019.

More: Lions position-by-position needs in 2018 NFL draft

DE Sam Hubbard, Ohio State — Once thought to be a first-round pick, Hubbard slipped over concerns about his athleticism. He’s big, productive and skilled, though, and would fill a need.

DT Maurice Hurst, Michigan — Hurst might be the best pass-rushing defensive tackle in the draft, but a heart condition dropped him out of Round 1. If he’s cleared by Lions doctors, he’d be an immediate upgrade to the defensive line.

DT Harrison Phillips, Stanford — One of the most productive defensive tackles in college football last season with 103 tackles. Can play either interior line spot.

DT B.J. Hill, North Carolina State — The Lions didn’t get a chance to draft Vita Vea on Thursday, but Hill is the next best thing as a run-stuffer. Ran a sub-5-second 40 at the combine at 311 pounds.

DT Nathan Shepherd, Fort Hays State — Division II prospect ranks as one of the best interior run defenders in the draft. Played high school football in Canada, and cuts an imposing figure at 6 feet 4 and 315 pounds.

S Justin Reid, Stanford — Do-it-all safety had five interceptions last season and is the brother of former 49ers safety Eric Reid. Should be the third safety off the board after first-round picks Minkah Fitzpatrick and Derwin James.

S Jessie Bates, Wake Forest — Rangy center fielder could be the heir apparent to Glover Quin. Adds special-teams value in coverage and as a return man, and had a pre-draft visit with the Lions.

CB Isaiah Oliver, Colorado — The Lions have bigger needs than cornerback, but Oliver has the size, speed and approach to excel in Matt Patricia’s defense.

TE Dallas Goedert, South Dakota State — Eric Ebron’s departure opened the door to the Lions drafting a tight end (and we know how much you love that). Goedert is a “move” tight end with a big body and good hands.

TE Mike Gesicki, Penn State — No tight end had a better combine than Gesicki (4.54 40, 41.5-inch vertical). He’s not much of a blocker, but can stretch the field.

Contact Dave Birkett: dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.

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