Detroit Lions 7-Round Mock Draft 2.0

The NFL Draft is quickly approaching, so it is time for my Detroit Lions 7-Round Mock Draft 2.0. If you’d like, you can compare it to my first mock draft. This one promises some big changes, as a lot has happened since I released my first one.

My, what a difference a week makes. The NFL Scouting Combine came and went. Several draft prospects balled out and are seeing their draft stock soar. Others were not so fortunate, concerning NFL teams with their disappointing performances. As always, many of the prospects did not participate in positional drills, opting to wait until their respective Pro Days to show what they can do.

The Detroit Lions, specifically, had a whirlwind of a week. News of Terrion Arnold’s legal problems in Florida broke, hurting the team’s hopes of landing Maxx Crosby. The Lions also traded RB David Montgomery to the Houston Texans. While not unexpected, the move has created a gaping hole in Detroit’s backfield. 

How have the events of this past week affected my new mock draft? Dramatically, as it turns out. Let’s see who I am now predicting to end up in the Motor City this April.

Round 1, Pick 17: Dillon Thieneman, Safety, Oregon

No first-round trade this time. The Lions’ situation in the secondary is getting bleaker by the day. Arnold’s drama may increase their need for a cornerback, which may be the least of the secondary’s concerns. Detroit’s incredible safety duo of Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph simply cannot be counted on for the 2026 season. Branch will miss most, if not all, of the upcoming season after tearing his Achilles tendon. There is even more uncertainty surrounding Joseph, whose chronic left knee injury is casting doubts on his 2026 availability, possibly even cutting his career short. The Lions must find a way to handle being without not one, but two, fantastic safeties.

Enter Thieneman, whose Combine performance was out of this world. Measuring 6.0″ and 201 lbs., the Oregon Safety wowed with a 4.35 forty-yard dash and an amazing 41-inch vertical jump. His showing in positional drills was equally impressive. Thieneman demonstrated elite mobility. His movement was sharp and sudden with zero wasted motion. Once thought to be a second-round selection, Thieneman has been seeing his stock rise over the last month. After absolutely dominating at the Combine, Thieneman is clearly now a top-20 prospect. I expect the Lions to be all over him. Even as a rookie, Thieneman will be a difference-maker for Detroit’s defense.

Round 2, Pick 50: Gennings Dunker, Guard/Tackle, Iowa

I am sticking with Dunker going to the Lions in Round 2. The versatile mauler will give Detroit plenty of options and become a building block for the offensive line. The former Hawkeye can start inside at guard right away, before taking over for Taylor Decker at left tackle when the time comes. Dunker could also become the Lions’ right tackle if the team decides to move All-Pro Penei Sewell to the left side after Decker leaves. Of course, Dunker could always just stick to guard and be a 10-year starter. He is that good. I believe Gennings Dunker is destined to become a Detroit Lion.

Round 3: TRADE!

In my previous mock, I had the Lions trading down from pick 17 to pick 24 in the first round and picking up two extra picks from Cleveland, including a third-rounder. This is a deep draft, with plenty of talent available in the middle rounds. With an avalanche of needs to be addressed now, the Lions would be wise to acquire a third-round pick, even if it means sacrificing future capital. Detroit finds its dance partner in the Pittsburgh Steelers. Let’s check out the draft details.

Detroit Lions receive: Pick 85, 2027 7th-round pick

Pittsburgh Steelers receive: Picks 118, 203, 2027 3rd-round pick

The Lions make a move to finally get a long-term edge rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson. Even if Detroit retains Al-Quadin Muhammad, his deficiencies against the run don’t fit with what the Lions require from their edge rushers. Muhammad would be best used as a pass-rush specialist, leaving plenty of early-down snaps for a more well-rounded player.

Meanwhile, the Steelers come into the 2026 Draft with at least 12 picks and the ability to maneuver as much as they want. Pittsburgh sounds like they are expecting QB Aaron Rodgers to return for another season, especially after hiring Mike McCarthy, Rodgers’ old coach from Green Bay, to replace Mike Tomlin. If Rodgers doesn’t return, expect the Steelers to make a play for the recently released Kyler Murray, similar to Pittsburgh’s signing of Russell Wilson in 2024. The Steelers will put off finding their QB of the future until 2027, as next year’s QB class appears to be much stronger. Getting an extra 2027 3rd-round pick will give them more ammunition to move up to draft their guy.

Round 3, Pick 85 (From Pittsburgh): Anthony Lucas, Edge, USC

Anthony Lucas would be a perfect complement to superstar Aidan Hutchinson. Lucas, at 6’5 and 280 pounds, has the size and strength the Lions covet on the edge. His ability to collapse the pocket and clog throwing lanes will make Lucas an asset to any defense. Terrific at setting the edge, Lucas uses his physicality and 7-foot wingspan to dictate where the play goes. The former Trojan has not yet developed into a dominant sack artist (only 3 in college), but he has the tools and power to get to the quarterback. The Lions will bet on his traits leading to more production, and could have Muhammad to take over on obvious pass downs. 

Round 4, Pick 128 (From Houston): Kaytron Allen, Running Back, Penn State

Using one of the picks acquired in the David Montgomery trade, the Lions select his replacement. Allen is the closest RB in this class to D-Mo, and I think the Lions will choose to draft their new RB2 over signing an older, more expensive player in free agency. Allen, at 6’0″, 220 lbs., is a powerful runner who excels in picking up the tough yards and is more than capable as a pass-protector. With a strong lower body and low pad level, Allen consistently breaks tackles and drags the pile for extra yards. With 43 career touchdowns, Allen is a proven red-zone weapon who can impact games in a variety of ways. Reminds me of someone the Lions used to know.

Round 5, Pick 155: Sam Roush, Tight End, Stanford

Roush is another pick from my original mock, and I am sticking with him here. The 6’5, 260-pound tight end is an ideal fit for Detroit. A great in-line blocker who can also contribute in the short-to-intermediate passing game, Roush will allow the Lions to play the multiple TE sets that new OC Drew Petzing loves. While Sam LaPorta will still earn the Lion’s share (pun intended) of receptions, Roush will give Detroit another reliable offensive weapon. He could overtake Brock Wright as TE2 as soon as 2026.

Round 5, Compensatory Selection (Projection): Tyren Montgomery, Wide Receiver, John Carroll

This is the first time I have estimated a compensatory selection for the Lions. Still not officially announced by the NFL, Detroit is expected to receive an extra pick for Carlton Davis III leaving in free agency. 

Montgomery is also someone whom I have consistently mocked to the Lions. The 5’11, 190-pound receiver dominated Division III in 2025 with 119 catches, 1528 yards, and 15 TDs. That success carried over during Senior Bowl week, against much stronger competition. Detroit may need to replace WR Kalif Raymond, who is set to be a free agent. The Lions may decide to move on from the 31-year-old speedster, who has seen his role on offense decrease over the last two years. Tyren Montgomery could fill the void if Raymond departs. Montgomery, who didn’t start playing football until the age of 21, has tantalizing upside.

Round 6, Pick 186 (Via Cleveland): Charles Demmings, Cornerback, Stephen F. Austin

A new addition to my mocks, Charles Demmings turned some heads with his Combine performance. Measuring at 6’1, 193 pounds, Demmings combined excellent size with 4.42 speed, a 43-inch vertical, and 11-foot broad jump. Those explosive traits transitioned into smooth, fluid movement during drills. Even coming from a small school, Demmings is seeing his stock rise. Reaching his ceiling will take patience, but Demmings can immediately become the Lions’ gunner on Special Teams.

Round 7, Pick 222 (Via Cleveland) Micah Morris, Guard, Georgia

Originally included in my interior offensive line mock draft, Micah Morris has cemented himself as worthy of a late-round selection. His athletic testing numbers at the Combine were absurd. At 6’5 and 334 pounds, Morris posted a 9.98 RAS (Relative Athletic Score). That is the fifth-best score out of 1748 guard prospects in combine history. Morris is raw, and his technique needs refinement before he can earn meaningful playing time. However, his elite athleticism and solid power are exactly the types of traits worth taking a swing at in the late rounds. 

There you have it. Another mock draft is in the books. The new league will be starting soon. What happens in free agency will have a drastic impact on the draft. Look for another mock draft from me after the first round of free agency settles. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Who do you want the Lions to draft?

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