Pro Comparisons for 2026 Detroit Lions Draft Picks

Keith Abney II — Amik Robertson

When watching film of Abney, one can't help but think about the impact that Amik Robertson had for Detroit's defense over the last two years. Abney will fit right in for all the reasons Robertson did, as he's an undersized but fiesty and physical corner with some versatility.

At Arizona State, Abney played mostly on the boundary as an outside corner. However, he could be better suited to slide inside as a nickel at the professional level. Size is a knock on both of these players, but they make up for it with their physicality and willingness to play tough and press up on their matchups.

Abney is also unafraid to mix it up in the run game, which was a trait Robertson held as well. If all goes well, this could be similar to the aforementioned Miller and Decker comparison where the Lions replaced a free agency loss with a younger and very similar option.

Kendrick Law — Malachi Corley

How Kentucky used Law is similar to how Corley was utilized coming out of Western Kentucky. Both are smaller receivers who are built compactly and have a knack for turning a small crease into a big game.

Both Law and Corley were labled as "gadget players" for their versatility and ability to turn a short pass into a score. Additionally, as prospects both players were widely regarded for their ability to contribute as run-blockers.

Corley unfortunately hasn't panned out the way it was expected through his first two seasons, with just 14 receptions and 15 rushing attempts in his career. However, there is potential for the Lions to utilize Law in creative ways that could lead to him flourishing in their offensive scheme.

Skyler Gill-Howard — Aeneas Peebles

Last draft cycle, Peebles was an athletic but undersized defensive tackle who caught my eye throughout the process. This year, much of the same skills were evident when watching Gill-Howard at Texas Tech.

Gill-Howard measures up similarly to Peebles from a size perspective, with both being 6-foot and around 280 pounds. Peebles was the better athlete of the two coming out of college by RAS, but they are both known for having quick first steps and maintaining leverage despite being undersized.

Detroit can utilize Gill-Howard in a number of ways, as he is a converted linebacker who is still relatively new to the defensive interior. Like Peebles, he has pass-rush upside who plays with a ton of physicality.

Tyre West — Dayo Odeyingbo

West is a unique case. The Lions' seventh-round selection weighed in at 6-foot-1, 283 pounds, which separates him from some of the lighter pass-rush specialists around the league. With this size, the Lions could explore some different options as far as alignment for him.

He has some power in his game, but his calling card is the quickness with which he gets off the ball at his size. His measurables and play style call to mind that of Odeyingbo, who is a rotational rusher of similar build for the Chicago Bears.

Time will tell exactly what the Lions have in store for West, whether that's to utilize him as a speed rusher or to add power to their defensive line in even fronts.

His explosiveness is elite when compared to defensive tackles when it comes to RAS, and it would be interesting to see how things could pan out if the Lions deploy him in a similar way to how Odeyingbo has been used throughout his career.