2026 Detroit Lions Mock Draft

Lions veteran left tackle Taylor Decker is weighing the possibility of retirement. That is the last place on the offensive line where a team wants a hole, so Detroit should address that now. The 6’7, near 370-pound Kadyn Proctor may turn into an absolute force on the left side of the line. The All-American out of Alabama has elite-level strength, surprising quickness, and the ability to cover plenty of ground at his size.

The Lions would also, as they like to do with tackles, perhaps be able to run some untraditional plays with him.

There are some concerns with his footwork at times, but once that is corrected, he could turn into another OT that anchors the Lions’ left side for a decade.

R2. Connor Lew, C, Auburn

With the fiasco that took place at center for the Lions this past season, that position absolutely needs addressing. Connor Lew became a starter as a true freshman at Auburn, and he could do the same as an NFL rookie. Lew is a high-IQ player with exceptional pre-snap recognition, making him a great pass protector and leader of the offensive line. As a three-year starter in the SEC, he also faced his share of future NFL talent. Lew could be the real replacement for Frank Ragnow if the Lions were to make this selection.

R4. Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama

Alabama senior cornerback Domani Jackson is one of the more fascinating stories of the 2026 draft. Jackson was a five-star recruit out of high school in 2022 and was the number two CB behind Travis Hunter. During his first year at USC, however, Jackson suffered a season-ending knee injury in just his second game.

After a so-so sophomore campaign, Jackson transferred to Alabama and started showing signs of being the player many thought he would be. Lack of discipline and motor kept Jackson from truly putting it all together, though, making him a potentially day three pick.

When fully locked in, Jackson can run step for step with anybody. The former track star tied the California state record in the 100-meter dash at 10.25. At 6’1 and nearly 200 pounds, he can also be physical with bigger receivers. Dan Campbell is the ultimate motivator and could be the coach who fully unlocks Jackson’s potential. If that happens, he could turn in a special player for the Lions.

R5. Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF

Malachi Lawrence could provide some solid late-round pass rush help for Detroit. The 6’4, 250-pound edge rusher out of UCF possesses an excellent first step and a diverse set of pass rush moves. That allowed him to finish fifth in the Big 12 with 7.5 sacks and earn all-conference honors in the process. Lawrence is a liability in run defense as it stands, which would make it hard to utilize him as an every-down player. There is a possibility of correcting that down the line, but for now, Lawrence is better as a rotational piece used on passing downs.

R6. Taylen Green, QB, Arkansas

The sixth round is a good spot to take a flyer on a QB with tools. At 6’6, nearly 230 pounds with a 4.4 40 time, and the ability to deliver the deep ball on the money, Taylen Green is an intriguing prospect. The mechanics and decision-making are not ideal, but in theory, those issues are correctable. Green has all the physical tools, and if he can overcome those shortcomings, he could become a legit NFL quarterback. This pick would be a long-term play, and if the Lions decide to move off Jared Goff in a few years, Green could be ready at that time.

R6. Kyle Louis, LB/S, Pittsburgh

Kyle Louis is a tackling machine who has also shown the ability to be a playmaker. Over his last two seasons at Pittsburgh, Louis had a total of 182 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, ten sacks, six interceptions, and a pick-six. The former All-American also puts in the extra work off the field, showing up before practice to watch film and correct his own mistakes.

At 220 pounds, Louis may be a bit undersized for a linebacker in the NFL, so there is a possibility that he will see his share of snaps at safety. For a Lions team that may lose a few LBs in free agency and often have injuries in the secondary, that versatility would be beneficial.

R7. Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan

Michigan tight end Marlin Klein is a player with great size and physical tools, but he did not have much production in the passing game. The 6’6, 250-pounder had 24 catches for 248 yards and a TD in his final season in the maize and blue. Most of that production came in Week One versus New Mexico, where he posted a line of 6/93/1. Klein is better known for his blocking skills and high energy, who can occasionally get loose vertically with his long strides.

The draft projection could move up for Klein depending on the combine results, but if he is still available in round seven, Detroit should take a chance on him. There is a possibility that Klein can become a solid secondary TE option at the next level if the route running develops.

End Of My Detroit Lions Mock Draft Rant

The Lions’ window is still open with the current group, so it is important to find players who can step in immediately (particularly on the OL). There are also opportunities to find developmental pieces that could potentially become starters in the future.

Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, Brian Branch, Terrion Arnold, Jack Campbell, and Tyleik Williams are all on rookie deals, so Detroit will have some tough decisions to make in the future. The young talent in this mock draft could step in within the next couple of years if the Lions have to let some of their current players walk.