Fox sports Research (16. David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech: Bailey is second in all the FBS in sacks at 13.5 and leads all Power 4 players, as well. Even looking back at his three seasons at Stanford, he's had consistent production, with totaling 28 sacks from 2022 to 2025, the third-most of any player in that span. Bailey is a bit undersized at 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, but there's no denying his bend and burst off the edge. He should be a huge help to a Lions defense that has struggled all season.) (12-26-25): https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/2026-nfl-mock-draft
Walter football Charlie (17. Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina: The Lions need a true No. 1 corner. Getting a true No. 1 would make D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold much better, as they would be drawing No. 2 and 3 receivers. Cisse has been an impressive cover corner for South Carolina in 2025. He has 27 tackles with an interception, five passes batted, and a forced fumble. In 2024, he had 28 tackles with five passes broken up. The 6-foot, 190-pounder has quality size to go with speed and athleticism. He could be a starting man corner in the NFL. 50. Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College: The Lions have some big contract extensions looming for Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, Sam LaPorta, and Brian Branch. They could save money by moving on from Taylor Decker after the 2026 season. Here is a tackle to develop behind Decker. The 6-foot-5, 309-pound Bowry was the starting left tackle for Boston College the past couple of seasons. Bowry is athletic, tough, and has upside. He could end up getting starter grades with early-round potential.) (12-26-25): https://walterfootball.com/draft2026charlie_1.php?rbTop
PFN Cummings (17. Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah: Lions recently extended Taylor Decker, but nagging injury discomfort down the stretch has fueled retirement speculation. With Decker in the twilight of his career, Caleb Lomu serves as a worthy successor, boasting athleticism, nuanced pass blocking, enhanced run game power, and hyper-elite flexibility as a failsafe. 49. Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State: Davison Igbinosun has improved his discipline with targeted physicality in 2025, and he has the size, length, speed, quickness, and fluidity to be a true CB1 in time. 117. WR Zachariah Branch. 134. DE Dani Dennis-Sutton. 157. S Bud Clark. 206. S Jadon Canady. 210. DE Tyreak Sapp. 219. DT CJ Fite) (12-25-25): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cummings-7-round-nfl-mock-draft-2026/
Walter football Walt (17. Damon Wilson II, DE, Missouri: The Lions could stand to add a better bookend across from Aidan Hutchinson. Damon Wilson has great speed off the edge. 50. Drew Shelton, OT/G: The Lions lost multiple offensive linemen last offseason, so they’ll need some new blockers. Drew Shelton is an athletic lineman who has played every position at Penn State.) (12-24-25): https://walterfootball.com/draft2026_1.php
Athlon Sports Easterling (17. T.J. Parker | Edge | Clemson: The Lions are still searching for another high-impact edge rusher to line up across from Aidan Hutchinson and exploit 1-on-1 opportunities. Parker hasn’t quite lived up to the top-five hype he was getting in he preseason, but he’s still a well-rounded defender who can set a strong edge against the run, as well as get after the quarterback with both speed and power. 50. OC Connor Lew) (12-23-25): https://athlonsports.com/nfl/2026-nfl-mock-draft-updated-2-rounds-nfl-week-17-jeremiyah-love-fernando-mendoza
PFF McGuiness (
17. OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama - Although Penei Sewell is a proven star, Taylor Decker is in his 30s and on track for his lowest-graded season since 2017. It’s time for the Lions to think about a long-term replacement at left tackle. The best options on the left side are Proctor and Utah’s Caleb Lomu. While both are strong prospects, the Lions opt for the 20-year-old Proctor here. He earned PFF overall grades above 80.0 as a run blocker and in pass protection in 2025.) (12-22-25): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2026-nfl-mock-draft-dolphins-trade-fernando-mendoza
Draft Network Melo (
17. Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State: The Detroit Lions flirted with a Frank Ragnow reunion, but a failed physical prevented it from coming to fruition. The Lions' interior hasn't quite been the same since Ragnow retired. Olaivavega Ioane would solve that through sheer physical dominance. Ioane pairs power with heavy hands.) (12-22-25): https://thedraftnetwork.com/2025/12/21/nfl-mock-draft-2026-december-21
PFN Fragoza (
17. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU: If there is one thing the Detroit Lions could use more of, it’s talented bodies in the secondary. Mansoor Delane and his scheme-diverse skill set on the outside fit the bill and is a steal in the second half of the first round.
50. R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma: R Mason Thomas uses his elite first step and natural bend to create immediate problems off the edge. His lighter frame limits him against the run, and he relies too heavily on speed-to-power without developing counters, projecting him more as a designated pass-rush specialist rather than an every-down player.) (12-19-25):
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-mock-draft-2026-fragoza-december/
USA Today Middlehurst-Schwartz (
17. Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami (Fla.): Unable to recapture last season's magic, the Lions are now on the outside of the NFC playoff picture after seizing the No. 1 seed a year ago. While the defense has been weighing down this year's group, Detroit shouldn't blink at the opportunity to fortify its front on either side of the ball. Sliding from tackle to guard here, the physical Mauigoa could help the Lions better assert themselves as the rough-and-tumble outfit that they've long sought to embody.) (12-19-25):
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2025/12/19/nfl-mock-draft-2026-ty-simpson-qb-first-round/87828906007/
FTW D'Andrea (
18. OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami - Needs: EDGE, IOL, CB, LB, DT. Offensive tackle isn't a pressing need for Detroit, but Mauigoa is too valuable to pass on after sliding out of the top 15. Taylor Decker is 32 years old. Designating him a post-June 1 release would shave more than $18 million off the Lions' salary sheet. The team would be able to replace him with arguably 2026's top blocking prospect. Mauigoa is a rampart in pass protection, but he's truly devastating in space where his 315-pound frame flies upfield to demolish poor, poor linebackers.) (12-18-25):
https://ftw.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2025/12/18/2026-nfl-mock-draft-fernando-mendoza-dante-moore-arvell-reese/87798503007/
SI Flick (
17. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson: The Lions have invested significant capital at cornerback in recent offseasons, but amid injury issues and subpar performances, they’re back in position to address defensive back once more in 2026. Terrell, the younger brother of Falcons corner A.J. Terrell, is a tremendous competitor, which should appeal to Lions coach Dan Campbell. He’s also a fluid cover man with the route anticipation and body control to mirror routes.):
https://www.si.com/nfl/2026-nfl-mock-draft-steelers-select-aaron-rodgers-replacement-ty-simpson
PFN Well (
17. Matayo Uiagaleilei, EDGE, Oregon: Matayo Uiagalelei has all of the traits to be a stellar pass rusher in this league, and playing alongside Aidan Hutchinson would certainly help him realize that potential sooner rather than later. He is a perfect fit for a Dan Campbell-led defense, as he has an elite work rate and brings it on every single play. Uiagalelei has five sacks on the season after recording 10.5 sacks last year in his sophomore season.) (12-17-25):
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-mock-draft-browns-giants-chiefs-add-dynamic/
PFF Chadwick (
17. OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL): Penei Sewell has been the best offensive lineman in football this season, but with Taylor Decker potentially nearing retirement, Detroit could look to fortify the tackle spot again. Mauigoa ranks fourth among FBS tackles in PFF grade (85.7) and owns the third-best pass-blocking grade (88.3). While he plays right tackle like Sewell, Sewell’s dominance on the left side in college gives the Lions flexibility to make a seamless transition similar to Tristan Wirfs’ move in Tampa Bay.) (12-15-25):
https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2026-nfl-mock-draft-jets-trade-up-for-fernando-mendoza-vikings-land-jeremiyah-love
Draft Network Eisner (
17. Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M: Arm length concerns will be discussed throughout the pre-draft process, but you can't deny his production. He’s explosive off the snap, plays with a hot motor, and has proven he can produce from multiple alignments. I'd be excited about what Howell can do for the Detroit Lions if defenses focus too much on Aidan Hutchinson on the other side.) (12-15-25):
https://thedraftnetwork.com/2025/12/14/nfl-mock-draft-2026-december-14
PFN Elijah (
17. Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa: With a chance to make the playoffs, Detroit may not be in this spot when it comes time for the 2026 NFL Draft, but I still think their primary focus should continue to be surrounding Jahmyr Gibbs with one of the best offensive lines that money and draft picks can assemble. Iowa’s Gennings Dunker fits the mold of a brute powerhouse that the Lions need on the offensive line for the future. With injuries creating problems for the offense this season, grabbing a plug-and-play lineman like Dunker would be an excellent pick for Dan Campbell’s team.
49. Jake Slaughter, C, Florida: Florida’s Jake Slaughter has the potential to be a franchise center, having allowed only 22 pressures in his three seasons as a full-time starter.) (12-13-25):
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-mock-draft-3-round-elijah-december-2025/
ESPN Yates (
17. Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah*: While most of the picks so far have been to address immediate needs, the Lions could anticipate a future hole by selecting Lomu. Starting left tackle Taylor Decker is already 31 and has two more years on his current deal, so Detroit must be mindful of the position this offseason. Lomu is just steady in virtually every way. He moves fluidly at 6-6, 304 pounds, serving as a gifted striker in the running game and a dependable pass blocker. Lomu did not allow a single sack this season, giving up a measly six pressures.) (12-11-25):
https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/47243299/2026-nfl-mock-draft-first-round-predictions-32-picks-field-yates
PFF Sikkema (
17. Detroit Lions: ED David Bailey, Texas Tech - Record: 8-5. Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker: .498. Potential 2026 Needs: EDGE, CB, IOL. Bailey might be in the Nik Bonitto mold, but let’s be honest — every team in the NFL would love a Bonitto-type player. Bailey brings that same designated pass-rush ability, posting a 95.0 pass-rush grade on true pass sets with a 21.6% pass-rush win rate this season.) (12-8-25):
https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2026-nfl-mock-draft-rams-fernando-mendoza-cowboys-jeremiyah-love
PFN Infante (
17. Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State: There’s still plenty of time for the Detroit Lions to push for a playoff spot, but they’re currently on the outside looking in. Though missing the postseason would be a disappointment, the silver lining is that they could add a potential star to their front-seven if they pick as high in real life as they do in our mock draft. Arvell Reese gets a lot of the 2026 NFL Draft hype in that Ohio State linebacker room, but Sonny Styles is a freak of nature in his own right. His instincts have shown plenty of improvement over time, and he’s an explosive, well-built athlete with a large tackling radius and the ability to make plays in coverage.
50. Brian Parker II, C, Duke: As a collegiate starting tackle, I have Brian Parker II kicking inside to center, although a move to guard could also make sense. Regardless, his coordination, mobility, and high football IQ give him Day 1 starting potential in the pros.):
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2026-3-round-nfl-mock-draft-december/
ESPN Miller (
18. T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson*: Aidan Hutchinson is a one-man show on Detroit's defensive line, which ranks dead last in pass rush win rate since offenses are able to key on him. Parker is the type of running mate we've tried to match to Detroit in mock drafts for several years now. At 6-3 and 265 pounds, he plays the edge with length and strength that are pro-caliber, which led to 11.0 sacks as a sophomore in 2024. While he has only 2.0 sacks this season as offenses slide to stop him, Parker's effort and upper-body strength are exactly what Detroit needs opposite Hutchinson in a 4-3 scheme.) (11-19-25):
https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/47000736/2026-nfl-mock-draft-first-round-predictions-32-picks-matt-miller
Draft Network Sanchez (
24. Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon. The Detroit Lions attempted to improve their defense by drafting defensive backs a few years ago, and the return on that investment is still unknown. But the Lions’ success defensively still appears to be dependent on Aidan Hutchinson’s ability to impact the game. At some point, the Lions have to give Aidan help at the edge rusher position, and in this mock draft, they do exactly that. Matayo Uiagalelei could be a great complementary piece to Hutchinson and give the Lions a strong one-two punch.) (11-16-25):
https://thedraftnetwork.com/2025/11/16/nfl-mock-draft-2026-november-16
PFSN’s Stats and Insights team (
24. Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon: Matayo Uiagalelei has all of the traits to be a stellar pass rusher in this league, and playing alongside Aidan Hutchinson would certainly help him realize that potential sooner rather than later. He is a perfect fit for a Dan Campbell-led defense, as he has an elite work rate and brings it on every single play. Uiagalelei has four sacks on the season after recording 10.5 sacks last year in his sophomore season.
56. Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State: I expect the Lions to fortify their defensive line with both of their first two picks, as they are pretty strong in most other aspects of the game. Kayden McDonald is a large man who utilizes his size as an effective run defender, taking on offensive linemen and regularly bringing them to the ground. He has also been used as a goal-line fullback, and I can definitely see the Lions having fun with that.) (11-15-25):
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-3-round-mock-draft-november-weil/
Athletic Baumgartner (
23. Matayo Uiagalelei, edge, Oregon: The Lions could look for offensive line help in the first round (either tackle or interior O-line), but a long-term answer opposite Aidan Hutchinson still remains at least a possibility. Uiagalelei, yet another young Oregon defender, has the ability to convert speed to power while playing multiple spots up front. He’d be a perfect Hutchinson complement.):
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6780201/2025/11/06/nfl-mock-draft-2026-jets-cowboys-arvell-reese/
Round 1 (16 DE, 9 OT, 7 CB, 3 OG, 1 LB):
4 CB Avieon Terrell
4 DE T.J. Parker
4 DE David Bailey
3 DE Matayo Uiagalelei
3 OT Francis Mauigoa
3 OG Olaivavega Ioane
3 OT Caleb Lomu
2 OT Kadyn Proctor
2 DE Cashius Howell
1 DE LT Overton
1 DE Damon Wilson
1 DE Keldric Faulk
1 CB Kelley Jones
1 CB Mansoor Delane
1 CB Brandon Cisse
1 LB Sonny Styles
1 OT Gennings Dunker
Round 2 (3 DE, 3 OC, 2 CB, 2 OT, 1 DT, 1 S):
2 CB Davison Igbinosun
1 OC Connor Lew
1 OC Brian Parker II
1 OC Jake Slaughter
1 OT Jude Bowry
1 OT Drew Shelton
1 S Kamari Ramsey
1 DT Kayden McDonald
1 DE Gabe Jacas
1 DE R Mason Thomas
1 DE Zion Young
Round 3 (Comp) (1 CB):
1 CB Tacario Davis
Round 4 Pick 125 (1 OC, 1 WR):
1 OC Parker Brailsford
1 WR Zachariah Branch
Round 4 Pick 134. (Comp) (1 WR, 1 DE):
1 WR Malachi Fields
1 DE Dani Dennis-Sutton
Round 5 Pick (1 OT, 1 S):
1 OT Kage Casey
1 S Bud Clark
Round 6 Pick 196 (1 TE, 1 S ):
1 TE Riley Nowakowski.
1 S Jadon Canady.
Round 6 Pick 206 (1 DT):
1 DT Tyreak Sapp
Round 7 (1 RB, 1 DT):
1 RB Mark Fletcher Jr.
1 DT CJ Fite
