The 2026 NFL Draft may still be months away, but you can bet the Detroit Lions scouting department is already evaluating potential targets. While the 2025 season hasn’t even kicked off, the front office is assessing roster needs and beginning to stack its draft board. The five players below are early prospects who could end up part of the Lions’ long-term plans.
Five potential Detroit Lion fits
1. Rueben Bain, DE, Miami
Defensive end will likely be a top priority for the Detroit Lions in the 2026 NFL Draft as they search for a strong complement to Aidan Hutchinson. Miami’s Rueben Bain could be that answer. He made a big splash in 2023, earning ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors with 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. However, his 2024 season was a bit of a disappointment as he battled injuries throughout the year. Still, at 275 pounds, Bain fits the mold of the bigger, physical edge rusher Dan Campbell likes. He shows explosive burst off the ball, and if he can return to form in 2025, he has the potential to be one of the top defensive ends in this class.
2. Anthony Smith, DE, Minnesota
If the Lions decide not to take a defensive end in the first round or if Rueben Bain is off the board, Minnesota’s Anthony Smith is another player to keep an eye on. Like Bain, Smith has imposing size, coming in at 6-foot-6 and 285 pounds. He uses this size to hold his ground against the run and is one of the better run defenders in the 2026 NFL Draft defensive end class. He also has the quickness and athletic ability to make plays in the backfield, recording 11.5 tackles for loss and six sacks last season.
3. Tony Rojas, LB, Penn State
A linebacker who could be a solid day three pick for the Lions is Penn State’s Tony Rojas. What stands out most about Rojas is his blazing speed, having run the 40-yard dash in 4.37 seconds. This speed, combined with his athleticism, allows him to perform well in pass coverage, earning a 90.9 coverage grade last season. He would bring valuable depth and added speed to Detroit’s linebacker group.
4. Ar’maj Reed-Adams, OG, Texas A&M
Even after drafting Georgia’s Tate Ratledge in the second round this year, expect the Lions to continue investing in the offensive line. Texas A&M’s Ar’maj Reed-Adams carries a Day 2 grade and could eventually replace veteran Graham Glasgow. A big, powerful run blocker, Reed-Adams fits the identity of Detroit’s smashmouth offensive scheme.
5. Sam Leavitt, QB, Arizona State
Jared Goff isn’t going anywhere soon, but the Lions need to start grooming a developmental quarterback. Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt could be that guy. He has the tools—arm talent, mobility, and upside—to grow behind Goff. If Detroit can land him in the second or third round, he’d be a smart investment for the future at the game’s most important position.