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/
Tony Pauline (17. Avieon Terrell/CB/Clemson Tigers – Left tackle is a consideration at this spot with Taylor Decker implying retirement is not far away, though no prospects at the position are worth a top-20 pick. Terrell fills a need and won’t be the disappointment 2024 first-round pick Terrion Arnold has been to date. 50. Gabe Jacas/DE/Illinois Fighting Illini) (12-18-25): https://www.essentiallysports.com/nfl-active-news-flagship-tony-paulines-2-round-2026-mock-draft-browns-secure-franchise-qb-commanders-beat-chiefs-to-jeremiyah-love/
CBS Renner (17. Keldric Faulk EDGE: Faulk is a physically imposing defensive end who can play both inside and outside. He's a dynamo in the run game but a work in progress as a pass rusher with only 31 pressures this past fall. His tools are worth taking a chance on developing given how special they are.) (12-18-25): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2026-nfl-mock-draft-thin-qb-class-desperate-teams/
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/
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. Kamari Ramsey, S: Aaron Glenn is gone, so the Lions need as much secondary talent to make up for the departure. Kamari Ramsey has excellent coverage skills.) (12-17-25): https://walterfootball.com/draft2026_1.php
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/
Athlon Sports Easterling (17. Cashius Howell | Edge | Texas A&M: Aidan Hutchinson continues to be one of the most dominant edge rushers in the NFL, but the Lions are still searching for another high-quality player at the position who can line up across from him and take advantage of 1-on-1 opportunities. Howell has proven this season that he’s capable of taking over games and single-handedly ending drives, and he knows how to win with a wide range of pass-rushing moves and polished technique that will allow him to have an immediate impact at the next level. 50. OG Emmanuel Pregnon) (12-16-25): https://athlonsports.com/nfl/2026-nfl-mock-draft-updated-2-rounds-fernando-mendoza-dante-moore-ty-simpson
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/
Tankathon (17.DE T.J. Parker. 50. LB Deontae Lawson) (12-13-25): https://www.tankathon.com/nfl/mock_draft
Fox sports Rang (17. T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson: The Lions have enjoyed a breakout campaign from 30-year-old Al-Quadin Muhammad (team-leading nine sacks in 2025) opposite Aiden Hutchinson, but the former might be difficult to bring back if he hits the open market. Parker hasn't generated the same production this season (five sacks) that he did last year (11), but his length and strength translate well to the next level.) (12-12-25): https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2026-nfl-mock-draft-should-heisman-trophy-favorite-fernando-mendoza-go-no-1
Walter football Charlie (18. Will Heldt, DE, Clemson: The Lions have Marcus Davenport and Josh Paschal entering free agency after this season, and they need more consistent pass-rushing production across from Aidan Hutchinson.. Thus far in 2025, Heldt has 29 tackles with four sacks and has played well for Clemson. Heldt played well for Purdue in 2024, recording 56 tackles with five sacks. The 6-foot-6, 260-pounder has good size, length, a surprising burst, and plays really hard. 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.) (12-12-25): https://walterfootball.com/draft2026charlie_1.php?rbTop
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
Draft wire Popejoy (17. Detroit Lions - CB Avieon Terrell - Clemson) (12-9-25): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2025/12/09/2026-nfl-mock-draft-update/87683911007/
CBS Edwards (17. David Bailey EDGE: Aidan Hutchinson returned to his terrifying, impactful form, but injuries continue to hamper the position group as a whole. Plus, Marcus Davenport, Josh Paschal and Al-Quadin Muhammad are all scheduled to become free agents. The selection of David Bailey is an investment in the position.) (12-8-25): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2026-nfl-mock-draft-updated-first-round/
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/
USA Today Ostly (17. Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State: Detroit's offensive line isn't imposing its will as it has in years past under Dan Campbell. Ioane is a pick to get back to that place. The Nittany Lions' offensive lineman is powerful at 6-foot-4 and 335 pounds with the athleticism to hang in pass protection and run over defenders in the run game.) (12-6-25): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2025/12/06/2026-nfl-mock-draft-saints-raiders-browns-quarterbacks/87571587007/
Draft Tek (19. DE David Bailey: The Ravens still can't rush the passer, but at least they recognize that. They sent a conditional 5th round pick to the Titans in exchange for the versatile Dre'Mont Jones, who gives Baltimore more juice in the front seven. Still, the Ravens defense hasn't allowed 20 points in a game in over a month, while the offense has done just enough to enjoy a 4-game win streak. Playoff hopes are alive and well in Baltimore. The team could very well be in best player available mode in Round 1 of next April's draft. - not because they have no holes, but because they have several. The offensive line needs more consistency, the defensive front is old and injured, and the secondary could use another young corner. Even wide receiver could warrant some consideration. Still, though, the Ravens should choose to address their biggest need. Matayo Uiagalelei's 2024 production (10.5 sacks) nearly matches that of the entire Ravens' defense through 10 games. That doesn't sit right in the city that once housed Terrell Suggs. Uiagalelei is a similar-yet-better prospect than Tavius Robinson, who Baltimore used a 4th round pick on in 2023 and has grown to love. The ability to play both inside and outside could help a team that craves versatility. - Gabe Kamins, Ravens Analyst. 51. CB Domani Jackson. 100. (Comp) WR Deion Burks. 125. S Amare Ferrell. 134. (Comp) Malachi Fields. 165. (Trade) OT Brian Parker II. 196. (Trade) OC Matt Gulbin. 206. (Trade) ILB Ernest Hausmann. 219. (Trade) RB Darius Taylor) (12-4-25): https://www.drafttek.com/2026-NFL-Draft-Team-Pages/Lions-Draft-Page.asp
Athletic Brugler (17. Detroit Lions: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama: Proctor would be an easy sell in the Detroit war room — just show Dan Campbell clips of the 360-pounder catching screens and lining up in the backfield. I’m half-kidding, but Proctor would give the Lions a potential heir apparent at left tackle and immediate depth at guard.) (12-3-25): https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6852455/2025/12/03/nfl-mock-draft-2026-browns-raiders-dante-moore/
CBS Wilson (17. Olaivavega Ioane OG: Ioane is one of the cleanest prospects in this class, excelling as an earth-mover in the run game, and the athleticism to be effective in both gap and zone schemes. In pass protection, he plays with a strong base, using a well-timed, powerful punch to neutralize the bull rush.) (12-1-25): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/wilsons-2026-nfl-mock-draft-3-0-wide-open-qb-race-creates-chaos-at-the-top-of-board/
PFN Cummings (18. Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State: Hear me out, Lions fans. I didn’t love the value at other positions of need here, and Alex Anzalone is set to become a free agent soon. The Lions are close to a best-player-available situation, and the best player available is indeed Ohio State’s Sonny Styles. Styles is 6’4″, 243 pounds, and had six sacks as a blitzer in 2024, so don’t get caught thinking he can’t provide something as a pass-rush catalyst. But his prime function is as an elite WILL linebacker, with sideline range, take-on physicality, and high-end coverage value. 50. Anthony Lucas, EDGE, USC: The Lions need a long-term complement to Aidan Hutchinson. While Anthony Lucas still needs greater consistency, his power profile is eye-catching at 6’5″, 272 pounds, and on his best reps, he flashes an impressive blend of quickness, hand force, and finishing strength. 118. Justin Joly, TE, NC State. 134. Austin Barber, OT, Florida. 158. Kayin Lee, CB, Auburn. 199. Barion Brown, WR, LSU. 206. Tomas Rimac, OG, Virginia Tech. 222. Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State) (11-28-25): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-mock-draft-7-round-cummings-november-2025/
Yahoo (18. Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah: Taylor Decker’s play has taken a dip this year after a long time manning the blindside in Detroit, making the idea of drafting his replacement more palatable. Lomu is the “other” tackle at Utah, but he’s a quality first-round talent in his own right.) (11-26-25): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/2026-nfl-mock-draft-30-jets-raiders-pick-qbs-at-1-2-after-trades-while-2-ohio-state-defenders-go-top-10-050102300.html
CBS Brockermeyer (18. Kelley Jones CB: Jones is a rare 6-foot-4 corner with both athleticism and range. He excels in press coverage and shows quickness and the ability to run with receivers on in-breaking routes.) (11-25-25): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2026-nfl-mock-draft-first-round-projections-thanksgiving/
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/
SN Iyer (20. Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M (6-2, 248 pounds): Howell's explosiveness and relentlessness wreaking havoc would make him the perfect fit to match the playmaking energy of just-extended Aidan Hutchinson.) (11-6-25): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-mock-draft-2026-saints-jets/8fc2413f9c162434f52e1e2f
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, 7 OT, 5 CB, 2 OG, 2 LB):
3 DE T.J. Parker
3 DE David Bailey
3 DE Cashius Howell
3 DE Matayo Uiagalelei
3 OT Francis Mauigoa
3 CB Avieon Terrell
2 LB Sonny Styles
2 OG Olaivavega Ioane
2 OT Caleb Lomu
1 DE LT Overton
1 DE Will Heldt
1 DE Damon Wilson
1 DE Keldric Faulk
1 CB Kelley Jones
1 CB Mansoor Delane
1 OT Kadyn Proctor
1 OT Gennings Dunker
Round 2 (3 DE, 2 CB, 2 OC, 1 OT, 1 OG, 1 S, 1 DT, 1 LB):
1 OG Emmanuel Pregnon
1 OC Brian Parker II
1 OC Jake Slaughter
1 OT Jude Bowry
1 CB Domani Jackson
1 CB Davison Igbinosun
1 LB Deontae Lawson
1 S Kamari Ramsey
1 DT Kayden McDonald
1 DE Anthony Lucas
1 DE Gabe Jacas
1 DE R Mason Thomas
Round 3 (Comp) (1 WR):
1 WR Deion Burks.
Round 4 Pick 125 (1 S, 1 TE ):
1 S Amare Ferrell.
1 TE Justin Joly
Round 4 Pick 134. (Comp) (1 WR, 1 OT):
1 WR Malachi Fields
1 OT Austin Barber
Round 5 Pick (1 OT, 1 CB):
1 OT Brian Parker II
1 CB Kayin Lee
Round 6 Pick 196 (1 OC, 1 WR):
1 OC Matt Gulbin.
1 WR Barion Brown
Round 6 Pick 206 (1 LB, 1 OG):
1 ILB Ernest Hausmann.
1 OG Tomas Rimac
Round 7 (1 RB, 1 QB):
1 RB Darius Taylor
1 QB Cole Payton
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