After winning 15 regular season games in 2024, the Detroit Lions won just nine in 2025 and missed the playoffs. The team sported one of the best offenses in the NFL again, but the main culprit this year was a bottom-tier defense.
The unit did battle injuries, though, so much of the reason why Detroit could get back to playoff contention in 2026 centers around key players staying healthy, but that is much easier said than done. Fortunately, Detroit has one of the best GMs in the NFL in Brad Holmes, so the 2026 NFL Draft presents another chance for Holmes to bring in a strong rookie class.
The Lions indeed return to juggernaut status in 2026 with this insane NFL Draft class haul.
Detroit Lions address key needs in 7-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft
17. Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
There seems to be a legitimate chance that long-time left tackle Taylor Decker retires. Spencer Fano is a slam-dunk first-round prospect who has played both left and right tackle at college. He'd be a logical choice to become a day one starter.
A scenario I could personally see is Decker retiring, the Lions moving Sewell to LT full-time, and Fano sliding in at right tackle.
50. Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
Much of the Detroit Lions LB room is free agents in the 2026 offseason. It's a position that has seen some injuries as well, and these players are tasked with a lot - the communication runs through the linebackers, as they play right in the heart of the defense. At pick 50, the Lions take Jake Golday from Cincinnati. Golday had 105 total tackles and six tackles for loss in 2025.
118. Gabe Jacas, Illinois
Over his final two collegiate seasons, Gabe Jacas had 26.5 tackles for loss and 19 sacks. That type of consistenty getting into the backfield would be very welcome in Detroit, as the Lions could absolutely use another young pass-rusher.
155. Devin Moore, CB, Florida
Looking at this from an outsider's perspective, the secondary has to be the most frustrating part of this Lions' defense, as, when fully healthy, there aren't many more secondaries in the NFL that have more pure talent. However, the availability of many of these players have just not been there the past two seasons. The Lions bolster key secondary depth with Devin Moore from Florida at pick 155.
READ MORE: Free agent with Drew Petzing tie could easily be on Lions' radar to fill key role
203. Jordan Hudson, WR, SMU
Jordan Hudson profiles as a WR2/3 in the NFL, and that could be a niche role that the Lions covet. As teams get to be picking this late, they're not necessarily hoping to find day one starters. Finding competent depth players with picks this late would be considered a massive success.
211. DeShon Singleton, S, Nebraska
DeShon Singleton brings 42 games of collegiate experience into the NFL, and with these late-round selections, prioritizing players with a ton of experience could help them adjust to the NFL. It's another depth selection for GM Brad Holmes.
212. J'Mari Taylor, RB, Virginia
J'Mari Taylor scored 15 total touchdowns in 2025 for Virginia and is a nice late-round flier for the backfield. There appears to be some future uncertainty with David Montgomery and his role on the team beyond 2025.
222. Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh
Over the last two years at Pitt, Kyle Louis had 182 total tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 6 interceptions, 6 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. That type of stat-sheet filling could make Louis an absolute steal this late in the 2026 NFL Draft.