Why ESPN got Lions' placement in latest power rankings wrong

The 2026 NFL Draft has wrapped up, and most teams, including the Detroit Lions, have wrapped up most of their major trade and free-agency moves. So, where does that leave the Lions heading into the 2026 season?

Those in the Motor City hope that the changes Dan Campbell and company have made to the Lions roster will improve the squad going forward. They wrapped up the 2025 season at the bottom of the NFC North, so there's work that needs to be done. But ESPN's post-draft power rankings, out on Tuesday, don't like where the Lions stand after the offseason action.

For the rankings, ESPN asked its NFL Nation reporters to pick which position group has improved the most during this offseason period. Its power panel, consisting of more than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities, analyzed the value of NFL teams against one another, ranking from top to bottom.

Lions down in ESPN's latest power rankings

In the tally, they have the Lions falling a whopping seven spots to No. 11. Even though No. 11 isn't a horrible number, falling seven spots is not a good look. They at least credit Detroit with improving the offensive tackle position, but that's not enough to push it higher on the tally.

"Detroit's offensive line wasn't up to par in 2025, finishing with the second-worst pass block win rate in the NFL last season (56%). This offseason, the Lions beefed up their offensive tackle depth alongside Penei Sewell," Eric Woodyard states in the ESPN feature.

"They drafted Clemson's Blake Miller with the 17th pick after releasing veteran left tackle Taylor Decker in March. Miller started at right tackle for all four years in college. Detroit also signed Larry Borom, who has experience at guard and at both tackle spots."

Why ESPN's power rankings have the Lions wrong

Understandably, this ranking takes into account that the Lions lineup still has holes. But ESPN's analysis doesn't say much about what they did right in the draft, and that was taking an edge in the second round.

For years, the Lions have needed a reliable edge-rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson, and they finally invested in the draft to get one by trading up to add an edge early with Michigan standout Derrick Moore at No. 44.

In an April 25 feature for NFL.com, Chad Reuter even gave the franchise an "A-" for its draft class, partly because of the stellar Moore pick.

So, to see the Lions tank in the power rankings seems a bit dramatic. Adding both Miller and Moore was a solid decision that is getting rave reviews across the board.

Of course, if this team is going to truly excel next season amid a competitive NFC North, it'll have to hone its entire roster, so that needs to be the focus from now until September. But the Lions are off to a solid start with both the Miller and Moore selections.