Lions’ 2026 NFL Draft Grades For Every Pick

The Detroit Lions entered the 2026 NFL Draft with a few obvious needs. Detroit parted ways with left tackle Taylor Decker back in March, creating a massive hole on Jared Goff’s blind side. The Lions also shed multiple players on the defensive line, creating another need in the trenches.

Lions general manager Brad Holmes built his team primarily through the draft. Detroit seemed to understand that they would need another strong draft class to get back to the playoffs in 2026.

Did Holmes work his magic once again and deliver a great draft class? Or will the Lions regret neglecting a position or two come the regular season?

Here are draft grades for every pick the Lions made during the draft.

Round 1, Pick 17: T Blake Miller, Clemson

The Lions entered the draft with a clear need at offensive tackle. But Detroit immediately solved that problem by taking one of the draft’s most underrated tackles in the middle of the first round.

Miller should be a popular player among fans. He is a hard-nosed player who has an excellent combination of quickness, technical savvy, and a high motor. Some scouts even compared Miller to Decker.

Detroit has restored their identity as a team with a strong offensive line, especially after signing center Cade Mays during NFL free agency. This move should also cement Penei Sewell’s position change to left tackle, with Miller stepping in right away at right tackle.

This pick is the perfect blend of good player, valuable position, culture fit, and filling a position of need. That makes it an easy A.

Grade: A

Round 2, Pick 44: EDGE Derrick Moore, Michigan

Finally, an edge rusher!

Lions fans have been clamoring for another edge rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson for years now. Detroit finally granted that wish with another former Wolverine.

Moore has everything the Lions have been looking for. He is capable of setting a firm edge against the run and creating pressure as a rusher. Moore is primarily a bull rusher, which is ideal because that should force opposing quarterbacks directly into Hutchinson’s path on the opposite side.

The grade for this pick gets a slight downgrade because the Lions traded up to get Moore.

Still, it is hard to argue with his fit in Detroit’s defense. It is still a great selection that could have a big impact in 2026.

Grade: B+

Round 4, Pick 118: LB Jimmy Rolder, Michigan

Detroit added another Michigan defender in Rolder.

Rolder can be a long-term piece in Detroit’s linebacker room.

Jack Campbell is bound to get his fifth-year option picked up, and likely a long-term extension after that. Aside from Campbell, Derrick Barnes is the only other linebacker under contract after the 2026 season.

Rolder should be in the mix to replace Alex Anzalone at WILL linebacker, though he’ll have to compete with Malcolm Rodriguez and Damone Clark.

This could be a great pick if Detroit gets four year of production out of Rolder, even at a less valuable position like off-ball linebacker.

Grade: B

Round 5, Pick 157: CB Keith Abney II, Arizona State

The Lions found their next Amik Robertson in Abney.

Abney is on the smaller side at 5-foot-9, 187 pounds but scouts describe him as “feisty.” He is a smart, instinctive defensive back who Kelvin Sheppard will love dialing up blitzes for.

Abney lined up against Jordyn Tyson during practices at Arizona State. Perhaps that’s where he learn to play above his weight class. He’ll now have the opportunity to defend against an elite tactician in Amon-Ra St. Brown and a speedster in Jameson Williams during practice.

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein gave Abney a third round projection with a pro comparison to Taron Johnson. That should show Lions fans how much of a bargain they got on him in the fifth round.

The Lions added a ton of bodies to their secondary in free agency, which means Abney will have to earn a role on the team. But Abney seems up to the task.

Brian Branch could miss some time this fall, so don’t be surprised if Abney is playing in the slot early in the season.

Grade: A-

Round 5, Pick 168: WR Kendrick Law, Kentucky

Detroit traded up to draft Law in the fifth round. It was by far the biggest surprise of Day 3 for the Lions.

Law projects primarily as a kick returner and special teams contributor in the NFL. He could also compete for the Kalif Raymond role in Detroit’s offense during training camp.

The biggest issue for Law is that newcome Greg Dortch will be competing for the exact same role. Dortch has more NFL experience and a relationship with OC Drew Petzing from their shared time in Arizona.

Competition aside, there’s no telling how many receivers the Lions will want to roster behind St. Brown, Williams, and Isaac TeSlaa in 2026. There is no guarantee that Law has a spot on the final roster.

This pick has the best chance of any on this list of not working out.

Grade: D

Round 6, Pick 205: DT Skyler Gill-Howard, Texas Tech

The Lions needed some more depth on the interior of the defensive line.

Lions fans will love that Gill-Howard can do it all. He is capable of both stopping the run and collapsing the pocket when rushing the passer.

Gill-Howard gives Detroit some stability at the position, joining Alim McNeill, Tyleik Williams, and Mekhi Wingo as long-term solutions at the position.

The elephant in the room is Gill-Howard’s season-ending leg injury during the 2025 season. He only did the bench press at the Combine but did run some drills at the Texas Tech pro day. His health during training camp will be one subplot to follow.

Gill-Howard could be a steal for the Lions in the sixth round if he becomes a rotational piece on their defensive line.

Grade: B

Round 7, Pick 222: DL Tyre West, Tennessee

West is a tweener who has a build similar to a defensive tackle, but with a lighter frame at 278 pounds. However, Tennessee used him as a 5-technique and even defensive end at times.

Fortunately, the Lions have experience using players in that role.

West projects primarily as an interior pass rusher thanks to hsi quick first step. He may need to add some weight and improve his technique before Detroit trusts him with run defense duties.

Ultimately West is a good pick who brings even more depth to Detroit’s defensive line.

Grade: C+