Detroit might only have two picks through the first three rounds of this year's NFL Draft, but that doesn't mean they will walk away weaker for for it. In fact, they have pretty decent draft positioning this year, which means they could snag two starting-caliber players if they do their homework.
After this weekend's Senior Bowl put some major talent on display ahead of the NFL combine and draft, there's sure to be a few names swimming around Lions fans' heads. Two were tabbed by ESPN's draft expert Matt Miller in his latest mock draft following the game: edge rusher Keldric Faulk and right tackle Max Iheanachor.
Faulk, who had a bit of a drop off in sack production in 2025 with the Auburn Tigers, had a nice outing in the Senior Bowl that could actually propel him a bit up several big boards.
As for Iheanachor, his viability as a Lions pick has everything to do with whether Penei Sewell was telling the truth when he said he'd be open to flipping over to left tackle for the 2026 season. He'd be a huge steal at 50th overall.
Lions projected to land steal in 2nd round of ESPN's latest mock draft
Miller tries to save some face for Faulk's dropoff and for what some have perceived as a clearly physically talented player who just needs to be developed into a more well-rounded defender:
"Faulk has the versatility to play inside or outside at 6-foot-6, 285 pounds, and the power he generates would keep offensive lines honest. His two sacks last season were a disappointment after a seven-sack campaign in 2024, but Faulk has fans around the league who see him as an ideal hybrid defensive lineman."
It's the type of profile that should jump off the page for general manager Brad Holmes, but the Lions continue to avoid taking pass rushers in the first round for some reason. This might be the year to take that swing, though, especially if other names like Akheem Mesidor or David Bailey are off the table.
The Lions re-signing Al-Quadin Muhammad and snubbing Marcus Davenport in free agency would help sweeten the idea of taking this swing, too.
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Iheanachor is who Miller projects to the Lions at 50th overall in this mock draft. The tackle has a basketball background, which translates to football by way of his crafty footwork as a tackle. While with Arizona State, he posted a 78.3 pass blocking grade in 859 snaps taken at right tackle, allowing zero sacks and just three quarterback hits over that stretch.
At the Senior Bowl, he displayed his pancake-ability and his strengths as a run blocker. He's technically considered a bit of a project pick...which is music to Holmes' ears, if his drafting history has any say. Detroit has to seriously consider this pick with Giovanni Manu clearly not seen as a viable replacement to Taylor Decker if he does retire.