Three Under-the-Radar Top Detroit Lions Draft Prospects

The Detroit Lions have the 17th pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. According to most Mock Drafts, Brad Holmes will select either safety Dillon Thieneman, OT Kadyn Proctor, or EDGE Keldric Faulk. Each would be a sound choice. However, Holmes might go in a different direction with an under-the-radar selection.

Three Under-the-Radar Top Detroit Lions Draft Prospects

Following the recent departure of Lions veteran Alex Anzalone, one overlooked area of need is the linebacker position. Although Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes are an elite duo, Anzalone will be missed. Here are three possible LB draft prospects who might fit his role.

Anthony Hill, Jr., Texas LB

A decorated multi-sport athlete from Denton, Texas, Anthony Hill, Jr., projects as one of the elite prospects in his class.
A finalist for the Butkus Award (the nation’s top LB), he started 10 games, recording 69 tackles, 7 TFLs, 4.0 sacks, 2 INTs, 3  forced fumbles, and a PBU. According to his LWOS Draft profile, Hill, Jr. is “a defender who wins with speed, instincts, and aggression.”

Deciding to forego his senior year to declare for the 2026 Draft, he was one of the standout performers at the NFL combine. Ranking 2nd with an Athleticism score of 86, Hill ran a 4.51 in the 40-yard dash with a 1.58 10-yard split. His other skill drills were equally impressive. Hill posted a 37” vertical jump, a 10’5” broad jump, and bench pressed 21 reps. 
nfldraftbuzz.com profiled him as a defender who “runs downhill with violence and bad intentions.”  The profile highlighted Hill’s “off-the-charts ball production and elite tackle ability.”

NFL analyst, Lance Zierling, described him as having the ”plus cover talent in man or zone, proven credentials as a blitzer or edge rusher, and finishes plays as a strong, reliable tackler. Consistency and field command make him one of the safer linebackers in the class.” He summarized Hill as a “three-down linebacker with the playing demeanor and production of a future Pro Bowler.”

Hill occasionally gets a bad rap for his ‘violent tendencies.’ He could also benefit from sme tackling refinement. However, his elite athleticism could easily propel him into the first round after David Bailey, Arvell Reese, and Sonny Styles are off the board.

However, if drafted by the Lions, Hill could be mentored by Campbell and Barnes. Under their guidance, he’d become an immediate plug-and-play starter.

The one limiting factor that may hurt his draft status is a broken ankle in 2025. Allen missed two games due to the injury. But as Aidan Hutchinson proved, broken bones can heal without any lingering impact. Hill projects as an outstanding under-the-radar choice for Detroit.

C.J. Allen, Georgia LB

An intriguing junior and former four-star recruit from Barnesville, Georgia, Allen distinguished himself as a linebacker and running back. However, his 6’1” 230 lb. frame is better suited to playing defense. 

Named the SEC Freshman of the Week, Allen made an immediate impact in his first game. According to his LWOS Draft Profile, “he led the Bulldogs’ defense in 2025 in tackles, tackles for loss, and forced fumbles. Allen recorded 88 tackles (8 TFLs), 3.5 sacks, four PBUs, and two forced fumbles. His PFF.com 90.8 run defense grade ranks 12th among all collegiate linebackers last year.

Allen was First-team All-SEC, named a finalist for the Butkus Award (nation’s top LB), and the Lott IMPACT Trophy (nation’s top defender, with Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, Tenacity).

Zierlein described Allen as a “Green dot linebacker and team captain more capable of rowing the boat than making big splashes.” Noting that he times his blitz take-offs to mirror running backs, Zierlein concluded that “he’s an effective blitzer with average man-cover talent and is capable on all three downs.”

Unfortunately, Allen chose not to participate in the Combine Skills Drills, and he didn’t run the 40-yard dash at Georgia’s Pro Day. The excuse given was a lingering knee swelling from a meniscus tear late last year.

Nfldraftbuzz.com portrays Allen as a “natural communicator who gets teammates aligned pre-snap and handles the green dot responsibilities with the poise of a ten-year veteran.”

Allen’s primary fit for Detroit may be as a solid defender in the trenches against the run game. Anzalone excelled at pass coverage with tight ends and running backs. Allen’s profile suggests he could assume that role for the Lions.  Jack Campbell, one of the best linebackers in the NFL, handles green dot responsibilities for Detroit.  However, if needed, Allen could potentially sub in to relieve Campbell.    

Gabe Jacas,  Illinois LB

Despite being a three-time All-Big Ten Selection and the 2025 Senior Bowl Defensive Player of the Week, Illinois’ Gabe Jacas projects as a second-round pick. However, as a Top 50 prospect, he could still be available when the Lions pick again in the second round.  

One of the Draft’s most exciting under-the-radar linebacker prospects for Detroit, Jacas is among the most versatile. He plays the dual positions of linebacker and EDGE. Nfldraftbuzz.com touted his outstanding pass rush production with 27 career sacks. Throughout his career at Illinois, Jacas recorded 183 tackles (97 solo), 27.0 sacks, 24 QB pressures, 2 PDFs, 7 forced fumbles, and, one fumble recovery in 50 games. His 27.0 career sacks lead the Big Ten and rank amongst the best in the nation. A high school wrestling background developed skills that translate well to body control, hand placement, and leverage.   

Making An Impression At The Combine 

The 6’4″, 260 lb. dual EDGE/LB  had a strong showing at the NFL Combine. Jacas came in third in his class with an 82 Athleticism Score. NFL Analyst Lance Zierlein noted his powerful core strength and violent chop skills, describing his approach as more rugged than explosive and twitchy. “He can hold his ground against power but needs to do a better job of playing with discipline to set and contain his edge.” Zierlein concluded, “His play is more steak than sizzle with average sack production expected, but his field demeanor and play strength foreshadow a long career as an NFL starter.”  

At the Combine, an NFC scouting director reported, “He’s smart, he’s a great teammate, and he’s really, really strong. Play-through-your-face type of guy.”

Final Thoughts:

It’s worth noting that each of these under-the-radar choices would fit the Lions’ needs at linebacker. The Lions had a formal Top 30 visit with Anthony Hill, Jr., but there is no record of Detroit meeting with either C.J. Allen or Gabe Jacas.

Of the three, Hill seems like the strongest fit for the Lions. However, Jacas still projects as a solid second-round fit for Detroit, primarily due to his ability to complement Hutchinson on the EDGE while also filling the linebacker slot.