The 2026 offseason will be pivotal for the Lions. After a disappointing 2025 season that saw them miss the playoffs despite entering the year as Super Bowl contenders, Detroit must address the trenches if they hope to return to contention. This mock draft reflects that focus, with the team’s top three picks coming along the line of scrimmage.
Round 1, Pick 17: T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson
The Lions already have an elite edge rusher in Aidan Hutchinson, coming off a career-best 14.5 sacks, but they still need a reliable presence on the opposite side. Clemson’s T.J. Parker fits that role after posting 29 tackles for loss and 16 sacks over the past two seasons. A bigger defensive end at 6-foot-3, 260 pounds, Parker has the strength to hold up against the run along with the flexibility and burst to consistently get after the quarterback.
Round 2, Pick 50: Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M
The Lions address their offensive line for the first time in this draft with Texas A&M guard Chase Bisontis. An All-SEC performer this season, Bisontis is the kind of big, physical lineman head coach Dan Campbell prefers. He’s expected to step in immediately and upgrade the left guard spot, improving on Christian Mahogany, who allowed six sacks this past season.
Round 4 Pick 118: Logan Jones, C, Iowa
The Lions continue building their offensive line by selecting Iowa center Logan Jones. Detroit ranked 20th in run block win rate (70.7%) and 30th in pass block win rate (55.2%) last season, making the position a priority. Jones is the top center on my board and has the tools to step in and fill the void left by Frank Ragnow’s retirement.
Round 5 Pick 155: Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke
The Lions look to add depth to their cornerback room, especially with Amik Robertson battling injuries and approaching free agency. Duke’s Chandler Rivers is a smart, physical corner with good ball skills, recording 21 pass breakups and five interceptions over the past two seasons. He can contribute immediately in sub-packages and has the potential to develop into a starting-caliber corner.
Round 6 Pick 186: Aiden Fisher, LB, Indiana
The Lions’ linebacker group is already strong, with Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes under contract for next season, so this isn’t a pressing need. Still, adding depth late in the draft makes sense. Indiana’s Aiden Fisher was the leader of the Hoosiers’ defense and a key reason they won the National Championship.
Round 6 Pick 203: Ephesians Prysock, CB. Washington
After selecting Chandler Rivers in the fifth round, the Lions could take another corner in the 2026 NFL Draft. Washington’s Ephesians Prysock is a big, athletic corner who can add depth at the position and potentially see snaps at free safety. His size and versatility give Detroit flexibility in the secondary and insurance against injuries or roster turnover.
Round 6 Pick 212: John Michael Gyllenborg, TE, Wyoming
The Lions boast one of the NFL’s top tight ends in Sam LaPorta, but with him and Brock Wright coming off season-ending injuries, adding depth is a smart move. Wyoming’s John Michael Gyllenborg is a big, physical tight end who has produced strong numbers when healthy and gives the Lions reliable depth at the position.
Round 7 Pick 222: Aaron Graves, DT, Iowa
Defensive tackle is another position where the Lions are likely to add depth in the 2026 NFL Draft. With this pick, they bring in their second Hawkeye, joining Logan Jones, and with two of their top players already from Iowa, Sam LaPorta and Jack Campbell, it continues a trend of tough, rugged players from the school. Graves is a high-effort interior lineman who recorded 6.5 tackles for loss and five sacks this past season, providing depth and physicality up front.