Lions' Post-Senior Bowl Mock Draft

Round 4, Pick 118 — Michael Taaffe, S, Texas

Taaffe had a productive career at Texas, notching seven career interceptions over his final three years in the Longhorns' secondary. He was also very active as a run defender, notching 222 combined tackles, including 9.5 for loss.

Injuries plagued the Lions' secondary throughout the year in 2025, including season-ending injuries to both Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. With the long-term ramifications of these injuries uncertain, and Branch heading into the last year of his rookie deal, adding insurance at this position would be beneficial.

Round 5, Pick 155 — Jager Burton, C, Kentucky

The retirement of Frank Ragnow during the offseason forced some shuffling around the Lions' offensive line, and they enter the offseason without a bonafide option at the center position. Even if the team feels confident in Graham Glasgow, Tate Ratledge or a different option, adding young insurance would be a solid idea.

The Lions have invested heavily in their offensive line over the past two drafts, including three interior line additions. Still, none of those draftees have been centers, and Burton has experience after playing in 51 career games over his five seasons at Kentucky.

Round 6, Pick 186 — Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia

New offensive coordinator Drew Petzing was among the NFL's most frequent deployers of multi-tight end packages, particularly 13 personnel. As a result, the team could be in the market to add depth at this position, and the draft would be a good opportunity to do so.

Delp was productive at Georgia, catching 70 passes over four seasons for the Bulldogs. He was moderately efficient as a run-blocker, earning a 59.4 overall run-blocking grade, via Pro Football Focus, in 2025.

Round 6, Pick 203 — Kaleb Proctor, DL, Southeastern Louisiana

Proctor is an intriguing under-the-radar prospect at the FCS level, and had a strong showing at the East-West Shrine Bowl. He impressed with his ability to get off the line of scrimmage, which matches the production he had with 16.5 career sacks at Southeastern Louisiana.

At the NFL level, he projects more as a three-technique than a nose tackle. He has some pass-rush juice, and the Lions could utilize him in a rotation behind Alim McNeill and Tyleik Williams.

Round 6, Pick 212 (Projected compensatory pick) — Bryce Boettcher, LB, Oregon

The Lions could have a shake-up coming at the linebacker position, as both Alex Anzalone and Malcolm Rodriguez are both free agents. Even with Jack Campbell reaching All-Pro status in his third season, the team may need to restock its depth.

Enter Boettcher, who is coming off of back-to-back 90-plus tackle seasons, including 136 combined tackles in 2025. He also graded out well in coverage, recording a 78.3 grade in this area in his last campaign. He could provide immediate special teams production with the ability to develop into more.

Round 7, Pick 222 — Luke Altmyer, QB, Illinois

The 2026 draft class lacks the overall depth that some years have had, but there are some intriguing late-round options. One of these options is Altmyer, who had back-to-back solid years at Illinois, including a 3,000-yard season in 2025 for the Fighting Illini.

Altmyer doesn't have any spectacular traits that could push him up draft boards, but limited turnovers during his time in college and does have some upside. This would be an intriguing developmental option for the offense behind Jared Goff, in a backup quarterback competition.