Day 3 of this year's NFL Draft might be more interesting for the Detroit Lions than their Day 1 and 2 picks. While there seems to be a consensus that the team is looking to snag either a tackle or a pass rusher at 17th and 50th overall, the rest of their selections feel like a bit of a tossup.
They could use an additional defensive tackle after losing both Roy Lopez and (likely) D.J. Reader in free agency, and they also need some added depth at cornerback given the injury histories of both Terrion Arnold and D.J. Reed. They also lost a good backup QB in Kyle Allen, and that should be a concern with the Lions' plans at left tackle a mystery as of now.
They could feasibly land depth pieces at all of these positions of need after Round 2, with two 4th rounders in tow and a compensatory pick. ESPN recently compiled a list of sleeper picks in this year's draft, courtesy college coaches. And, there are three names to keep in mind if you're a Lions fan looking to remain engaged after the more exciting parts of the draft have passed.
3 sleeper picks to watch for Lions in 2026 NFL Draft
QB Luke Altmyer, Illinois Fighting Illini
While the Lions have been linked to Haynes King in this draft cycle as a potential backup option, another quarterback worth kicking the tires on is Luke Altmyer. Illinois coach Bret Bielema said of his former signal caller:
"...Luke prepares so well every week, I think he'll be a guy that's drafted in the league as a quality backup. Really, really good arm talent. He's got that ability to create with his legs. If you get two first downs every game by creating first downs with your legs, that's a really, really big deal."
Detroit needs to invest a lot more into their backup room beyond simply signing Teddy Bridgewater, who has extremely limited snaps in the NFL over the last few years. Goff has been an iron man for the Lions, but he also had the luxury of playing behind Penei Sewell, Frank Ragnow, and Taylor Decker for much of his career in Detroit.
With so much change along the line in 2026, it's important for the Lions treat this hole as an important one to fill. Altmyer feels like a great target for them on Day 3 if someone reaches on King.
DT Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State Seminoles
Losing Lopez leaves the Lions without a starting nose tackle, and that was a key position under defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard in 2025. He might be changing up his schemes in 2026 after a really lackluster season defending the run, but it's also still worth trying to find a Lopez replacement in this year's draft. Enter Darrell Jackson Jr..
FSU coach Mike Norvell said of the tackle:
"He can play nose [tackle] for sure. In the four-down with his length, and he does have movement. He has flexibility to play in both, but him as a zero [technique] in the 3-4 is going to be really tough for [opponents] with his length and size, coupled with his movements."
Jackson finished up his last college season with 20 assists, 28 solo tackles, 14 pressures, and 24 stops in 522 total snaps per PFF. He had a nearly even amount of run as a pass rusher and run stopper while with the Seminoles, showing that he's got some burn at either position. Detroit loves investing in their defensive tackle room, and he could be a great get for the team on Day 2 or 3.
READ MORE: Lions ideal first-round pick would create dream scenario along offensive line
S Cole Wisniewski, Texas Tech Red Raiders
As mentioned, the Lions should be looking to add a lot of competition to their defensive back room. Cole Wisniewski is one of the names that you don't hear from experts when discussing the elite secondary featured by Texas Tech. However, that doesn't mean that he can't compete for an NFL roster spot.
Red Raiders coach Joey McGuire on Wisniewski:
"He's big, so he can roll down in the box and they can play him on third down at linebacker, he's 220 pounds. Phenomenal tackler. He could coach our secondary right now. He's extremely intelligent, high football IQ. I'm really high on him."
In 667 snaps, Wisniewski recorded six pass breakups, 23 stops, and 78 total tackles.
Detroit could use a safety with a good head on his shoulders, especially with Brian Branch likely out to begin the year after tearing his Achilles late in the 2025 season. While the Lions did a solid job of adding competition in free agency for the safety room, it couldn't hurt to add some youth back to the room.
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