We spend so much time talking about the players that everyone knows for the Detroit Lions. I mean, I've talked about Pat Bryant for like three months now. I have no intention to stop doing that, by the way.

Today, I want to focus on the guys we're not talking about enough. The hidden gems the Lions can sneak in and steal. 

Shaun Dolac, LB, Buffalo

The MAC Defensive Player of the Year was everywhere for Buffalo last year. He had 168 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and five interceptions. It's insane that he is currently projected to be an undrafted free agent. While he may be a priority free agent, the Lions might be wise to just draft him in the sixth or seventh round to ensure that they get him. It wouldn't be a shock at all to see him selected in this draft by someone to prevent him from being a UDFA. 

Sa'Vion Jones, Edge, LSU

Jones reminds me a lot of James Houston in the sense that he needs to grow his tool belt a little more, but he's already really good at one or two moves. Jones can explode off the line, and he bull rushes just about anyone. He can show a spin move sometimes. The knock on him has been that he's not super fast, and he sometimes can push so hard that he blows by the guy he's supposed to tackle. 

For a fourth-round pick, Jones could be a lot of help even before he gets the chance to get some help from Kacy Rodgers. Jones may not be the top guy the Lions should take, but in addition to someone else, he is a score on Day 3. 

Jabbar Muhammad, CB, Oregon

If Muhammad isn't 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds, we're talking about one of the best corners in this draft. Because he's small, he's likely going at the end of day three. 

Muhaamad is scrappy like Amik Robertson. He's not big, but he's going to stick with you. In 2024, he allowed a reception percentage of 46.8% and had 10 pass breakups. There were times when teams just didn't even try to throw it his way.

Jackson Slater, OG, Sacramento State

Yes, it's an FCS school and all that, but talent is talent, and this guy has it. In the past two seasons combined, Slater has allowed just 13 pressures and no sacks. That is not easy to do at any level of the game. Slater could be the future left guard for the Lions after taking a year to get used to the NFL. He's projected to be a fifth-round pick. 

Lan Larison, RB, UC-Davis

Sure, the Lions don't need a running back right now, but Larison is one of those guys who just gets yards in one way or another. He can obviously run the ball. But he could also be a receiver. That may be where the Lions see more of a future for him. Maybe that's why they had him in for a top-30 visit. He's a priority undrafted free agent. 

Fadil Diggs, Edge, Syracuse

The Lions had a virtual visit with Diggs the other day, and you can see why. There's some real potential there. He had 42 pressures and eight sacks for the Orange last year. There are some questions about his run-stopping, but from a pass-rushing stance, he can get back there.