Detroit seems to have a type when it comes to their draft picks as of late, especially on their offensive line. And no, we don't mean in any schematic way or with relation to what position lineman play prior to being snatched up by the Lions in the process.
We're talking about mullets.
Detroit selected right guard Tate Ratledge with their 2nd round pick in last year's draft, adding him to the starting lineup immediately and watching him grow into one of the Lions' most reliable lineman, and their most reliable rookie, over the 2025 season.
It was great to see him get better and better with his run blocking, and great to see him stay healthy throughout the year given how many injuries ravaged the O-line.
And, of course, his mullet stood out for much of the year before he chopped it off. That leaves us at a mullet deficit...until we completed another 3-round mock draft. We managed to take one of the biggest mullets featured the last few days in Senior Bowl practices, and one of the biggest standouts based on performance overall.
3-round mock draft has Lions taking Senior Bowl standout
Howell lands with the Lions in the first round of this mock draft, and he adds to the pass rush that Detroit is desperately hoping to make aggressive again in 2026. Aidan Hutchinson is locked in long-term thanks to an extension doled out this past season, but the only other two "reliable" pass rushers from 2025, Al-Quadin Muhammad and Marcus Davenport, are free agents.
Howell finished up his senior year with 11.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and 41 total pressures. He isn't amazing at stopping the run just yet, but Detroit also has Tyleik Williams and, hopefully, Roy Lopez to help out on that front on the line. Opening the door for Howell to develop behind Muhammad if they re-sign him or even as a starter alongside Hutchinson could go a long way.
Here we are. The mullet returns.
Dunker would be an excellent tackle to target at 50th overall, especially given his versatility on the line and ability to play center, given the opportunity. Here's what he said about that during interviews amidst Senior Bowl practices this week:
"I'd be down to play any position, whatever they need or whatever position they are lacking in. I think I could play guard and tackle. I have been repping both during the Senior Bowl. I've been working on snapping a little bit in training for the combine. Whatever they need."
Dunker has also been taking snaps at center ahead of the Senior Bowl.
Dunker is a right tackle, playing 667 total snaps there his senior year with the Hawkeyes. But, Penei Sewell has already indicated a willingness to switch sides if Taylor Decker retires, given the Lions the flexibility here to take Dunker at 50th overall. He's excellent in both pass protection and run blocking, and could likely start right away on this Lions offensive line.
This mock draft would open the door for the Lions to then focus on filling out depth in their secondary and along their line, such as with a pick of someone like safety Genesis Smith in the 4th round or another interior offensive lineman like D.J. Campbell deeper in the draft.
Detroit is a bit tripped up due to not having a 3rd rounder, so they have to do their best to avoid a huge drop-off in starting talent between their 50th and 118th pick. Easier said than done.