Detroit Lions 2026 Linebacker Mock Draft

In my single-position mock draft series for the Detroit Lions. I have already made my selections for offensive tackle, interior offensive line, and edge rusher. This time, I am sticking to defense and sending some linebackers to Detroit. The Lions’ defense is still a work in progress. Adding more young talent to the middle of that defense could finally get the Lions over the hump and reach the Super Bowl for the first time. Here is my 2026 Detroit Lions Linebacker Mock Draft:

Lions Have A Sneaky Need At Linebacker

The Lions currently boast a fantastic trio of Linebackers. Jack Campbell has already established himself as one of the finest in the game. As Detroit’s MIKE LB, he earned his first Pro Bowl selection, won the 2025 Butkus Award, and was named First-Team All-Pro in only his third season. Alex Anzalone continued his productive play at WILL and remained a leader of the Lions’ defense. SAM backer Derrick Barnes returned from his 2024 injury with his usual, solid play.

However, the Lions face plenty of uncertainty this offseason with their LB group. Anzalone, who was in a small contract dispute with the team before last season, is an unrestricted free agent. Contract issues tend to linger, and it’s looking unlikely that he will be returning to Detroit. Key reserves Malcolm Rodriguez, Grant Stuart, and Trevor Nowaske are also about to hit free agency. Most likely, the Lions won’t retain all of them. Losing Anzalone will especially hurt. Detroit will need to replenish its linebacker room, both for the short and long term. Fortunately, I’m excited about the linebacker prospects who could become new Lions this April:

Round 1, Pick 17: Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Pairing Sonny Styles with Jack Campbell should make Lions’ fans salivate. The 6’4, 243-pound Buckeye is the perfect Linebacker for the modern NFL. Styles, a converted safety, can play all over the field. He is an exceptional tackler as well as an elite athlete. He can play sideline-to-sideline and stay on the field in every situation. Styles would certainly fit General Manager Brad Holmes’ “best player available” drafting mentality. Holmes knocked it out of the park when he selected Campbell with the 18th pick in 2023.

If he is still available, drafting Styles at 17 this year could pay similar dividends. Sonny Styles would be an A+ pick that would bring another young star to the Motor City. The Lions’ defense would keep opposing Offensive Coordinators awake at night.

Full Scouting Report

Round 2, Pick 50: Deontae Lawson, Alabama

Brad Holmes loves going to the Alabama well during the draft. He could go back yet again for Deontae Lawson. This 6’2, 230-pound backer was a Middle Linebacker for the Crimson Tide, but projects better at WILL in the NFL. He is a terrific leader who can blanket Tight Ends in coverage. Lawson is full of grit and is blessed with a high football IQ. The two-time captain at Alabama is NFL-ready right now.

Adding strength and improving his tackling will only raise his ceiling. Lawson would inject some new blood into the middle of the Lions’ defense if Alex Anzalone does not return.

Round 4, Pick 118: Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh

I admit, I don’t think Kyle Louis will still be available at pick 118, so the Lions may have to trade up to get him. If he is still on the board, the Lions shouldn’t hesitate to draft him. Louis is considered undersized at 5’11 and 224 pounds; however, his skill set allows him to excel all over the field. Line him up in the box, the slot, or on the defensive line, and Louis will be productive. He finished his career at Pitt with 201 tackles, 10 sacks, and six(!) interceptions.

The former Panther is often compared to future Hall of Famer Lavonte David and is widely considered the best coverage LB in this class. Louis would be a steal for the Lions at this point in the draft.

Round 5, Pick 155:  Harold Perkins Jr, LSU

Harold Perkins Jr is another undersized, “tweener” Linebacker the Lions could be interested in. At 6’1, 222 pounds, Perkins is an elite athlete and referred to as a “heat-seeking missile” on the field. He racked up 15 sacks in his first two collegiate seasons at UCLA before an ACL tear in 2024. After transferring to LSU, Perkins showed flashes of his dominant run at UCLA, though he was inconsistent.

Hybrid athletes like Perkins fit in today’s NFL. If he can regain his earlier form, the Lions could hit on another mid-round pick. Perkins will immediately provide excellent depth for Detroit. He is a defensive weapon with the upside to become a good starter as his ACL injury shrinks in the rear-view mirror.

Round 6, Pick 186 (Via Cleveland): Kaleb Elarms-Orr, TCU

Kaleb Elarms-Orr is a long, highly athletic playmaker with loads of potential. This 6’2, 235-pound prospect excels in space and is a versatile defender. If developed correctly, Elarms-Orr could find himself earning a starting spot as he matures his game. Right now, he could be a valuable depth option who can be a chess piece for the Lions’ defense.

Elarms-Orr plays fast, and his four sacks in 2025 show that he has pass-rushing juice. As an intriguing prospect for Detroit, with patience, he can become a very solid NFL Linebacker.

Round 6, Pick 203 (Via Jacksonville): Kendal Daniels, Oklahoma

Daniels is another solid LB prospect the Lions should give a long look at. Standing at 6’5 and weighing 242 pounds, he is a physical marvel. Daniels can play at the line, in the box, or even in the slot. Getting this “Swiss Army Knife” type of prospect would instantly improve Detroit’s defense. Daniels tends to play too upright and still, so his tackling technique needs refining.

Lions’ coaches will undoubtedly love his upside and the chance to mold him into the player he could become. Daniels is an excellent developmental player who would bring a lot to the table as a 6th-round pick.

Round 7, Pick 222 (Via Cleveland): Xavian Sorey Jr, Arkansas

Sorey Jr really made a name for himself in 2025 after transferring from Georgia to Arkansas. That can easily happen when you’re 6’3, 231 pounds, and can run a 4.49 forty-yard dash. While at Arkansas, this uber-athletic, rangy LB saw his production soar. In his two seasons as a Razorback, Sorey Jr amassed 180 total tackles, 17 TFLs, and 4.5 sacks. Projected to play on the weak side in the NFL, he has untapped potential to be unlocked as his instincts improve. Sorey Jr. is exactly the type of high-upside, developmental lottery pick the Lions love. Taking the chance that he will reach his high ceiling is well worth the investment.

Another Lions’ mock draft is officially in the books. What do you think?  Drop your comments below and let me know what you agree or disagree with. Stay tuned for the next single-position mocks I will be making for the Lions.

(Note: Picks are subject to change, as the NFL has not yet announced compensatory selections, and trades involving draft picks are pending.)