It's finally time to end the speculation. The Detroit Lions are on the clock at 17th overall in this year's 2026 NFL Draft, which is just about the only sure-thing we can observe about the team headed into this year's festivities.
General manager Brad Holmes didn't shy away from honing down on his own process as it pertains to the draft in his pre-draft availability, telling reporters he still would like to take the best player available to him whenever possible, while also leaving the door wide open for a trade as early as the first round.
The Lions' needs are obvious: pass rusher, offensive tackle, defensive tackle, and some additional defensive back help. This order probably means nothing to Holmes, but it means a lot to a fanbase that's hoping to get back to the postseason after a disappointing 2025 campaign.
- Lions draft snapshot
- Best remaining draft targets
- What the experts are saying
- Updated Lions depth chart
- NFC North rival picks
- Draft pick tracker
Lions draft snapshot
- Current draft capital: Picks No. 17, 50, 118, 128, 157, 181, 205, 213, 222
- Primary needs: Right tackle, Edge rusher, Defensive tackle, Defensive back, Running back
- Latest mock selection: Monroe Freeling
- Last updated: April 15, 2026, 9:30am EST
The Lions covered some important bases in free agency, signing one of the better centers on the market in Cade Mays and finding some decent depth at right tackle in Larry Borom. They also added Isiah Pacheco as a David Montgomery Replacement, brought in some veteran lineman help with Ben Bartch coming on, and added a flurry of competitors in their secondary.
They still, of course, did not add a starting pass rusher to throw into the lineup next to Aidan Hutchinson, nor did they address their sudden hole at left tackle thanks to the release of Taylor Decker. This draft offers Detroit some decent opportunities to find both between the 1st and 2nd round.
Best remaining draft targets
Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Freeling has been consistently mocked to the Lions at 17th overall. The left tackle has soared up multiple big boards thanks to a solid combine, and because starting-caliber tackles are tough to come by in this year's draft. His size, athleticism, and ability to replace Decker should be intriguing to the Lions.
Some cons include the risk of having a rookie protecting Jared Goff's blindside, in addition to the fact that he isn't necessarily the most pro-ready lineman in this year's draft class. Detroit needs a durable, long-term option at tackle - and probably more so at right tackle, assuming they move Sewell over - and it's unclear if Freeling can be that right away.
Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Miller is a lineman of steel. He started all 13 games for Clemson at right tackle, and started every game for Clemson on their line throughout his four years with the program. Detroit desperately needs some health on the line, and Miller could provide that. He's not as much of a standout athlete as perhaps Freeling or Kadyn Proctor, but he's unbelievably solid.
Of course, the same risks lie with Miller as they do with Freeling. Can he immediately start in the NFL? Is he prepared for a deep playoff run? For the latter, it sure seems so. For the former, it's a matter of the Lions assuming the risk.
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Proctor is probably the lone tackle that's been connected to the Lions through rumors, but even that doesn't hold a ton of weight. Still, he's another lineman that could develop into a problem. Proctor's size is overwhelming, and his athletic ability despite that size makes him all the more intriguing as a prospect.
Detroit could be very interested in seeing what they could do with Proctor under Hank Fraley, and he's another left tackle who could help prevent Sewell from having to re-learn the position in 2026 and beyond. But, again, do the Lions want a rookie starting and protecting their franchise QB's blindside?
Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF
Lawrence isn't a flashy name in this year's edge rusher class, but he's worth a look at 50th overall for the Lions. The pass rusher had 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks in his final year with UCF, and he was another iron man, starting all 12 games for the program. Detroit, once again, has to invest in players with upside who also proved to be healthy in college.
Lawrence might be a reach for another team desperate for help at the edge, so that's the risk Detroit takes if they go for a tackle at 17th overall. But, there's also not an edge that could be available at 17th overall that'd be worth that high of a swing.
Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
Having another Michigan star remain home to play alongside Hutchinson would be a dream for Lions fans, and it could also be a reality. Moore is a solid pass rusher with room to grow. He had 10 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss in his final year with the Wolverines, all while acting as the team captain.
Moore could improve as a run-defender, which is something the Lions struggled with in 2025. But, that's also an area of their defense they could add to later in the draft, while also getting back a healthy Alim McNeill and Levi Onwuzurike.
What the experts are saying
ESPN's Mel Kiper: OT Monroe Freeling (17), EDGE Derrick Moore (50)
The Athletic's Dane Brugler: OT Monroe Freeling (17), CB D'Angelo Ponds (50)
NFL.com's Lance Zierlein: OT Kadyn Proctor (17)
NFL Spin Zone's Lou Scataglia: OT Blake Miler (17), EDGE Malachi Lawrence (50)
Updated Lions depth chart
Offense
QB: Jared Goff, Teddy Bridgewater
RB: Jahmyr Gibbs, Isiah Pacheco, Sione Vaki, Jacob Saylors
WR: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa, Greg Dortch, Dominic Lovett, Tom Kennedy, Malik Cunningham, Jackson Meeks
TE: Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, Tyler Conklin, Zach Horton
LT: Larry Borom, Devin Cochran
LG: Christian Mahogany, Ben Bartch, Juice Scruggs
C: Cade Mays, Michael Niese, Seth McLaughlin
RG: Tate Ratledge, Miles Frazier, Colby Sordsal
RT: Penei Sewell, Giovanni Manu, Mason Miller
The Lions have the luxury of not having much need at their skill positions on offense. If they do move Sewell over to the left side, though, they'll have a huge hole to fill at right tackle. Right now, the only players they have at that spot are Manu and Miller. That's not great news for the Lions' run game, or for Goff.
In addition to tackle, it wouldn't hurt to add some depth at running back, guard, or tight end. LaPorta should be healthy and ready to go for the 2026 season, but a back injury is scary. Additionally, Pacheco had an extremely down year at RB for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2025, which raises some questions about his viability as a Montgomery replacement outright.
Defense
LDE: Aidan Hutchinson, Tyler Lacy, Payton Turner
LDT: Alim McNeill, Tyleik Williams, Mekhi Wingo
RDT: Levi Onwuzurike, Chris Smith, Myles Adams
RDE: D.J. Wonnum, Trevor Nowaske, Ahmed Hassanein
WLB: Derrick Barnes, Damone Clark
MLB: Jack Campbell
SLB: Malcolm Rodriguez
LCB: D.J. Reed, Rock Ya-Sin
SS: Brian Branch, Avonte Maddox, Dan Jackson
FS: Kerby Joseph, Chuck Clark, Thomas Harper, Loren Strickland
RCB: Terrion Arnold, Nick Whiteside, Khalil Dorsey
NB: Roger McCreary, Christian Izien, Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
The Lions could use some help at edge rusher, in addition to reinforcements in their safety room. A swing on a decent cornerback also couldn't hurt, especially after another down year for their secondary overall. Injuries have a ton to do with that fall-off, but Brian Branch will be out for some games after tearing his Achilles so late in the year.
Defensive tackle is also an underrated need with the departures of Roy Lopez and D.J. Reader this offseason. Adding depth behind such an injury-riddled position for the Lions would be good work from Holmes.
NFC North rival picks
Green Bay Packers: Pick no. 52, 84, 120, 153, 160, 201, 236, 255
Chicago Bears: Pick no. 25, 57, 60, 89, 129, 239, 241
Minnesota Vikings: Pick no. 18, 49, 82, 97, 163, 196, 234, 235, 244
Draft pick tracker
Pick | Player |
|---|---|
17 | TBD |
50 | TBD |
118 | TBD |
128 | TBD |
157 | TBD |
181 | TBD |
205 | TBD |
213 | TBD |
222 | TBD |
Add us as a preferred source on Google