Detroit Lions 2026 Tight End Mock Draft

We are approaching the end of my mock draft series for the Detroit Lions. Each one has covered a single position. I have already selected tackles, interior linemen, wide receivers, and running backs. This will be my last mock on offense. Defensively, I have chosen safeties, cornerbacks, edge rushers, and linebackers for the Lions, with an upcoming piece for defensive tackles to complete the series. Detroit may draft a young quarterback to develop behind Jared Goff, but I see no need to create an entire mock for the position. I hope you enjoy my Detroit Lions 2026 Tight End Mock Draft.

Lions Expected To Increase Tight End Usage In 2026

With the arrival of new Offensive Coordinator Drew Petzing, Detroit is expected to utilize its tight ends more frequently going forward. Petzing is known for being a huge advocate of 13 personnel (three TEs on the field) sets. But to run 13 personnel successfully, you need plenty of horses in the stable, which makes it likely the Lions will add some tight ends this offseason. They have already been linked to David Njoku, who is about to become a free agent.

Building up the Lions’ TE group is off to a great start with Sam LaPorta, already one of the league’s best. LaPorta, who was placed on Injured Reserve after Week 10 with a back injury that required surgery, is well into his rehab and should be ready in time for training camp. Behind him is reliable backup Brock Wright, who excels more as a blocker than a receiver. After Wright was also sidelined with a nasty trachea injury, the rest of the Lions’ cupboard proved to be bare. Depth options like Anthony Firkser and Zach Horton failed to make any impact. Longtime TE3 Shane Zylstra, himself hurt for much of the year, also struggled mightily. I don’t expect any of those three to return to the Lions. The offense took a huge step backward without LaPorta. Detroit will look to free agency and the draft for upgrades. Let’s find some prospects to send to the Motor City.

Round 1, Pick 17: Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

The undisputed top tight end in the draft, Kenyon Sadiq could add an extra dimension to the Lions’ offense. Pairing Sadiq with LaPorta would give the Lions the most formidable TE twosome in the league. Mismatches would be created everywhere, and both could free up space for speedsters Jahmyr Gibbs and Jameson Williams to wreak havoc. Built like a bodyguard at 6’3 and 245 pounds, Sadiq combines great speed (4.48) and unreal explosiveness (41.5-inch vertical). A master at gaining yards after the catch, the former Oregon Duck displays terrific body control and consistently wins contested-catch situations. His blocking could improve, but the effort is there. Even with Sam LaPorta, Sadiq is a tempting option for Detroit.

Round 2, Pick 50: Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt

Stowers, who stands 6’4 and weighs 239 pounds, is an elite receiving threat. A matchup nightmare for defenses, Stowers is better suited to play a “big slot” role than a traditional, inline tight end. As a key member of Vanderbilt’s offense, he finished his collegiate career with 111 receptions, 1407 yards, and nine touchdowns. If the Lions are committed to having multiple TEs running routes together, the former quarterback can become an impact player in Drew Petzing’s offense. While needing more work to be an average blocker, Stowers excels at turning short passes into long gains. His addition would give Lions’ QB Jared Goff another weapon at his disposal.

Round 4, Pick 118: Justin Joly, NC State

Another versatile pass-catching maestro, Justin Joly is another tight end who deserves a serious look from the Lions. After spending two seasons at Connecticut, Joly transferred to NC State, and his production exploded. His two years with the Wolfpack combined for 92 catches, 1150 yards, and 11 TDs. While not the best overall blocker, Joly is effective at chipping edge rushers before breaking into his routes. Reliable in traffic, uses his elite ball-tracking skills and enormous catch radius to make plays. Capable of lining up all over the offense, Joly can contribute to the Lions right away. His role will only grow if Brock Wright goes elsewhere, as 2026 is the last year of his contract. Justin Joly will bring much-needed depth and production to a Lions’ tight end room that needs both. As more people become familiar with his game, Joly is steadily climbing up draft boards.  His presence on the field will allow OC Petzing to feel confident running the two and three-TE sets he is known for.

Round 5, Pick 155: Sam Roush, Stanford

Sam Roush is a completely different type of TE than the ones listed above. An exceptional blocker in both the running and passing game, Roush is an ideal fit for a Lions team trying to re-establish its dominant rushing attack.  He brings good size at 6’5 and 259 pounds. Roush’s success on short and intermediate routes makes him a solid option on third down. The Second-Team All-ACC recipient can bully through arm tackles, and he fights hard for extra yards. Areas for improvement exist, like his drop percentage. Roush will never wow anyone with his athleticism, but he is just a really good football player who contributes to wins.

Round 6, Pick 186 (Via Cleveland): Eli Raridon, Notre Dame

Like many late-round prospects, Eli Raridon comes with both upside and risks. The towering 6’7, 260-pound TE can stretch the field on seam routes by using his giant frame to box out defenders. Although not elite, Raridon holds his own when blocking. Speed is an issue for the versatile Raridon, so he needs to test well at the Combine if he wants to hear his name called sooner. Multiple ACL tears in his right knee might scare off some teams, but the talent is there if his medicals look good at The Combine. Raridon is a solid depth TE for the Lions, but they will need to develop him properly. Right now, Raridon finds success because of his enviable size, not due to his technique. If he can improve his weaknesses, Raridon will be an upgrade over what the Lions currently have behind Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright.

Round 6, Pick 203 (Via Jacksonville): Dallen Bentley, Utah

A high-floor type of prospect, Dallen Bentley is a good run-blocker who is also a sneaky-good route runner. Bentley isn’t an explosive playmaker. However, he has the ability to make defenders miss. His 6’2, 265-pound frame comes with good body control and surprising acceleration. Bentley’s overall skill set fits well with Detroit’s current TEs Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright. The former Ute is a very realistic target for the Lions in the late rounds.

Round 7, Pick 222 (Via Cleveland): Marlin Klein, Michigan

To finish out their draft, the Lions stay in-state with Michigan’s Martin Klein. Known for his speed, Klein was clocked at 21.75mph during team testing. Very impressive for someone who is 6’6 and 250 pounds. Klein is a high-upside, developmental prospect whose blocking ability and high motor make him an attractive target for Detroit. Although still raw, Klein has plenty of room to grow. If he reaches his full potential, the Lions will have themselves another very good tight end.

That wraps up my offensive single-position mock draft for the Lions. What do you think of my picks? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section. Be on the lookout for my next piece on defensive tackles, which will end the series. I will then be moving on to other Lions’ topics as the NFL offseason speeds along.

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