AtoZSports (Lions Final 2026 NFL Draft Grade: At the end of the day, as we said in the headline, this draft felt like a return to form for Brad Holmes after what felt like a weird 2025 draft where it felt like the Lions almost completely ignored need outside of a couple of picks. The Lions were able to merge both best player available and needs this year, and walked out with multiple starters and some guys who could turn into dependable players in the rotation. Hard to really say anything bad about this one. Grade: A–): https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/final-grades-for-the-detroit-lions-2026-nfl-draft-haul-a-return-to-form-for-brad-holmes-after-a-rough-2025-draft/
SN (13. Detroit Lions - Grade: A-. Draft picks: OT Blake Miller, EDGE Derrick Moore, LB Jimmy Rolder, CB Keith Abney II, WR Kendrick Law, DT Skyler Gill-Howard, DT Tyre West. Analysis: GM Brad Holmes was in the unique position of reloading for a contender instead of trying for a overhaul. Miller should take over at left tackle for Taylor Decker while Moore is the right Michigan man to put opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Abney was their later steal to ensure another solid haul.): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-grades-2026-best-worst-classes-titans-rams/6f04afed90b98fcbb21a96e6
NFL.com (Detroit Lions: A-. Detroit LionsAnalysis: Miller came out of Clemson as a solid, experienced tackle -- then showed above-average athleticism at the NFL Scouting Combine, likely clinching his status as a top-25 pick. He meets Detroit's need for a tackle after Taylor Decker's exit. The Lions sent a fourth-round pick to the Jets so they could pair bullish pass rusher Moore with fellow former Wolverine Aidan Hutchinson. Also included in the Lions' draft grade is the trade of two third-round picks this year to select receiver Isaac TeSlaa in last year's third round. Detroit needed a linebacker and Rolder's aggressive style will endear him to Lions fans. The Lions traded David Montgomery to the Texans for OL Juice Scruggs, a fourth-round pick this year and a 2027 sixth-rounder. They used the fourth to move up for Moore and replaced Montgomery with Isiah Pacheco in free agency. Law is a receiver in a running back's body and should get a look as a returner during training camp. Gill-Howard is undersized but stood out on Texas Tech’s star-studded defense before an ankle injury ended his season.): https://www.nfl.com/news/2026-nfl-draft-final-snap-grades-for-every-team
Lions OnSI Booher (Overall draft grade: B+. The Lions' two biggest needs were taken care of on the first day of the draft with the selections of Miller and Moore. Both players could be instant starters, and will at the very least be competitive depth with the veterans the Lions signed in free agency. On Day 3, the Lions targeted depth and athleticism. All of the additions are fits with the team's culture, and there will be opportunities for players like Rolder and Abney to carve out roles early in their careers. Abney may be the best value pick of the entire class, as his mentality and skill-set fit exactly what the Lions look for. Gill-Howard could also continue to develop and become a strong fit in the defensive line rotation. Ultimately, the Lions targeted athletic scheme and culture fits, and should feel good about the crop they added. They were wise in free agency to build veteran depth, and while there's no pressure on these young players to be stars right away, there are plenty of opportunities.); https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/detroit-lions-2026-nfl-draft-grades
Fox Sports (Detroit Lions: Detroit is a blue-collar town and the Lions have adopted that mentality under general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell. This class reflects those principles with reinforcement along the line of scrimmage coming in the form of ironman Blake Miller in the first round and powerful Michigan edge rusher Derrick Moore in the second. I also liked the Lions’ approach on Day 3, with inside linebacker Jimmy Rolder and mighty cornerback Keith Abney II each playing with the instincts and tenacity one normally wouldn’t expect given the former’s lack of starting experience and the latter’s size. Both, however, will prove starters sooner than later. Campbell’s fiery coaching style has made him a favorite for many NFL fans, but Holmes and his scouts also deserve a lot of credit for turning the Lions into a contender. Grade: B+): https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2026-nfl-draft-grades-analyzing-all-32-teams-classes
Touchdown Wire (Detroit Lions: B+): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/touchdown/2026/04/26/2026-nfl-draft-grades-which-teams-fared-the-best-in-pittsburgh/89811651007/
AP (DETROIT LIONS: B+. OT Blake Miller (17) fills a major need. Edge Derrick Moore (44) stays in Michigan and gives the Lions another pass rusher with energy. LB Jimmy Rolder (118) is another Michigan player staying close to home. CB Keith Abney II (157) and WR Kendrick Law (168) are solid value.): https://apnews.com/article/nfl-draft-grades-4ebbe28744abef3fbf1106ace67daf67
One Division Dominates Our NFC Draft Class Ranking From 16 to 1 (5. Detroit Lions - Grade: B+. The Lions rarely waver from their identity as a team that builds through the trenches. It didn’t exactly work out for them last year with the offensive line not playing up to expectations, but they quickly made impressive renovations with the selection of Miller and the signing of center Cade Mays. This group now looks complete, especially if the plan is to move Penei Sewell to left tackle and place Miller on the right side. This could be a memorable draft class if Moore turns out to be a dependable No. 2 edge rusher. Detroit has had trouble finding help for Aidan Hutchinson.) https://www.si.com/nfl/one-division-dominates-our-nfc-draft-class-ranking
ESPN Kiper (Detroit Lions: B. Top needs entering the draft: Offensive tackle, guard, edge rusher, cornerback, safety. Taylor Decker requesting his release threw a small wrench into the Lions' offseason. It was already a critical offseason after Detroit missed the playoffs in 2025, but there was suddenly a huge hole at left tackle, adding to the overall protection issues. The Lions were 31st in pass block win rate last season at 55.5%. As the team sorted through fixes, coach Dan Campbell floated the idea of Penei Sewell sliding over from the right side, but that would still leave one of the tackle spots wide open and would be taking Sewell away from his more natural, dominant position. It seems Detroit is sticking to that, using the first-round pick on Blake Miller, a 54-game starter at right tackle in college. It's tough to beat Miller, no matter the pass-rush move. His pressure allowed rate improved every single season, from 4.0% as a rookie to 1.8% last season. That's key for the Lions; Jared Goff has real problems when he's seeing constant pressure. And Miller should become Jahmyr Gibbs' new best friend in the run game -- he can get downfield to spring breakaway runs for his backs. The other big area of need was the No. 2 edge rusher hole opposite Aidan Hutchinson. This might sound familiar -- along with most analysts, I wanted the Lions to address this last year, too. They didn't take an edge rusher until Round 6 with Ahmed Hassanein. Detroit got 11 sacks out of Al-Quadin Muhammad in a wild 30-year-old breakout season, but he signed with Tampa Bay; the Lions really only signed DJ Wonnum to replace him. Will a second-round pick in Derrick Moore get the job done? I might have gone with Zion Young, who went one pick later, but I think there's upside for an eventual all-Michigan edge combo of Hutchinson and Moore (who had 10 sacks last season). Jimmy Rolder (another Michigan player) and Keith Abney II were solid additions on defense, too. Rolder is versatile and has some burst as a blitzer. But where he really stands out is his ability to diagnose. He's a smart football player. Abney is undersized at 5-foot-10 and 187 pounds, but he gets his hands on the ball. Abney had 20 pass breakups and five picks over the past two years. He should be a good backup.): https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/48547351/2026-nfl-draft-grades-32-teams-kiper-winners-losers-steals-sleepers-favorite-picks-classes
CBS Bahns (Detroit Lions -- B. If mock draft season taught us anything about the Lions, it was that it would be a shock to see them take anything besides an offensive lineman in the first round. Blake Miller emerged as the guy at No. 17, and it's hard not to love the pick. Not only does Detroit fill a glaring need at one of the tackle spots, but it can now move forward with its plan to shift Penei Sewell from the right side to the left. Miller exclusively played right tackle at Clemson and can now hit the ground running at that same position in the NFL. Renner, however, does not love prioritizing fit over taking the best player available and gave the Lions a "C" as a result. The Lions rebounded in the second round by trading up for Derrick Moore. There is now a real hometown feel on Detroit's defensive front with a pair of Michigan products in Moore and Aidan Hutchinson holding down the edge and Jimmy Rolder operating behind them at linebacker.): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2026-team-grades/
USA Today Davis (12. Detroit Lions: B. First-round OT Blake Miller and second-round DE Derrick Moore, a Michigan alum whom the Lion traded up to get, project as Week 1 starters at crucial positions of need. Moore may be a long-term wingman off the edge opposite fellow ex-Wolverine Aidan Hutchinson. This year’s third-rounder was invested in a 2025 trade that netted promising WR3 Isaac TeSlaa. In totality, it might be enough to get a team that will benefit from a last-place schedule in 2026 back to the postseason.): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2026/04/25/nfl-draft-grades-ranking-classes-2026/89800559007/
Pride of Detroit (Overall Grade: B. When reviewing the draft picks overall, I come away satisfied, but I do wish there were a few different picks. To start positively, I believe Holmes had a great first two days of the draft. He didn’t have to trade up and spend extra capital to land Miller. Then he addressed the need for a pass-rushing defensive end in Moore in the second round. The trade to move up was fine with me, and I think it was a smart move to get ahead of the Ravens because I am sure they would’ve taken Moore if given the chance. He has obvious links to head coach Jesse Minter, and the Ravens also were in the edge market (they drafted Zion Young with the next pick). Day 3 started strong as Holmes addressed the linebacker room that has question marks for depth in Rolder and gave the secondary more help and versatility in Abney II. The ending of Day 3 is where things took a downward turn from an A draft down to a B. Not only did Holmes draft a wide receiver in Law, but he traded up for him. The trade value wasn’t an issue, but that position wasn’t a need worthy of a trade-up. I don’t care if Law can do well on special teams; a tight end there would’ve made more sense. The final picks being on the defensive line in Gill-Howard and West weren’t bad, as those last two rounds are flyers. So, sure, take a shot. Where I have an issue is the part where they ignored tight end and running back in this draft overall. I don’t know if Sione Vaki can be RB3, and who’s playing tight end for the Lions in 2027? Nobody is currently signed for it. MThese are minor issues, but questions that need to be addressed in the next five months. In the end, I came away happier than not, and that’s better than coming away frustrated and hopeless like previous regimes. So I appreciate knowing this team is moving in the right direction. Even if I don’t like every pick, the overall mission of improving the team and planning for the future was accomplished.): https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-analysis/162486/grading-detroit-lions-2026-nfl-draft-class
Athlon Sports (Lions - Biggest Steal: CB Keith Abney II (No. 157 overall). Biggest Reach: LB Jimmy Rolder (No. 118 overall). Contending teams like the Lions usually have few glaring needs, and they need polished players who can make an immediate impact at those spots. That’s exactly what they’re getting in OT Blake Miller, who started 54 games on the right side at Clemson, and should be a plug-and-play starter there as All-Pro OT Penei Sewell likely moves to the left side. DE Derrick Moore is a perfect fit to fill their desperate need for a three-down edge defender opposite DE Aidan Hutchinson, and he was the perfect match of need and value halfway through the second round. LB Jimmy Rolder was taken about 100 spots ahead of where I ranked him, but he’s got developmental potential and instant special-teams impact. CB Keith Abney II was the No. 65 overall player on my board, making him one of the biggest steals in the entire draft. Kentucky WR Kendrick Law is one of the more underrated pass-catchers in this class, and brings toughness and after-the-catch ability that gives him tons of upside. DL Skyler Gill-Howard is an undersized interior defense, but he adds valuable depth while being another value pick on Day 3. The Lions nailed the nexus of need and value on most of their picks, and their highest picks are perfect fits for what they need, and should make a big impact right away on both sides of the ball. Not much missing from what the Lions needed to address coming into this draft. GRADE: B): https://athlonsports.com/nfl/nfl-draft-grades-2026-every-team-full-analysis
SI (Detroit Lions - Grade: B. Analysis: It will be interesting to see whether the Lions move Penei Sewell to left tackle to accommodate Miller, who primarily played right tackle at Clemson. Selecting Miller and possibly tinkering with the lineup needs to pay off for this team because this star-studded roster struggled last year without a stout offensive line. Later in the draft, Detroit continued its never-ending search for a No. 2 edge rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Playing second fiddle shouldn’t be an issue for Moore, a player with a high floor and low ceiling. Moore is ready to contribute now with 10 sacks last season at Michigan.): https://www.si.com/nfl/2026-nfl-draft-grades-analysis-every-team-picks
NFLOnSi Melo (11. Detroit Lions - We loved the Detroit Lions' opening two selections. Offensive tackle Blake Miller and EDGE Derrick Moore should immediately solve problems in the lineup. This final grade would probably be stronger if the Lions had a third-round pick. Anyhow, getting cornerback Keith Abney II in the fifth round helped make up for it. Grade: B): https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/news/ranking-the-best-nfl-draft-classes-from-best-to-worst-grades-predictions
2026 NFL draft grades: All 32 rookie classes ranked, favorite picks and Day 3 sleepers (16. Detroit Lions - GRADE: B. Detroit’s offseason checklist included two major needs at the very top: An offensive tackle to start opposite Pro Bowler Penei Sewell. A defensive end to start opposite Pro Bowler Aidan Hutchinson. In free agency, the Lions tentatively filled both of those edge roles with veteran insurance plans: Larry Borom at OT and D.J. Wonnum at DE. Then, in a surprise to no one, Brad Holmes doubled down on each spot with his first two picks in the draft. Blake Miller is a prospect many mocked to Detroit, while Derrick Moore was a less-predictable pairing, particularly as a trade-up target. At the end of the day, I can appreciate the general process. With two gaping holes in the lineup, the Lions initially shopped for one-year bargains on the open market before spending their two premium picks on longer-view solutions. FAVORITE PICK: Blake Miller, offensive tackle. Having started every Clemson football game in the past four seasons -- breaking the school record with an astonishing 3,778 career snaps from scrimmage -- Miller enters the NFL with as much high-level experience as possible, making him a prime candidate to start at right tackle from Day 1. And he plays with the kind of nasty Dan Campbell adores. Something tells me that Sewell, a first-team All-Pro in each of the past three seasons at RT, will be just fine moving back to his college position on the blind side. SLEEPER: Keith Abney II, defensive back. Abney doesn’t blow you away with speed or size, but the 5-10, 187-pounder plays with an endearing chip on his shoulder, providing physicality and premium ball production (SEE: five INTs and 21 PBUs over the past two seasons). The fierce cover man spent his three years at Arizona State as an outside corner, but his best NFL role could come in the nickel.): https://www.nfl.com/news/2026-nfl-draft-grades-all-32-rookie-classes-ranked-favorite-picks-and-day-3-sleepers
Yahoo (Detroit Lions - Grade: B-. Here's why: Blake Miller was the solidifying force for Clemson’s offensive line and held it down on the right side for over 40 starts in college. While I’m not the biggest fan of bumping Penei Sewell over to the left after how he’s established himself as a premier right tackle, Miller’s combination of size, athleticism and consistency has the Lions’ right tackle spot in good hands for years to come and the Lions got him in the appropriate part of the draft. The Lions desperately needed edge help on top of a starting tackle, and they filled that need with Derrick Moore. His all-around game complements Aidan Hutchinson’s pass rush-first game very well. Kendrick Law is a twitchy and bendy athlete who can create explosives with the ball in his hands. He can be a replacement for wide receiver/folk hero Kalif Raymond. Most interesting pick: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State. A feisty defender, I’m not shocked that Abney ended up a Lion. He’s a physical player and a willing tackler whom I like playing best from the slot because he lacks the consistent ability to turn and stay in coverage, although he could stick on the outside in a more zone-heavy scheme (the Lions run a lot of man coverage, however). Abney gives the Lions several defenders who can play from there but also opens up keeping Brian Branch as a backend safety. Abney was a player I was comfortable taking at the end of round 3 because of his physicality and smarts, so this felt more than proper in the middle of Day 3.): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/2026-nfl-draft-grades-giants-among-4-teams-with-an-a-while-a-super-bowl-contender-doesnt-do-so-hot-051100373.html
FTW (Detroit Lions: C+. First three selections: Round 1, 17th overall: OT Blake Miller, Clemson. Round 2, 44th overall: EDGE Derrick Moore, Michigan. Round 4, 118th overall: LB Jimmy Rolder, Michigan. Best pick: Miller. Detroit needed to replenish its offensive line and found a Taylor Decker replacement in the well-tested Tiger. Sleeper pick: CB Keith Abney II, Arizona State. Abney had second round buzz, so when he lingered into the fifth round his value was too much to pass up. He can challenge Roger McCreary for slot CB snaps immediately.): https://ftw.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2026/04/25/nfl-draft-grades-all-teams-giants-cowboys-49ers-jaguars/89797993007/
PFN (Lions Grade: C+): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-hq/?tab=team-grades
Draftwire (Detroit Lions: C+): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2026/04/25/2026-nfl-draft-grades/89803727007/
NBC Sports Dvorchak (Detroit Lions - Draft Grade: C+. Miller was a stalwart right tackle for the Tigers, making 54 career starts over four seasons. His addition means that Penei Sewell will indeed move to left tackle, and I think that’s a far better setup than taking an inferior left tackle prospect and forcing them to start in Week 1. The Lions kept it simple in the second round. A Michigan EDGE had a bunch of sacks — 10 to be specific — last year? They have found succes with the model before. Now they have a pair of Michigan defenders to get after the passer in Aidan Hutchinson and Derrick Moore. Kendrick Law was a surprising pick in the fifth round. He never earned playing time at Alabama and peaked at 540 yards in his lone season at Kentucky. He looks more like a special teamer based on his production profile, and the Lions gave up a late-round selection to move up and grab him.): https://www.nbcsports.com/fantasy/football/news/2026-nfl-draft-grades-for-all-nfc-teams-giants-earn-high-marks-49ers-get-an-f
Tony Pauline Essentially Sports (Detroit Lions – The Lions needed an offensive tackle, but the lineman they wanted, Kadyn Proctor, came off the board before they were called to the clock, so the team went with Blake Miller. The right tackle is a nice prospect, but the middle of Round 1 was too early for his services in my opinion. They then came back and selected Derrick Moore in the middle of Round 2, which was an exceptional pick. Moore is a terrific edge rusher who can come out of a three-point stance or stand over tackle. His transition to the NFL should be a quick one. Jimmy Rolder is a terrific off-ball linebacker who could replace Alex Anzalone, who was lost in free agency. Fifth-round pick Keith Abney II offers potential as a dime back. Grade C): https://www.essentiallysports.com/nfl-active-news-twenty-twenty-six-nfl-draft-nfc-report-card-grading-every-team-as-cowboys-land-a-steal-and-rams-face-hard-questions/
CBS Prisco (Detroit Lions: C. Best Pick: Fifth-rounder Keith Abney II is a tough, physical corner who should push for time in the corner mix as a second-year player. Worst Pick: I didn't love the pick of tackle Blake Miller in the first round. He wasn't a player I rated as highly as others. They did need a tackle, so I get the selection. The Skinny: They badly need Miller and second-round edge Derrick Moore to both be impact players as rookies. They have issues at both spots. Keep an eye on sixth-round defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard. He has some pop.): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2026-nfl-draft-best-worst-most-interesting-nfc-picks/
NBC Sports (Lions - I usually love how Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell draft, but this one was a bit of a wild ride. I don’t blame them for diving into offensive line early as that is often the identity of their team. Miller should be a capable starting right tackle who plays with an edge as a run blocker, but he needs to improve his balance and lunging in pass protection. I can’t process taking Derrick Moore over Zion Young or Gabe Jacas that early. I thought both of those guys were tremendous fits for Detroit, time will tell. Rolder is instinctual and tough against the run. I thought he was underrated in this process but clearly the NFL valued him even more than me. He might struggle if left in space at the next level. Keith Abney II was by far my favorite value pick. He’s undersized, but he’s fluid and explosive in his lower half. I love his compete level at the catch point and think the Lions staff will get him to cut down on penalties. Grade: C): https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/news/2026-nfl-draft-grades-chiefs-bucs-hit-big-jaguars-fail-to-impress
Big Lead (Detroit Lions – C: Love – 5th-round CB Keith Abney. Usable depth add with toughness and a chance to stick on teams. Hate – 1st-round OT Blake Miller. Need is understandable, but the player value at that slot is what’s debatable.): https://www.thebiglead.com/2026-nfl-draft-grades-for-all-32-teams/
Walter Football (Detroit Lions: C- Grade. Goals Entering the 2026 NFL Draft: The Lions have lost so much personnel on the offensive line that the odds of them targeting that area at No. 17 are -300. The pricing is correct, as the Lions need multiple blockers. They’ll also need to find another pass-rushing presence to complement Aidan Hutchinson. 2026 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Lions wanted Kadyn Proctor so much so that they were considering trading up for him. That idea went out the window when the Dolphins snatched Proctor at No. 12. Detroit had to settle for Blake Miller, who is just fine a consolation prize. With their new tackle, the Lions entered Day 2 looking to address their pass rush. They identified a pass rusher they wanted and traded up for him, which was an irresponsible decision because they squandered resources when there were plenty of other edge rushers available, and it’s not like Derrick Moore is any better than Zion Young or Gabe Jacas. The blunders continued into Day 3, where the Lions neglected to address the rest of their offensive line. They made some fine picks – Keith Abney was a quality value in Round 5 – but it’s shocking that the Lions, who had severe blocking issues at times last year, exited the 2026 NFL Draft with only one offensive lineman. Drafting a blocker over Kendrick Law, for example, would have been a much better strategy.): https://walterfootball.com/nfldraftgradesteam.php
Grade Round Up:
A- (3)
B+ (5)
B (8)
B- (2)
C+ (4)
C (4)
C- (1)
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