There's no denying it, the Detroit Lions took a major step back in 2025. After earning the top seed in the NFC playoffs just a year ago, they're set to miss the postseason entirely.
As much as coaching changes and bad injury luck have contributed to the problem, it's clear that the roster needs some work before returning to contention.
So, it's time for fans to start looking forward to some offseason moves. In this mock draft, the Lions aim to fix the needs on both sides of the ball while adding the depth that they have so desperately lacked in recent years.
Detroit Lions 7-round 2026 mock draft
Round 1, pick 15: Lions draft Auburn DL Keldric Faulk
I have the Lions taking a big swing on a physically gifted defender in the first round. With the breakout of Al-Quadin Muhammad, Detroit doesn't necessarily need another pass rusher, but Auburn's Keldric Faulk could provide immediate help in run defense.
At 6'6" and 285 pounds, Faulk can play on the edge or on the interior of the defensive line. His versatility would help bolster a Lions unit in need of reinforcements.
Round 2, pick 47: Lions draft Ohio State OT Austin Siereveld
The once-great Lions offensive line is slowly beginning to fall toward the middle of the pack. As veterans like Taylor Decker and Frank Ragnow come to the end of their careers, the Lions will need to find new answers at those positions.
Ohio State tackle Austin Siereveld could play at either guard or tackle, potentially serving as Decker's long-term replacement. He's a well-rounded blocker who has held down the Buckeyes' left tackle spot this season.
Round 4, pick 115: Lions draft Texas CB Malik Muhammad
The Lions don't have a third-round pick, but they return in the fourth round to draft Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad. Muhammad's draft stock has fallen a bit this season, but he's still a capable defender. He would provide some much-needed depth at the cornerback position.
Round 5, pick 154: Lions draft Oklahoma LB Sammy Omosigho
With only three picks in the first four rounds, the Lions will need to find some value near the end of the draft. That could start with selecting Oklahoma linebacker Sammy Omosigho.
The junior is an incredibly athletic defender who has shown consistent tackling ability and sideline-to-sideline speed.
Round 6, pick 193: Lions draft Alabama C Parker Brailsford
Detroit dips back into the offensive line pool late in the draft, taking Alabama center Parker Brailsford. Brailsford likely wouldn't start initially for the Lions, but he's experienced enough to fill in when needed.
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Round 6, pick 206: Lions draft Penn State DL Zane Durant
With their second pick of the sixth round, the Lions draft Penn State defensive lineman Zane Durant, an undersized interior player with the explosiveness to challenge NFL offensive linemen.
Round 7, pick 228: Lions draft Ole Miss WR De'Zhaun Stribling
Late in the draft, I have the Lions finally adding to their receiver room with Ole Miss wideout De'Zhaun Stribling. Stribling is a big-bodied receiver who makes up for his lack of speed with impressive catching ability.
Round 7, pick 255: Lions draft Stanford TE Sam Roush
In PFF's Mock Draft Simulator, the Lions currently hold the final pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. In this mock draft, they use it to add to their tight end depth with Stanford's Sam Roush, a dominant blocker with the athletic profile to develop into an effective pass-catcher.