Safety is going to be the biggest hole for the Detroit Lions headed into the 2026 season after Brian Branch went down with a torn Achilles in Week 14 against the Dallas Cowboys. The injury timeline for that injury could find him missing some team next year, and the team is already managing the sudden knee issues cropping up with Kerby Joseph.
Their secondary, as a whole, needs major work this offseason. One path the team could take to address these holes is through the 2026 NFL draft, where the team has a first round pick. Three NFL writers compiled a mock draft for The Pewter Plank, FanSided's Tampa Bay Buccaneers site, and the near-consensus Lions pick from that group is cornerback Avieon Terrell.
"It’s been an awful year for injuries for Detroit, and their secondary is starting to fall to pieces. But the 2026 draft is loaded with talent, and Terrell seems like a Dan Campbell cornerback as he’s forced five fumbles this season. Look for Detroit to address its secondary early in the 2026 draft," writes Marcus Mosher of Detroit's mock selection of Terrell.
Lions go cornerback, add Ennis Rakestraw insurance in latest mock draft
Ennis Rakestraw, the Lions' 2024 second round pick, has barely suited up for the team since being taken by Brad Holmes that year. He's only played in eight games, and was pretty quickly ruled out this season after suffering an injury in the preseason. The second year defender had to have a big year in order to solidify his spot in the Lions' depth chart. Now, his place on this team is up in the air due to injury.
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Terrell, a junior from Clemson, is the third-ranked defensive back by NFL Draft Buzz ahead of the 2026 draft. Highlights for Terrell include his turnover proficiency, solid skillsets in stopping the run and in coverage, and speediness that could help out a Lions defense in major need of pop in the secondary.
He's also the brother of All-Pro cornerback A.J. Terrell.
The Lions aren't shy about taking defenders in the first round, having just used a first rounder on Terrion Arnold in 2024. It's a risk, but one the team has to take considering they are losing the health battle each and every season. Taking someone as athletic and proven as Terrell could be just what the doctor ordered, as Detroit needs a cheap overhaul for their defense.