Before the draft I put out my series of Draft Tiers. Tier one was the players I believed would immediately make two positions better. Lions first round pick Jarrad Davis was among those I put in that group. Tier Two were players I believed would immediately start for the Lions from the moment they walked in the door. Rather than a straight copy of my impact tiers, this is a list of the top 35 remaining players for Lions day two selection, most of whom made those lists. Every one of these players will be a starter in the NFL in my opinion.

Lions Day Two Draft Selections: The Best of The Rest

Chidobe Awuzie A toolbox corner capable of playing any coverage well. Cordrea Tankersley A ball-hawking press corner, but not lost in other coverage types. Joe Mixon The best RB in the draft, but also, the most controversial pick. Obi Melifonwu The Draft’s premier workout warrior, but he can also play. Dalvin Cook Off the field issues are the reason he is still on the board. Forrest Lamp The best offensive lineman in this draft, immediately a great guard. Buddah Baker Hard hitting but slightly undersized safety. Alvin Kamara Dynamic return ability, and explosive one cut runner. Zay Jones The best hands in the draft. good speed, decent size. Kevin King Big and athletic corner used to being the guy across the field from a great CB. Dan Feeney A high end interior lineman that would finish off the Lions overhaul. Akhelo Witherspon This corner has ideal height, and athleticism. He gets his hands on balls. Carl Lawson The best pass rusher left in the draft, better than a couple that were taken already. Tarell Basham The most promising pass rusher in the draft, May become better than some who have already been taken. Amara Darboh Excellent hands, big bodied, and good speed are why a team might want him. Malik McDowell Inconsistent effort and bad interviews, but a very talented lineman. Fabian Moreau He was a very good corner but the injuries are concerning Josh Jones Aggressive play making safety. Freakishly good athlete. Caleb Brantley Interior pass rusher that gets the job done vs the run too. Tyus Bowser Flamethrower off the edge, but also able to handle coverage a bit. Jordan Willis The left defensive end type the Lions need across from Ziggy Ansah Marcus Maye Field general type safety that kept Florida’s talented group organized. Cooper Kupp He’s a smart receiver who understands his limitations and works within them to get the best results. Derek Rivers Raw small-school pass rusher that has the traits to become a game-changer. Adam Shaheen Raw small-school tight end that has the traits to become a game-changer Tyler Elflein Polished interior offensive lineman. Snaps it directly to the QB without a glance, every time. Like clockwork. Chris Wormley Big and athletic Michigan lineman. May be able to do more than asked in college Justin Evans Athletic safety prospect. More of a hitter than a form tackler. Montravious Adams Thick three-technique with an explosive first step off the ball. Dalvin Tomlinson He’s a very similar player to A’Shawn Robinson, but a bit more burst. Zach Cunningham Slick coverage linebacker with insane hype he wouldn’t match, but a great value in round three. Curtis Samuel Able to fill in as a RB, but likely going to make his living downfield and returning kicks. Rasul Douglas A big-bodied corner who may need to transition to safety. Alex Anzalone Injuries are the thing that have held Anzalone back from being among the elite linebackers of this class. Nathan Peterman If you’re looking for a day two quarterback, this is the best one. I don’t think the Lions are, but if they were…

Those are my top 35 players who remain on the board. I will be disappointed if the Lions day two choices aren’t on this list.