The Detroit Lions enter the 2026 NFL Draft hoping to add names that could make them a true Super Bowl contender for years to come. Head coach Dan Campbell would like to draft players who can fit the team’s culture, on top of having the necessary skills at a particular position.
In the 2026 NFL draft, the Lions have nine picks to make, which they will use to reinforce both lines add defensive depth.
Detroit Lions Mock Draft 2026: Team Needs
Heading into the draft night, the Lions have clear needs at offensive line, EDGE and cornerback. The franchise released veteran left tackle Taylor Decker, meaning the Lions could look to draft an offensive lineman early. They also need an EDGE/defensive end to provide pass-rush depth behind Aidan Hutchinson.
In later rounds, the Lions can look to address depth pieces at OL, DL, LB, and secondary positions.
Detroit Lions Mock Draft 2026: Projecting Dan Campbell’s All 7 Round Picks
Based on the above-mentioned team needs, we have curated a projection based on what Detroit could do on draft with their nine selections, starting with the 17th overall pick.
Round 1 (Pick 17): Monroe Freeling (OT, Georgia)
2025 stats: 14 games, 13 starts, 2 sacks allowed
Freeling was a full-time starter on Georgia’s offensive line and even earned Second-team All-SEC honors. Last season, he improved in pass protection, making full use of his strong hands. He allowed only two sacks, showing his pass-blocking reliability.
Round 2 (Pick 50): D’Angelo Ponds (CB, Indiana)
2025 stats: 43 solo tackles, 1 forced fumble, 2 interceptions, 10 pass deflections
In 2025, Ponds earned First-team All-American and First-team All-Big Ten honors. The Hoosiers’ cornerback has the ability to cover the receivers well and generate turnovers. The Lions can use him as a rotational corner early, particularly in nickel packages, while he develops into a potential starter.
Round 4 (Pick 118): Jakobe Thomas (S, Middle Tennessee)
2025 stats: 45 solo tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 5 interceptions, 6 pass deflections
Thomas has the size and physical instincts to succeed at the safety position. He has proven on both deep defenses and in-box roles. The Lions can use him on special teams and, in the meantime, develop him in the role of an NFL-ready safety.
Round 4 (Pick 128): Caden Curry (EDGE, Ohio State)
2025 stats: 40 solo tackles, 1 forced fumble, 2 pass deflections
If there is any player in this list who embodies the “grit” personality the most, it’s Caden Curry. He makes a great effort to rush the quarterback, exactly the kind of depth option the Lions want in their depth behind Aiden Hutchinson. On the long-term horizon, he could become a reliable secondary pass rusher.
Here are the remaining projections:
Round 5 (Pick 157): Gracen Halton (DL, Oklahoma)
2025 stats: 11 solo tackles, 3.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble
Round 5 (Pick 181): Dallen Bentley (TE, Utah)
2025 stats: 48 receptions, 620 yards, 6 touchdowns
Round 6 (Pick 205): Gary Smith III (DT, UCLA)
2025 stats: 19 solo tackles, 0.5 sacks
Round 6 (Pick 213): Owen Heinicke (LB, Oklahoma)
2025 stats: 34 solo tackles, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble
Round 7 (Pick 222): Caleb Douglas (WR, Texas Tech)
2025 stats: 54 receptions, 846 yards, 7 touchdowns
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