Lions land ideal Alex Anzalone replacement in way too early 2026 mock draft

Mock drafts are always fun, especially when they're done before the next regular season has even begun. In ESPN's most recent mock draft by analyst Field Yates, the Lions go back to the Big Ten to add some linebacker depth for the future.

Yates predicts that the Lions will draft Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles in 2026 in an effort to make the decision for Ale x Anzalone a bit easier if the team opts to move on. Anzalone is in his 5th year with Detroit and the final year of a 3-year contract.

While Anzalone has been a key piece in the Lions resurgence over the past several years of the Dan Campbell era, he has suffered injuries in 2 of the last 4 seasons and has recently turned 30 years old. And, given a recent contract dispute between himself and the team, it feels more likely that he'll walk in 2026 than get a new deal done.

Lions land Alex Anzalone replacement in 2026 NFL mock draft

"Versatility, communicator and athleticism - those are some words that initially come to mind when scouting Styles, who began his OSU career at safety before moving to linebacker full time in 2024. It almost looks like he's gliding on the field because he moves so gracefully, which helped him pile up 98 tackles and six sacks in 2024," wrote Yates about Styles, projected to land with the Lions at 29th overall.

The Lions currently have linebacker Jack Campbell on the roster, who has turned into a leader for Detroit. The team will have the option to extend him for his 5th year on a rookie deal for the 2027 season. They also will need to make a decision on Malcolm Rodriguez, who is in the final year of his rookie contract and is also recovering from a torn ACL.

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The potential drafting of Styles gives Detroit another physical playmaker that allows the team to get younger. In addition to ability to be a downhill player, Styles is also an above average tackler. Styles may struggle in coverage, as reports have labeled him too handsy down the field when in space.

Originally coming into college as a safety, Styles isn't short on athletic ability. However, he will need to continue to grow his game to become a more well-rounded linebacker.

If the Lions do choose to go with a linebacker in the 2026 draft, they have plenty of decisions to make regarding pending free agents. In addition to Rodriguez and Anzalone, Trevor Nowaske and Zach Cunningham will both be hitting the free agent market next year.

With new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppherd at the helm of the defense, the former NFL linebacker has plenty of experience and wherewithal to get a new crop of linebackers ready to play in 2026.

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