Open thread: Which players should the Lions target on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft?

Looking at the top Day 3 options for the Detroit Lions in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The first two days of the 2024 NFL Draft are in the books, but the Detroit Lions have just begun to add to their roster. With Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. in the newly rebuilt cornerback room, the rest of the roster could use an injection of youth. Yet whom could the Lions target with their remaining draft picks?

The Lions’ next scheduled pick is 164th overall, meaning we are slated to wait a bit before Detroit is on the clock again. Unfortunately, our list of best available Day 2 options was fully exhausted, meaning we will have to again dip into the prospect pool. With that in mind—and considering a potential trade up—let us look at which names could hear their name read on Saturday.

Today’s Question of the Day is:

Which players should the Lions target on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft?

My answer: Let’s go by position.

• Quarterback: I don’t envision or agree with the Lions drafting a quarterback, but if they were to pick one, Michael Pratt would be a decent fit. There are two types of backup quarterbacks in the NFL: a developmental project and a de facto second quarterbacks coach. Hendon Hooker is the high-upside backup, but Pratt could be a replacement for Nate Sudfeld both on the field and in the film room.
• Running back: Jaylen Wright is arguably the top running back on the board, but I’m doubtful he will make it to Detroit’s next pick. Instead, I think Blake Watson would be a nice addition to Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. He’s undersized but the former receiver has great gadget potential—can’t argue with more weapons for Ben Johnson.
• Fullback: I’m cheating a bit here by listing Jaheim Bell, since he is more of a tight end than a fullback. However, there’s no question he would add another dynamic option to the Lions offense.
• Wide receiver: A lot of names are on the board, but Troy Franklin stands out the most to me. His elite speed would pair well with Jameson Williams to threaten opposing defenses deep while Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta do damage everywhere else.
• Tight end: Even putting aside my Canadian bias, Theo Johnson is an elite athlete who could challenge for the TE2 spot down the road once his blocking improves. Even if it doesn’t, he’s dangerous enough as a receiver to see the field in other ways.
• Offensive line: It’s hard to project where a Day 3 offensive lineman will play, but I’ll try to project a tackle, guard, and center. At tackle, look for Detroit-born Javon Foster out of Missouri. At guard, Christian Mahogany would be an excellent heir to Kevin Zeitler. As insurance for Frank Ragnow, Beaux Limmer makes sense as an athletic interior lineman.
• Defensive tackle: Mehki Wingo is undersized compared to Alim McNeill or DJ Reader, but he has speed and agility that’s arguably unmatched on the roster right now.
• Defensive end: Gabriel Murphy is a similar build to Julian Okwara and James Houston, replacing the former and challenging the latter for the role of SAM linebacker.
• Linebacker: Having lost Anthony Pittman in free agency, look for the Lions to replace him with a high-upside player that can stand out on special teams. Edefuan Ulofoshio fits the bill.
• Cornerback: A triple dip at cornerback? If the Lions feel bold enough to target another cornerback, the CFL’s Qwan’tez Stiggers is a favorite of mine. Worst case, the Lions get a quality gunner on special teams.
• Safety: Sione Vaki is fully on Detroit’s radar, though he classifies more as a “weapon” than a pure safety.
• Kicker: Jake Bates out of the UFL is atop every Lions fans’ wishlist, but given that he is not draft eligible, the next-best option could be Joshua Karty, who has been touring Detroit landmarks like the Little Caesars headquarters in the leadup to the draft.
• Punter: It isn’t happening.
• Long snapper: The Lions could technically upgrade at long snapper, but to draft one would haunt my dreams.

With hundreds of draft picks still to come, the 2024 NFL Draft is far from over. Which players sit atop your wishlist for Day 3? Let us know in the comments below.