The Detroit Lions have been playing it a bit safe in recent drafts, especially since exhausting the pot they received in exchange for shipping out Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams back in 2021.
In 2025, they opted for Tyleik Williams, Tate Ratledge, and Isaac TeSlaa with their first three picks, shoring up their trenches first and foremost while adding a toss-up wide receiving option to their offense with their TeSlaa trade up. So far, those three have shown to be really valuable rookie additions to the squad.
Looking ahead to 2026 and a likely first rounder floating in the 20-32 range, Detroit is predicted to once again play things a bit safe with their impending selection. Assuming the team keeps that first round pick, ESPN's Jordan Reid projects that the Lions will continue to add to their defensive trenches by selection Alabama defensive tackle LT Overton 20th overall.
Lions expected to do the predictable thing in 2026 NFL draft
Reid writes that Detroit has been comfortable taking best fit over best available in their last few drafts, and Overton certaintly fits that bill.
"Lions GM Brad Holmes isn't afraid to go against the grain and take players who best fit the team's profile, even if it means reaching. Overton could help a Detroit defensive line that needs reinforcements opposite star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, as its 27.4% pass rush win rate as a team ranks 31st in the NFL. Overton is a scheme-versatile defender who wins with overwhelming power at the point of attack and could pair nicely with Tyleik Williams, Detroit's first-round pick in 2025, on the inside."
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The pass rush does remain an issue for Detroit, although it hasn't been as horrendous as fans might've thought it'd be with Aidan Hutchinson getting no help from the front office this offseason to add to that room. Al-Quadin Muhammad has been a nice revelation for the team in that respect, but they could use some pass rushing help.
Overton, a senior, has picked up 10 solo tackles and three sacks in six games this season for the Crimson Tide. He could be the answer that the Lions are still looking for out of Williams, which is to say some pass rush help up the middle. There's plenty of pop in the 2026 class defensively, which is exactly what Detroit should be looking for given the number of injuries the team has been managing this season.