While the Detroit Lions lost David Montgomery this offseason, trading him for a 4th-round pick and offensive line depth from the Houston Texans, they did add back-up running back talent in the wake of that move: Isiah Pacheco.
The electric running back is in desperate need of a bounce-back season after slipping mightily from a sure-thing in Kansas City's offense to a liability in their backfield. Injuries obviously hampered his explosiveness, but the Lions see the grittiness they love to target from the New Jersey native.
But, what if that swing on Pacheco doesn't work out? It's not like the Lions invested a ton of capital into the signing, but it would sting not to have a proper RB2 behind Jahmyr Gibbs. He can't take all the snaps.
This mock draft, courtesy NFL Mock Draft Simulator's free drafting tool, addresses that possibility.
Lions mock draft: Detroit lands Isiah Pacheco insurance
Round 1, Pick 17: OT Monroe Freeling
Freeling might not fall to the Lions at 17th overall with how much he's been shuffling up in recent big boards, but we'll assume he gets to them here with players like Francis Mauigoa and Spencer Fano going before him on the board. Freeling would solidify the Lions' plans at left tackle for the year, with his right tackle experience forcing Penei Sewell over to the left side.
Freeling, who finished up his college career with an 85.6 pass-blocking grade, could create a formidable tandem with Sewell if developed properly under Hank Fraley.
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Round 2, Pick 50: EDGE R Mason Thomas
At 50th overall, the Lions take Thomas in this mock draft. The former Oklahoma Sooner finished up his last season with 28 pressures along with six sacks, 19 hurries, and 19 stops. He's earned a comparison to Dee Ford from NFL draft expert Lance Zierlein, with the analyst predicting him to be an average starter in the NFL.
He had an OK combine, which accounts for his slip down a lot of boards. But, he's still worth a swing here if the Lions can't take someone like Gabe Jacas or Malachi Lawrence here.
Round 4, Pick 118: S Jalon Kilgore
Safety is an underrated need for the Lions this offseason. While they did sign some defensive backs to the roster in free agency, they could use a youth injection. Kilgore could serve as just that. The former South Carolina Gamecock could add some much-needed size to the Lions' safety room, especially as the team will be without Brian Branch to begin the year.
Kilgore is also a turnover machine, another weakness for the Lions in 2025 that they'd probably like to avoid repeating in 2026. His 21 pass breakups perfectly encapsulate what a ball hawk he can be, and that's majorly needed alongside Kerby Joseph this upcoming season. He'd be a fun addition to Kelvin Sheppard's defense.
Round 4, Pick 128: RB Demond Claiborne
Claiborne can be a solid backup added to Detroit's locker room, and some competition added to the RB2 position. The boom or bust running back is basically identical in skillset to Pacheco, which is to say he's described as a back that will frustrate coaches with his relentless hunt for explosive plays. But, his speed makes it so that he's often winning those gambles.
If the Lions wanted to add both a potential Pacheco replacement and a possible kickoff returner, this is a good pick.