7-round 2026 Detroit Lions mock draft, Brad Holmes can change the world with this one

Detroit Lions fans are not having a good time right now. Because of that, they're asking for mock drafts. While there are still 14 different ways the Lions can make the playoffs, I am still addicted to doing mock drafts, so I will be those people's huckleberry. Here's a seven-rounder for you:

Trade down with the Chargers

I wanted to get a third-round pick, but I didn't want to move down too far. The Chargers called and offered that very thing, so I did it.

Lions get: 19th and 83rd pick
Chargers get: 17th pick

19th pick: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech

There are a few plug-and-play edges in this draft, and Bailey is one of them. He's got explosive athletic ability and the length you're looking for on the edge, but he could use a little bit of work in the run-stopping game. The good news is the Lions are pretty good in that area already, so they have some leeway to let a guy grow there. Bailey has 70 pressures and 13 sacks this season. Those 70 pressures lead the nation at the moment.

Trade up with the Cowboys

The other day, I wrote a story about how it's time for Brad Holmes to say "F them picks" and take some swings. Here's a way that Holmes can "F them picks" and still not break the bank. Move back into the first round. He did have to give up some stuff to do it, though.

Lions get: 23rd pick
Cowboys get: 50th pick and Lions' 2027 first-round pick

23rd pick: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State

The trade-up might have felt like you gave up a lot, but you get the best interior offensive lineman in the entire draft. If the plan is still to move Tate Ratledge to center, then here is a guy who can come in and play either guard spot. He would likely take the left guard spot, move Ratledge to center, and Miles Frazier over to the right guard spot. Loane has been at Penn State for four seasons, and he's allowed 26 pressures and three sacks in that time. Those three sacks were two years ago, by the way.

83rd pick: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina

Take advantage of the fall. Sellers was considered a first-round pick at the start of the season, then the Gamecocks' offense struggled to the point where they fired their offensive coordinator during the season. This shouldn't scare anyone away from what Sellers can be. That includes the Lions. I wouldn't be shocked if he entered the transfer portal and looked for a new home in college, but if he goes in the draft, this is the guy that the Lions had hoped Hendon Hooker would be.

118th pick: Xavier Chaplin, OT, Auburn

We know the Lions have spent some time at Auburn this season scouting players. Now that Connor Lew is probably not coming out after a torn ACL, Chaplin is the next best thing on that line. We don't know if Gioavnni Manu is ever going to materialize into a thing, but Chaplin is someone who could be a starting left tackle after some growing time.

134th pick: Boubacar Traore, Edge, Notre Dame

Not the first time I've brought up Traore. The Lions have gone to watch Notre Dame three times this season, and I think Traore is the guy they like there. We'll see soon enough if I'm right. Doubling up on edge makes a lot of sense for the Lions. Both Josh Paschal and Levi Onwuzurike may not be coming back, so here are their replacements.

• 157th pick: Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan: The Lions have had some bad luck at tight end this year. They'd be crazy not to improve their depth in this area.
• 202nd pick: Wydett Williams Jr, S, Ole Miss: Safety depth is another thing the Lions could use soon.
• 206th pick. Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas: Could be a solid special teamer with upside.
• 219th pick: Desmond Reid, RB, Pitt: I just can't figure out any other reason the Lions have gone to see Pitt more than once.

This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Dec 1, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.