The Detroit Lions went from the talk of the NFC last year after a 15-2 record had them positioned as the top team in the conference to a fringe playoff team that needs some very fortuitous bounces to their way to even sneak into the playoffs as the No. 7 seed in 2025. The primary reason for that has been a lack of defensive talent.
As is often the case for the Lions over the last few years, the lack of depth in the secondary and the pass rush outside of Aidan Hutchinson (despite the improvements that have been made) remain the two biggest areas of need.
Following this 2026 NFL Mock Draft might be the most efficient and effective way for Detroit to add some standout young players at positions of need while subsequently getting great value.
Detroit Lions 4-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 17: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
McCoy is the ultimate gamble in this class. After missing the entire 2025 season due to injuries, Detroit must decide if they are going to bring on yet another injury prone young defensive back for Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. to hang out with or someone who could change the scope of this defense.
McCoy, if healthy, may be good enough to instantly start pushing Arnold as one of the starting corners next to DJ Reed. Dan Campbell has made his mark in the NFL as a gamble, and there may be no gamble that helps the Lions hit the proverbial jackpot quite like investing in McCoy.
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Round 2, Pick 49: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
Thomas is a smaller player who isn't going to provide much in the way of run defense. However, in the pure art of rushing the passer, Thomas has shown himself to be so incredibly effective that he should be able to ride his unique combination of speed and pass rush to a Top 50 pick.
Thomas could end up pushing for a starting role sooner rather than later, as he may have as high a ceiling as any of the dozens of players Detroit has brought in to audition for the role of DE2 alongside Hutchinson.
Round 4, Pick 117: Taurean York, LB, Texas A&M
York is going to be off some draft boards right away, as some want nothing to do with a 5-10 linebacker that is not a great pass rush threat. However, York was at the heart of one of the best defenses in the country with the Aggies this season, and he looks like a perfect Dan Campbell player.
With Jack Campbell's future a bit up in the air of late, it makes sense for the Lions to hedge their bets and bring in another backup who can fight for snaps. York needs to go to the right system, and Kelvin Sheppard might be able to provide that for him.