Detroit Lions 2026 7-Round Mock Draft 4.0

After almost two weeks of free agency, the Detroit Lions’ long list of needs is becoming even more evident. Instead of making many splash signings of free agents, GM Brad Holmes has focused on smaller acquisitions to add depth. Positions like left tackle and edge rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson still lack clear starters. While Holmes will still be adding players via free agency, it has become apparent that the Lions will be using the draft to fill many of the team’s remaining holes. The pressure on Detroit to select a draft class full of immediate contributors is mounting. With that in mind, now is a great time for my Detroit Lions 2026 7-Round Mock Draft 4.0.

For this mock, I have decided against forecasting any trades involving picks. While it remains likely the Lions will make moves during the draft, I only want to make selections from Detroit’s current crop of picks. My first mock had the Lions trading back in the first round for additional picks. Mock number two had the Lions trading up to snag a third-round pick. The last mock I created had Detroit making both trades. Not this time. Without any trades, this version promises to include several new faces. Let’s get to the picks.

Round 1, Pick 17: Kadyn Proctor, LT, Alabama

With Taylor Decker’s release, the Lions’ need for drafting his successor is overwhelming. After only signing Larry Borom in free agency, Detroit desperately needs an upgrade for Jared Goff’s blindside. Proctor, the massive 6’7, 352-pound LT from Alabama, has a rare combination of size and athleticism that could make him the best LT in this class. 

Is this pick without risk? No. Proctor’s enormous upside, however, makes him a home run swing that could pay off big time. Analysts have differing opinions on Proctor, but his potential should make O-line coach Hank Fraley thrilled with this pick. Proctor, if developed correctly, can hold down the LT spot for the next 10 years, just like Decker had for the previous decade. There will be growing pains for Proctor, but his selection is just the kind of talent infusion the Lions’ offensive line needs.

Round 2, Pick 50: Derrick Moore, Edge, Michigan

Since Al-Quadin Muhammad left in free agency for Tampa Bay, Detroit’s need for an edge rusher has never been higher. Brad Holmes did bring in D.J. Wonnum from Carolina and kicked the tires on former Saints’ first-round pick Payton Turner, but the position is far from set. Luckily for the Lions, there is an in-state prospect who can finally solve their long-term problem at edge rusher.

Derrick Moore exploded for Michigan in 2025. Armed with a devastating bull rush and refined hand technique, Moore finished the season with 10 sacks and 41 pressures, while also forcing two fumbles. Moore, at 6’3 and 260 pounds, has the size the Lions covet from their edge rushers. His ability to play multiple spots along the line only adds to his appeal. If Moore can improve his run-stopping prowess, Kelvin Sheppard will be ecstatic with this pick. A defensive line with Hutchinson and Moore, both former Wolverines, as bookends, will be very formidable on game days.

Round 4, Pick 118: Keylan Rutledge, Guard, Georgia Tech

The Lions’ offensive line still needs work to return to its dominant ways. After taking LT Kadyn Proctor in Round 1, Detroit double-dips with Keylan Rutledge here. The Georgia Tech standout has continued to climb up draft boards all offseason. In my Lions’ interior offensive line mock draft, I had Rutledge to the Lions in the sixth round. Now he would be a steal two full rounds earlier.

Rutledge is a mauler in the run game who plays with a mean streak that Dan Campbell will absolutely love. After a solid showing at the Combine, where his athleticism score of 90 topped the guard class, the 6’4, 316-pound Rutledge has shown the ceiling to be a starter in the NFL. Rutledge is a perfect schematic fit in Detroit, excels at run-blocking, and is just what the Lions need after the team’s rushing attack took a step backward in 2025.

Round 4, Pick 128 (From Houston): Jalen Kilgore, S, South Carolina

Kilgore, an ultra-athletic safety from South Carolina, could help alleviate some of the uncertainty surrounding the Lions’ group of safeties. With the star duo of Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph suffering from serious injuries, Kilgore would immediately compete for a starting job. With seven INTs and two fumble recoveries over his last two seasons, Kilgore has a knack for creating turnovers. 

Kilgore was one of the top performers at last month’s Scouting Combine. Measuring at 6’1 and 211 pounds, the former Gamecock ran a blistering 4.40 in the forty. He also showcased elite explosiveness with a 37-inch vertical and 10’10” broad jump, earning an impressive 9.97 RAS. Detroit’s secondary needs help, especially at safety. Kilgore would be an excellent value at that spot and would be able to make a significant impact, even as a rookie.