The Detroit Lions are a team to watch this year for a draft-day trade that nets them some additional draft compensation. As general manager Brad Holmes seeks to affordably rebuild the Lions' trenches, in addition to affordably finding a sidekick to Aidan Hutchinson, he may look to trade down for the opportunity to land back in the third-round.
But, why don't the Lions own a third-rounder as of the morning of the NFL draft?
Isaac TeSlaa.
The Lions wide receiver, who seems primed to become the teams' WR3 after Kalif Raymond's departure in free agency, was shockingly grabbed by Detroit in a trade that sent out both of their third-rounders this year.
"You see a guy that's big, long, smooth strider, can accelerate, can run," said Holmes after the team drafted TeSlaa. "He's a hands catcher. He plays special teams and can block. He can do a lot of things."
That was a hefty fee then, and it still feels like one despite TeSlaa's fun rookie season. The acrobatic weapon seemed to only want to attempt one-handed touchdown catches throughout 2025, but he also proved serviceable as a blocker and in relief of Raymond in spurts. However, two 3rd-round picks for the promise of a WR3 still feels like a lot of capital.
Lions in a tough spot with third-rounders in 2026 NFL draft
In many Lions mock drafts, there's been a clear drop-off in talent between whoever they take at 50th overall and their next selection in the 4th round. That could be remedied if the team traded back into the 3rd round, but that feels like a move that Holmes would only attempt to execute if it's clear a favorite target is about to be off the board for them at 118th overall.
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At the same time, Detroit has been outwardly confident about their free agency signings, which addressed (on paper) major holes along their offensive line and at edge rusher. So, perhaps that drop-off doesn't concern them all that much, and they'll consider whoever they land between the 4th and 7th round decent competition for their backups.
The Lions' most recent, notable third-round picks include TeSlaa, Kerby Joseph, Alim McNeill, and Graham Glasgow. Joseph and McNeill, despite injuries, are considered key pieces to the Lions' defensive core. TeSlaa has a ton of upside as a receiver. These are hits that should make Holmes consider finding a way to land back in the 3rd round.
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