NFL News

Home

Teams

Quizzes

Watch

Newsletter

Power Rankings

Oct 11, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils with Utah Utes offensive lineman Caleb Lomu (71) during the second quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Mock Draft Roundup: Lions Solidify Clear Areas of Need

Originally posted on Detroit Lions on SI | By Vito Chirco | Last updated Jan 30, 2026 8:34 AM ET

It's time for the fifth Detroit Lions OnSI mock draft roundup for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Over the last week, the Lions have prioritized solidifying the trenches at No. 17 overall.

Let’s take a look now at who the draft pundits have Lions general manager Brad Holmes selecting in the first round.

EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)

Mesidor is currently being selected by the following:

The Draft Network (Keith Sanchez); NFL.com (Daniel Jeremiah)

As Sanchez writes, “The Detroit Lions defensively are too dependent on Aidan Hutchinson for sack production, which is a roster issue. In the past, GM Brad Holmes has always directly addressed roster issues in the draft and has done so with a high success rate. With this pick, I believe Holmes goes after Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor, a power rusher who should be a great complementary piece to Hutchinson.”

EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn

Faulk is currently being mocked by the following:

Pro Football Network (Alec Elijah)

As Elijah opines, “Detroit’s defense took a significant step forward when it added Aidan Hutchinson, but sustaining that momentum will require another young pass rusher capable of tilting the field. Finding a long-term running mate for Hutchinson remains one of the Lions’ clearest needs, and Auburn edge defender Keldric Faulk fits that vision.

Paired with Hutchinson, Faulk would give Detroit a formidable edge duo capable of pressuring quarterbacks and controlling the line of scrimmage.”

EDGE T.J. Parker, Clemson

Parker is presently being picked by the following:

Sporting News (Vinnie Iyer)

Offensive tackle Monroe Freeling, Georgia

Freeling is currently being drafted by the following:

CBS Sports (Blake Brockermeyer)

Cornerback Avieon Terrell, Clemson

Terrell is presently being projected by the following:

Tankathon

Offensive tackle Caleb Lomu, Utah

Lomu is presently being mocked by the following:

Yahoo! Sports (Nate Tice); Pro Football Network (T.J. Randall)

As Tice opines, “While the center position might be the most important area for the Lions’ offense to improve this season, a Taylor Decker succession plan might not be too far behind. Lomu plays calm with light feet, and he has a good frame but could stand to add strength to take his game to the next level. I’m bullish on Lomu and think he could end up as a good starter on the blindside as he matures. A timeline behind Decker with Hank Fraley coaching him would be an ideal situation.”

Offensive tackle Spencer Fano, Utah

Fano is presently being projected by the following:

Pro Football Focus (Dalton Wasserman)

As Wasserman writes, “Left tackle Taylor Decker could be either a cap casualty or a retirement candidate this offseason. Even if Decker returns for another year, the Lions would benefit from adding a talent like Utah’s Spencer Fano. An athletic offensive lineman capable of fitting into any scheme, Fano is also the only qualified FBS tackle to earn a top-10 PFF grade in each of the past two seasons.”

Offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

Proctor is presently being selected by the following:

Pro Football Network (Jack Aaron)

As Aaron pens, “In 2025, the NFL world saw the Detroit Lions take a step back. While the playcalling was poor, resulting in the firing of offensive coordinator John Morton, the offensive line play was the weakest it has been in years. With left tackle Taylor Decker considering retirement and inconsistent interior play, increasing Jared Goff’s protection should be a priority.

Proctor’s 6’7″, 369-pound frame provides incredible strength at contact, amplifying his run-blocking skills. While he played tackle at Alabama, he also offers upside as a plug-and-play guard.”

This article first appeared on Detroit Lions on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: