The Detroit Lions again managed to polarize fans with their performance on Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft. Clemson tackle Blake Miller seems like a rock-solid starter, as does Michigan pass rusher and second-round trade-up target Derrick Moore, but many thought they picked that duo a few selections above where their talent merited.
Day 3 was a bit more productive for the Lions. With only one pick spent on offense in fifth-round receiver Kendrick Law, the defense picked up a few more role players in fourth-round linebacker Jimmy Rolder, fifth-round cornerback Keith Abney II, and seventh-round defensive lineman Tyre West.
Rolder, Abney, and West are all direct competition for veterans like linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, defensive back Roger McCreary, and pass rusher Payton Turner. All three of these vets may have entered the Draft assuming they would be role players in Detroit, but these depth signings have them staring down the barrel of a possible fight for a 53-man roster spot.
Lions Day 3 lottery tickets could push several vets out of Detroit
Abney was perhaps the best pick the Lions made all Draft long, as it was a minor surprise that he managed to escape the second round, let alone fall until Day 3. With McCreary on a complete flyer of a contract after his failed stint with the Rams, Abney has the ability to possibly beat out both him and oft-injured former second-rounder Ennis Rakestraw Jr. for the nickel role.
Rolder has some serious questions about his ability to play in coverage, but what no one doubts is the fact that he is an instinctive run defender who plays well between the tackles. With Rodriguez starting to run out of room, Rolder might be the competition that finally unseats him after multiple strong seasons in Detroit.
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West is a rock-solid run defender on the edge, and there's reason to believe his versatility gives him more upside as a pass rusher than most Day 3 wild cards. Turner, who missed all of the 2025 season, may not get the same degree of runway he thought he was getting when he signed in Detroit.
The Lions have shown to be a solid team as far as getting immediate returns on many of their top NFL Draft picks. If Holmes reverses a concerning late trend and managed to hit on some of his later picks, these vets may not be able to hold their roles down.
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