Lions’ perfect 2026 NFL Draft trade

The smartest option for Detroit is trading down in the first round with the goal of scooping up value at offensive tackle.

Detroit needs a new left tackle after cutting Taylor Decker back in March. The Lions have teased a possible position change for Penei Sewell, which seems highly likely headed into the draft.

That is a big deal because, in theory, it enables the Lions to target either left or right tackle in the draft. Detroit has the flexibility to target their favorite tackle prospect at either position and slot in Sewell at their other starting spot.

The Lions can take advantage of that flexibility by trading down in the first round. They could either gain more picks to use right away in 2026 or load up on 2027 picks for the future.

Remember, Detroit has a handful of players who will soon be due huge contract extensions. That means young players on cheap rookie contract should be worth their weight in gold to Detroit.

Lions fans should be thrilled at the concept of gaining additional draft capital while still landing a first-round tackle prospect.

But what could a potential trade down actually look like?

Who could be trade partners with Detroit? And what might they pay to trade up?

This entire plan is predicated on Detroit still landing a tackle in the first round. So they need to be careful not to trade down too far and miss out on a first-round caliber tackle prospect.

Some ideal trade partners include Dallas (2oth overall), Pittsburgh (21st overall), and Philadelphia (23rd overall).

All three teams could realistically be looking to trade up during the first round. Both Dallas and Philadelphia are notoriously aggressive during the draft and could look to jump up a few spots to grab a player they love. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh could be tempted by Alabama QB Ty Simpson. If they are interested in Simpson, trading up for spots in the first round is hardly a barrier.

The Lions could still land a quality draft pick, or multiple late-round picks, by trading with any of these teams.

According to the Jimmy Johnson trade chart, Detroit could net a late third-round pick or early fourth-round pick by trading with Dallas. NFL teams do not strictly follow that trade chart of course, but it does give a general sense of what the Lions could ask for.

Anything in that ballpark would be a solid return if the Lions still land a rookie tackle who they are excited about.

Which offensive tackles could the Lions land after trading down?

The best part of moving down only a handful of picks is that Detroit should still have options at tackle. Three players stand out as realistic options in the early 20s.

Blake Miller (Clemson) is an athletic freak with 54 career starts at right tackle in college. That set a Clemson record for consecutive starts by a non-specialist. He has many traits that NFL teams love to see in tackle prospects, including long arms and powerful hands. Miller could become an excellent right tackle in the NFL if Detroit’s coaching staff can improve his technique and pad level.

Meanwhile, Caleb Lomu (Utah) could step in at left tackle for the Lions. Lomu was a two-year starter at left tackle for the Utes who flashes impressive pass protection skills. He still needs to develop his physique and needs additional coaching before he’ll up against elite NFL talent. Still, he could win a training camp battle with Larry Borom if Detroit wants to keep Sewell at right tackle.

Finally, there’s Max Iheanachor (Arizona State). Iheanachor only started playing organized football in 2021. But he caught on quick, starting 31 games at Arizona State after learning the game at East Los Angeles College. Iheanachor caught the attention of several scouts after performing well at the Senior Bowl. Detroit could play Iheanachor at right tackle in 2026 as long as he proves himself during training camp and the preseason.

Lions fans should be happy to land any of these three prospects late in the first round. Especially after gaining some extra draft picks by trading down.

Make it happen, Brad Holmes.