Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft Guide

The Detroit Lions had a disappointing 2025 season. A ruthless first place schedule caused the Lions to stumble and finish last in the NFC North. However, there is still plenty to like about this team. GM Brad Holmes has had strong draft classes during his tenure and is looking to add another strong class to the team. This roster is about to become more expensive with looming extensions for players like Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell. A strong 2026 NFL Draft will help this team get back on top of the NFC North.

Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft Picks

The Detroit Lions have nine picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.

• Round 1: No. 17
• Round 2: No. 50
• Round 4: No. 118
• Round 4: No. 128 (from Texans)
• Round 5: No. 157
• Round 5: No. 181 (Compensatory Selection)
• Round 6: No. 205 (from Jaguars)
• Round 6: No. 213 (from Seahawks through Jaguars)
• Round 7: No. 222 (from Browns)

The Detroit Lions come into the 2026 NFL Draft with plenty of capital to work with. While they only have two picks in the top 100, getting a fourth round pick from the Houston Texans for David Montgomery was huge. This year’s third round pick was sent to Jacksonville in the Isaac TeSlaa trade. Holmes will have plenty of dart throws on day three.

Team Needs

The Detroit Lions need help in the trenches. Two years ago, this was one of the best offensive lines in football. It is a shell of its former self now with Penei Sewell being the only member left from two years ago. The signing of Cade Mays helped solidify the center position but this team could use more interior linemen as well as a tackle or two.

Stop me if you’ve heard this one. Aidan Hutchinson needs someone opposite him. Analysts have been saying this for two years and the Detroit Lions haven’t been able to find the right guy. Getting some pass rush help will free up Hutchinson and make the rest of the defense better. The departure of Alex Anzalone also means the team needs to add linebacker depth.

Lions 7-Round Mock Draft

A quick note about the mock draft. I am avoiding trades for my own sanity. It doesn’t matter what crazy offer I’m given, I’m ignoring it.

• Round 1: No. 17: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
• Round 2: No. 50: LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
• Round 4: No. 118: DT Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati
• Round 4: No. 128: TE Eli Raridon, Notre Dame
• Round 5: No. 157: S VJ Payne, Kansas State
• Round 5: No. 181: OT Keagen Trost, Missouri
• Round 6: No. 205: EDGE Mikail Kamara, Indiana
• Round 6: No. 213: OG Jaeden Roberts, Alabama
• Round 7: No. 222: CB Jadon Canady, Oregon

Mock Draft Analysis

After making the Aidan Hutchinson joke, you’d think I would have prioritized an edge rusher. The offensive line piece was too good to pass up. Gibbs is the engine of their offense. If the run game is working, the offense is nearly unstoppable. Rodriguez is an athletic linebacker who would line up well opposite Campbell. I do have them taking a late round edge rusher but I wonder if the Detroit Lions will try and sign someone like Joey Bosa to fill the need in the short term.

The most interesting pick was Raridon out of Notre Dame. Sam LaPorta is more of a receiving tight end so Raridon looks to fill a need in the blocking game. He is a massive athlete who could act as a sixth linemen at times.

The Detroit Lions will look to return to form in 2026. While some have wondered if the team has missed its Super Bowl window, there is still plenty of talent to compete for the division crown. A last place schedule will also be favorable to a team looking to bounce back. Can the Lions turn it around in 2026 with a strong draft class?