
My series of Detroit Lions mock drafts continues to roll along. With the NFL Scouting Combine set to begin on Monday, many prospects will soon see their draft stocks rise or fall, depending on how they perform throughout the week. So far, I have covered safeties, cornerbacks, edge rushers, and linebackers on the defensive side of the ball. On offense, I have drafted tackles and interior linemen. Now I am turning my attention to wide receivers. The 2026 draft is loaded with talent at the position, giving the Lions plenty of options to add to their already strong receiving corps. I am excited to deliver my 2026 Detroit Lions Wide Receiver Mock Draft.
The Lions currently have one of the best Wide Receiver duos in the NFL. Amon-Ra St. Brown continues to prove he is one of the league’s best and most consistent wideouts. The explosive Jameson Williams, after a rough start to his career, has produced back-to-back seasons of over a thousand yards. Both have been a huge part of Detroit’s recent success, and have signed contract extensions that will keep them in Motown for years. Beyond those two, however, the Lions’ depth chart is murky. Kalif Raymond is set to enter Free Agency after five seasons in Detroit. Though still a dynamic punt returner, the 31-year-old speedster has seen his role on offense shrink over the last two years. Raymond’s time with the Lions is probably over.
GM Brad Holmes made a big move in last year’s draft, trading up 32 spots in the third round to select Isaac TeSlaa. As a rookie, the talented but raw TeSlaa made a name for himself with spectacular catches and became a reliable weapon in the red zone. That said, his overall lack of playing time and production suggests he has a long way to go before becoming a featured player in the Lions’ offense. After TeSlaa, the Lions also have young, promising players like Jackson Meeks and Dominic Lovett, but neither has earned a meaningful role yet.
The Lions will almost certainly add to their receiver group, either through the draft or free agency. Will they be looking to add only depth, or will Detroit add another big-time weapon for QB Jared Goff? We will find out over the next two months. If the Lions go the draft route, here are some of the receivers who may pique their interest:
Would the Lions really use their top pick on another receiver? I have learned never to count anything out when it comes to Brad Holmes. Having Boston on the field with St. Brown and
Williams would be downright scary. At 6’4 and 210 pounds, the former Husky would finally give the Lions the big “X” receiver they have been looking for. Blessed with fantastic hands and a huge catch radius, Boston also shows the tenacity as a blocker that Dan Campbell demands from his wideouts. Though he doesn’t have elite speed, Boston is a master at creating separation and is NFL-ready right now. Drafting Boston will also allow TeSlaa to continue developing before being thrust into a more prominent role that he may not yet be ready for.
Like Jameson Williams, Chris Bell is coming into the draft after suffering a torn ACL late in the season. That didn’t stop the Lions from drafting Jamo, and it shouldn’t stop them from considering Bell, who has the talent of a top-20 pick. Pairing his 6’2, 220-pound frame with elite 4.40 speed, Bell is a nightmare for defenses. A physical receiver who racks up yards after the catch, he is also an effective blocker. Bell plays like a bully, routinely shaking off tackles and regularly coming down with contested catches. Bell fits in the mold of the Eagles’ A.J. Brown, and the Lions’ already-potent offense can afford to be patient with his injury. Whenever he returns, though, Detroit’s offense can reach an even higher level.
The younger brother of QB (and former third overall pick) Trey Lance, Bryce is a tall, athletic X-Receiver who is an elite vertical threat. Lance has 25 touchdowns on 127 career collegiate receptions. A reliable target at all levels on the field, Lance is one of the draft’s best-kept secrets. He does need to improve his blocking and can struggle with his release against press coverage. Often compared to fellow Bison WR Christian Watson, Lance has a sky-high ceiling. Once he adjusts to NFL competition, the Lions will have another premium weapon at their disposal.
A former walk-on, Josh Cameron emerged as Baylor’s WR1 over the last two seasons. The 6’1, 224-pounder is built like a running back. Cameron would provide excellent depth for the Lions and could replace Raymond as the team’s punt returner. Even without top-end speed, Cameron was named Second-Team FWAA All-American in 2024 after averaging a whopping 20.7 yards per return. In his final season at Baylor, Cameron recorded 69 catches for 872 yards and 9 touchdowns, dropping only a single pass. Though he lacks elite explosiveness, Cameron can develop into a productive NFL receiver once he adds to his current route tree.
Wallace is another sleeper pick that the Lions should have an interest in. The Penn State transfer blends good size (6’1, 180 pounds) and solid 4.48 speed. Wallace finished his lone season at Ole Miss with 61 catches for 934 yards. He played a big role during the Rebels’ deep run in the College Football Playoff. Wallace excels at finding holes in zone coverage and demonstrates solid ability after the catch. Able to play multiple receiver spots, who is a threat underneath and deep, Wallace does have issues with drops. If corrected, Wallace would provide Detroit with excellent value late in the draft.
Montgomery absolutely dominated in 2025, finishing the season with an amazing 119 catches, 1528 yards, and a whopping 15 TDs. Although he played at a Division III school, Montgomery significantly raised his draft stock with a terrific showing at the Senior Bowl. His ability to produce against top-level competition would make Montgomery a steal in the sixth round. A human highlight reel, who is still learning the game of football after starting his college career as a basketball player, the 5’11, 190-pound burner has huge upside. If he can add strength, Montgomery can carve out a long NFL career. Not bad for someone who didn’t start playing football until the age of 21.
Young, who stands at 6’5 and weighs 215 pounds, is a big, strong WR who would fit right in with the Lions. If he can run in the mid-4.5s, Young could see his draft position rise after the Combine. The Miami transfer consistently finds soft spots against the zone, and his premium size makes him a reliable red-zone and short-yardage threat. Not a vertical option, Young’s value to Detroit will come in the intermediate areas, but his physicality and toughness make him a natural target for the Lions.
I have thoroughly enjoyed making these single-position mock drafts for the Lions. I hope to add a couple more before finishing the series. I’d love to hear your feedback on which of my picks you like or disagree with. Drop your comments below.
(Note: Picks are subject to change, as the NFL has not yet announced compensatory selections, and trades involving draft picks are pending.)
More must-reads:
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!