Walter football Charlie (15. Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami: Taylor Decker is considering retiring, and that would open a huge hole on the offensive line. Even if Decker returns, Mauigoa could start out at guard and bolster the interior of the offensive line. In a year, Penei Sewell could move to left tackle, and Mauigoa could move to right tackle. Mauigoa was a star recruit and one of the top players in the nation. After choosing the Hurricanes, Mauigoa has been a starting tackle the past three seasons. The 6-foot-6, 315-pounder has a quality skill set with upside. He is strong at the point of attack, showing the ability to push around defenders and protect on the edge. Some team sources felt he helped himself with good tape late in the season and during the college football playoff. 50. Jake Slaughter, C, Florida: The Lions grab a true replacement for Frank Ragnow. Slaughter (6-5, 300) has had some good games and has been a solid blocker in 2025. Slaughter has upside and has gotten better as he gained experience. At 6-foot-5, 300 pounds, Slaughter has quality size, strength, and athleticism. Slaughter took over as the starter for the Gators in 2023 and has been a reliable starter. Slaughter’s run blocking was ahead of his pass protection, but he has developed into a well-rounded player. On top of being able to play the middle, Slaughter has the ability to move to guard.) (1-23-26): https://walterfootball.com/draft2026charlie_1.php?rbTop
SI Flick (17. Vega Ioane, OG, Penn State: Starting left tackle Taylor Decker faces an uncertain future in Detroit, and the Lions need improvements on their interior offensive line. No matter which direction general manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell lean, this pick should be an offensive lineman, and Ioane is the draft’s best interior blocker. At 6' 4" and 323 pounds, Ioane is physical and moves defenders in the run game. He’s stout as a pass blocker, too, as he didn’t allow a sack or quarterback hit this season, according to Pro Football Focus.) (1-22-26): https://www.si.com/nfl/post-cfp-nfl-mock-draft-raiders-steelers-pick-franchise-qbs
ESPN Kiper (
17. Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State:
Detroit took guard Tate Ratledge in Round 2 of the 2025 draft, but there are still issues on the interior. The Lions were 31st in pass block win rate at 55.5%. With all their skill on offense, that has to be fixed. And while taking a guard in the first round isn't the most exciting pick, Ioane is extremely talented. Jared Goff would appreciate Ioane's ability to sustain blocks and that he hasn't given up a sack since 2023. And Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery will love the way Ioane gets to the second level and moves defenders out of rushing lanes.) (1-21-26): https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/47661581/2026-nfl-mock-draft-kiper-32-picks-predictions-round-1-quarterbacks
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.) (1-21-26):
https://walterfootball.com/draft2026.php
Athlon Sports Easterling (17. Cashius Howell | Edge | Texas A&M: Aidan Hutchinson is one of the most dominant and complete edge defenders in the entire NFL, but the Lions need another pass rusher who can take advantage of opponents that slide protections to his side. Howell has proven he can single-handedly end drives and take over games, and he was highly productive against top competition in the SEC. His explosiveness and technical prowess would allow Howell to make an immediate impact in Detroit. 50. OG Chase Bisontis) (1-20-26): https://athlonsports.com/nfl/2026-nfl-mock-draft-updated-national-championship-fernando-mendoza-indiana-hoosiers
Draft Network Eisner (15. Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah: The Detroit Lions could have a ton of shake-up on their offensive line this season. Taylor Decker and/or Graham Glasgow could retire this offseason, opening a clear hole that needs an immediate fix. If Decker doesn't return in 2026, Caleb Lomu can immediately fill the void. He’s a young, high-ceiling prospect who dramatically improved his game this season, both in protecting the passer and opening holes in the run game. He'd be a great fit.) (1-19-26): https://thedraftnetwork.com/2026/01/18/nfl-mock-draft-2026-january-18
PFF McGuiness (17. OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama: Although Penei Sewell is a proven star, Taylor Decker is in his 30s and coming off 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, Detroit opts for the 20-year-old Proctor here. He earned 80.0-plus PFF grades as a run blocker and in pass protection in 2025.) (1-19-26): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2026-nfl-mock-draft-jets-david-bailey-chiefs-jeremiyah-love
Fox sports Research (17. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson: The brother of All-Pro corner A.J. Terrell, Avieon has had a ton of production in three seasons at Clemson, recording 25 passes defended, 125 total tackles, eight forced fumbles, four sacks, and three interceptions in 1,860 defensive snaps played in that span. Avieon will be a great compliment to a secondary already featuring Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch and Terrion Arnold.) (1-19-26): https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2026-nfl-mock-draft-mendoza-goes-first-jets-go-defense-with-dante-moore-returning
PFN Infante (
17. Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State: Few expected the level of regression the Detroit Lions experienced in 2025. Part of their step back in play came down to their offensive line, as Kevin Zeitler departed in free agency and Frank Ragnow retired. Losing two star veterans along the interior negatively impacted the offense, and it’s something they look to fix in our latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft. I had Olaivavega Ioane as one of the top interior offensive linemen in the 2026 NFL Draft this summer, but he’s separated from the pack with his play this year. He is a sturdy guard prospect who knows how to use his hands and pad level to obtain leverage. His anchor strength gives him a higher floor than most at his position.
50. Connor Lew, C, Auburn: There’s a good chance Connor Lew would go much higher than he does in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, had he not torn his ACL. He’s a little bit light for a center, but he’s an impressive athlete at the position with good spatial awareness and a high football IQ. In a weak center class, he could still be drafted high, even with his injury.
118. Max Llewellyn, EDGE, Iowa. 155. Lewis Bond, WR, Boston College. 211. Vincent Anthony Jr., EDGE, Duke. 212. Chip Trayanum, RB, Toledo. 222. Elijah Pritchett, OT, Nebraska) (1-17-26):
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2026-nfl-mock-draft-7-round-infante-january/
NBC Froton (
17. Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M: Cashius Howell (6’2/248) emerged as Texas A&M’s premier edge disruptor in 2025, pairing volume with efficiency while stacking up elite havoc totals. Across 591 snaps he posted a strong 81.2 PFF defensive grade supported by well-rounded marks in run defense (73.6), tackling (79.6) and pass rush (90.3), the latter cementing his identity as a pressure-first finisher. Howell led the Aggies with 23 total havoc plays, including 16.5 TFLs and 11.5 sacks, and his 40 total pressures on 265 rushes (15.1% pressure rate) yielded nine sacks created and one strip-sack.) (1-15-25):
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/news/2026-nfl-mock-draft-updated-jets-pick-as-qb-dante-moore-returns-to-oregon-fernando-mendoza-no-1-to-raiders
FTW D'Andrea (
18. EDGE TJ Parker, Clemson - Needs: EDGE, IOL, CB, LB, DT. Detroit needs a pass rusher big enough to hold down the edge and the intelligence to react and adjust as plays unfold. The 6-foot-3, 265 pound Parker qualifies as a valuable counterweight to Aidan Hutchinson. Though his numbers tailed off after last year's absurd 19.5-TFL, 11-sack campaign, he remains a versatile piece with a high ceiling and useful floor. He's violent at the point of attack, using a quick punch and active hands to shed blockers, though he's fast enough to win with speed on the edge as well.) (1-14-26):
https://ftw.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2026/01/13/nfl-mock-draft-2026-jets-browns-double-dip-fernando-mendoza/88082079007/
Draft Network Melo (
17. Spencer Fano, OT, Utah: Detroit Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker is weighing retirement this offseason. The offensive line must be prepared for his potential departure. The offense missed Ben Johnson in 2025. Spencer Fano is a fluid mover in space with short-area athleticism. In this scenario, Fano would transition to left tackle.) (1-11-26):
https://thedraftnetwork.com/2026/01/11/nfl-mock-draft-2026-january-11
PFN Elijah (
17. Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama: Kadyn Proctor’s sheer size immediately alters the math for the Detroit Lions. Despite his massive build at 6-foot-7, Proctor’s lateral quickness stands out, covering ground efficiently on pulls and climbing to the second level with deceptive ease. He displaces defensive linemen with alarming ease, creating vertical movement that opens lanes before backs even reach the line of scrimmage. Against top-tier competition, he’s shown the ability to cave in fronts and impose his will snap after snap. Power rushers simply struggle to move him, and when defenders try to convert speed to strength, they’re often met with immovable resistance.
50. Kade Pieper, OG, Iowa: With all the injuries Detroit sustained on the offensive line, adding a versatile offensive lineman like Kade Pieper is an excellent pick for the Lions. With a future at the center of the NFL, Pieper gives the Lions athleticism, a high IQ, and a high upside if appropriately developed.) (1-10-26):
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-mock-draft-3-round-elijah-december-2025/
NFL Real GM Risdon (
17. Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn. Faulk fits the “crush the can” style of pass rush Detroit favors as a virtual physical clone of pending free agent Marcus Davenport, sans injuries. The Lions only have two DEs (Aidan Hutchinson and perennial healthy scratch Mekhi Wingo) on the roster after stripping away free agents, and as good as Aidan Hutchinson might be, he can’t be a solo act. ) (1-8-26):
https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3668/2026-NFL-Mock-Draft-Version-10-Kicking-Off-The-Postseason
USA Today Ostly (
17. OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama: Proctor is the choice here with his background at left tackle for the Crimson Tide. He is an outlier athlete at 6-foot-7 and 360 pounds but needs to improve his consistency. In Detroit, he could realistically start out at one of the guard positions before moving over to left tackle long-term as the future replacement for Taylor Decker, who missed time with an injury in 2025 and will be 33 next season.) (1-7-26):
https://ftw.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2026/01/07/2026-nfl-mock-draft-raiders-jets-cardinals/88050939007/
ESPN Reid (
17. Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah*: It could be time for the Lions to develop a succession plan for left tackle Taylor Decker, who will be 32 before next season and struggled with injuries in 2025. Detroit needs young talent on the offensive line, and Lomu is a 6-foot-6, 304-pound redshirt sophomore who is loaded with potential. He improved his consistency in pass protection this season, giving up only six pressures and zero sacks, but Lomu still needs to add strength to his frame to become a better run blocker.) (1-6-26):
https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/47503334/2026-nfl-mock-draft-first-round-predictions-32-picks-jordan-reid
PFF Sikkema (
17. DE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M: The Lions will have several intriguing options in the middle of the first round, including cornerback, interior offensive line and defensive line help. Ultimately, I went with Howell because Detroit needs a true one-on-one pass-rush winner opposite Aidan Hutchinson, and that’s exactly what Howell provides. He has posted pass-rush grades above 90.0 in each of the past three seasons and recorded a 19.8% pass-rush win rate this year. His shorter arm length could push him down some boards, but his consistent production makes him a logical target.) (1-5-26):
https://www.pff.com/news/draft-post-week-18-mock-draft-raiders-fernando-mendoza-no-1-overall-commanders-caleb-downs
Fox sports Rang (
17. Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State: General manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell have prioritized brute size, strength and physicality along the line of scrimmage, but that didn’t keep the Lions from slipping to 14th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed in 2025 after ranking fifth in this critical category a year ago. With injuries and inconsistency plaguing Detroit’s middle, the club could see McDonald — this draft’s best run-stuffer — as an immediate upgrade.) (1-5-26):
https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2026-nfl-mock-draft-should-raiders-take-fernando-mendoza-dante-moore-no-1-overall
Draft Network Sanchez (
17. Peter Woods, IDL, Clemson: The Detroit Lions found out this year that it is tough to have sustained success; if you're not getting better every offseason, you're getting worse. I don't think it’s time to panic in Detroit—it’s just time to tweak and retool. One of those retooling actions that could happen is improving this defense in the trenches. Peter Woods is one of the best players in this entire draft and has the upside to be an impact player early on for the Lions' defense, serving as a nice one-two punch with Aidan Hutchinson.) (1-4-26):
https://thedraftnetwork.com/2026/01/04/nfl-mock-draft-2026-january-5
PFN Ritchie (
15. Detroit Lions: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn: Given that Aidan Hutchinson serves as their lone standout and there are no other edge rushers under contract for 2026, the Lions need to bolster their pass rush. Despite a slight drop in his stock, Faulk’s combination of size, flexibility, and raw power makes him a top option, though his technique still needs refinement. Detroit can take advantage of Faulk’s explosive athleticism and dominance in the run game to create a stronger front opposite Hutchinson, giving their defense a much more dynamic point of attack than currently constructed.
50. Austin Siereveld, OT, Ohio State: Siereveld’s starting experience, functional strength, anchor, and hand work would give Detroit a physically imposing lineman useful in both run and pass sets.) (1-3-26):
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/lions-offensive-coordinator-search-dan-campbell-2026/
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/
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/
