TEAM: Detroit Lions
Overall Draft Grade: B
CLASS OVERVIEW
Total Picks: 7
Primary Needs Entering Draft: EDGE, Offensive Line, Cornerback Depth, Defensive Front Depth, Wide Receiver Depth
Positions Addressed: OT, EDGE, LB, CB, WR, DT, EDGE
Summary
The Detroit Lions entered the 2026 NFL Draft with two primary objectives: improve protection for Jared Goff and add more talent to a defense that lacked consistent pass-rush production outside of Aidan Hutchinson. Detroit accomplished both goals, selecting offensive tackle Blake Miller in the first round before aggressively moving up in the second round for Michigan edge rusher Derrick Moore. The Lions continued adding defensive depth throughout the draft while sprinkling in offensive reinforcements. While Detroit improved several areas of the roster, I would have liked to see a larger overall investment in the offensive line, considering the unit’s struggles in pass protection during 2025. Overall, this was a solid draft that fits the Lions’ identity but falls short of being elite.
PICK-BY-PICK BREAKDOWN
Round 1, Pick 17 – Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Evaluation: Experienced, technically sound offensive tackle with starting-caliber traits and positional versatility.
Value: Strong value at a position of need.
Scheme Fit: Excellent fit for Detroit’s physical offensive identity and run-heavy approach.
Projected Role: Immediate starter candidate at tackle.
Round 2, Pick 44 – Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
Evaluation: Explosive pass rusher with proven production against top competition.
Value: Excellent value after trading up to secure him.
Scheme Fit: Perfect complement to Aidan Hutchinson and fills a major roster need.
Projected Role: Immediate rotational player with starting upside.
Round 4, Pick 118 – Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan
Evaluation: Productive linebacker with toughness, instincts, and championship pedigree.
Value: Solid Day 3 value.
Scheme Fit: Fits the physical culture Detroit has established defensively.
Projected Role: Backup linebacker and special teams contributor.
Round 5, Pick 157 – Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
Evaluation: Physical cornerback with inside-outside versatility and strong ball production.
Value: Excellent value in the fifth round.
Scheme Fit: Fits Detroit’s aggressive defensive philosophy.
Projected Role: Developmental corner with potential rotational snaps.
Round 5, Pick 168 – Kendrick Law, WR, Kentucky
Evaluation: Dynamic athlete with significant run-after-catch ability.
Value: Good value for a developmental offensive weapon.
Scheme Fit: Adds speed and versatility to an already explosive offense.
Projected Role: Depth receiver and special teams contributor.
Round 6, Pick 205 – Skyler Gill-Howard, DT, Texas Tech
Evaluation: Undersized but productive defensive tackle with a high motor.
Value: Appropriate late-round value.
Scheme Fit: Provides depth along the interior defensive line.
Projected Role: Rotational defensive tackle and developmental depth piece.
Round 7, Pick 222 – Tyre West, EDGE, Tennessee
Evaluation: Athletic edge defender with developmental upside.
Value: Strong lottery-ticket selection late in the draft.
Scheme Fit: Continues Detroit’s focus on improving the pass rush.
Projected Role: Special teams contributor and developmental pass rusher.
TOP ADDITION
Derrick Moore, EDGE
Lions fans have been waiting years for Detroit to find a legitimate running mate for Aidan Hutchinson. Derrick Moore gives the Lions exactly that. After ranking near the bottom of the league in pass-rush win rate and relying heavily on Hutchinson for pressure production, Detroit finally invested significant draft capital into another edge defender. Moore’s combination of production, athleticism, and upside gives him a realistic opportunity to become one of the most impactful defensive rookies in this class.
BIGGEST QUESTION MARK
Did Detroit Do Enough for the Offensive Line?
Blake Miller was an excellent first-round selection and fills an immediate need. However, considering Detroit finished 2025 with the second-worst pass block win rate in the NFL and experienced multiple changes along the offensive line, I expected a more significant overall investment in the trenches. The Lions addressed the issue, but whether they addressed it enough remains a fair question.
SLEEPER PICK
Keith Abney II, CB
Abney may quietly become one of the better Day 3 picks in Detroit’s class. He was productive at Arizona State, demonstrated strong ball skills, and fits the physical mentality the Lions covet on defense. His versatility gives him multiple pathways to earning playing time in the future.
SCHEME & ROSTER FIT ANALYSIS
Scheme Alignment
The Lions stayed true to their identity throughout the draft. Miller strengthens a physical offensive line, while Moore, Rolder, Abney, Gill-Howard, and West all fit the aggressive, tough-minded defensive culture Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes have built.
Roster Impact
Miller and Moore have the clearest paths to immediate playing time and could both become starters as rookies. The remainder of the class adds valuable depth at several positions while providing developmental upside for the future.
Positional Value
Detroit addressed premium positions early by investing in offensive tackle and edge rusher. The focus on strengthening the defense throughout the middle and late rounds was a smart approach. However, I would have liked to see another offensive line addition earlier in the process given the importance of that unit to Detroit’s success.
FINAL TAKE
The Lions entered the draft needing help on both sides of the line of scrimmage and largely accomplished that objective. Blake Miller should help stabilize the offensive line, while Derrick Moore addresses one of the roster’s biggest weaknesses at edge rusher. Detroit also added quality defensive depth throughout the draft and remained committed to the tough, physical style of football that has fueled its rise in the NFC.
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