The Detroit Lions just finished off another NFL draft, and by most accounts, they have been successful to fill out all of their needs with their seven selections.
Detroit came into the draft with nine total picks and used that ammunition to move up for a few players they liked in the second-round and fifth-round. It helped them land pass rusher Derrick Moore and wide receiver Kendrick Law, two players who could very well play a huge role for the franchise this season.
Brad Holmes has done well with extra picks to maneuver around the draft and add players he likes. Looking ahead to next season, there's likely to be a few more selections that come Detroit's way as a result of some of their free agency losses from this past March.
NFL.com writer Dan Parr recently took a look at what compensatory picks NFL teams are likely to gain next year. The Lions weren't near the top of the heap, but do expect to gain two sixth-round selections as a result of a pair of their free agency departures.
"A 5:3 loss-to-gain ratio puts two compensatory picks in play for Detroit. With Anzalone and Mays balancing each other out, the Lions are likely to be awarded a sixth-rounder from Robertson’s departure. Lopez should provide a Round 6 pick, too, in his return to Arizona."
Adding a pair of sixth-round selections next year figures to be huge for Detroit. As of now, the Lions have a full complement of picks to work with, in addition to an extra seventh-round selection acquired in the David Montgomery trade. Even if the Lions don't use both the picks, they could well be packaged for players or to move up for talents in the draft.
Brad Holmes seems to have reclaimed his intensity during 2026 draft
Detroit's general manager has a keen sense of what he needs to do in a draft in order to see success for his roster. Coming into the draft this year, there was a bit of added intensity which guided his focus. The fact that the Lions went 9-8 and missed the postseason only seemed to hone in his approach.
"I take every draft serious. I just feel like it's too critical and too important. But I will say there was probably a little bit more fire (this year). I know (the press) knows about me not going to the NFL meetings just to kind of work on some other things. When you miss the playoffs, that might be some of the kick in the rear that you need at times. And so I had it written up on my office wall."
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After a pair of inconsistent drafts, Holmes seems to have rededicated himself to the type of work and picks that led the Lions within an eyelash of the Super Bowl just a few short seasons ago. Holmes constructed the roster largely with drafted players and started in the trenches, and has reaped the rewards of what he has been able to do ever since.
With more picks in 2027, the focus can be even more dialed in on what needs to happen to keep the Lions amongst the league's best teams. Next season, Holmes should have even more weaponry at his disposal to gain the type of players that Detroit needs to buld around for the future.
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