Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions' general manager, Brad Holmes, addressed a Pre-Draft Press Conference on April 13, 2026.

During the conference, he shed light on the conditions under which he could trade up to land a right draft prospect in their roster.  

“Absolutely. Yeah, if it’s the right guy. You guys know me. I feel like you guys get mad at me sometimes. I do it too much sometimes. But, no, if we have that kind of conviction for a player, absolutely. We’re going to go and get him,” Holmes said.

After the departure of veteran talents like offensive tackle Taylor Decker, the Lions need a blindside protector for quarterback Jared Goff. 

Alongside this, the Lions would also be interested in improving the trenches ahead of the 2026 NFL season. 

In this draft, the Motown team holds the 17th overall pick in the first round, with a total of nine selections across different rounds.

The Lions traded their two 2026 third-round picks and another third-round pick in the 2025 draft for Isaac TeSlaa.

"It's hard to sleep at night when you don't get the player you really, really wanted because you reached for a need," Holmes added.

Previously, he has done the same. To land cornerback Terrion Arnold, Holmes traded up in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Similarly, in the 2022 Draft, to land wide receiver Jameson Williams. 

So, it is evident enough that he would not hesitate to give up picks to land an impact player, citing his best player available philosophy.

Lions’ Needs for the Upcoming 2026 NFL Draft

The 2026 NFL Draft is officially one week out. So far, Holmes has been able to implement his principle of building the roster.

Filling the voids with free agency, building the roster with the drafts, and retaining new talent by cap shuffling. 

With the departure of core talent like Taylor Decker, David Montgomery, Graham Glasgow and Alex Anzalone. The Lions will focus on drafting developmental prospects. 

According to the Detroit Lions’ official website, five players fit the team: Spencer Fano, Monroe Freeling, Kadyn Proctor, Caleb Lomu, and Francis Mauigoa. 

Although, as indicated by Dan Campbell about the re-assignment of Penei Sewell to the left tackle, while addressing the reporters at the Annual League Meeting in March.

The Lions still need an offensive tackle prospect to cover the right tackle position. 

Fano comes in with experience of playing at right tackle for two years at Utah. While Freeling boasts an RAS (Relative Athletic Score) of 9.99 out of 10.

Proctor is 6 feet 7 in and is still very quick with his feet. Lomu has two years of starter experience at left tackle at Utah. Whereas Mauigoa can be an immediate starter.

Share your thoughts on the possibility of a trade-up with us in the comments.

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore