The Detroit Lions are heading into the draft with flexibility. Armed with nine total picks, including the No. 17 overall pick, their approach could shape both immediate needs and long-term depth.

Tim Twentyman of the Detroit Lions' website gave a preview of the Detroit Lions' draft plans and strategy ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

"It was really more in the past, where I've gotten – for our process, it's a lot of time that you miss," Holmes said last week when asked about missing the Annual League Meetings in Arizona.

Detroit Lions Trade Activity Shapes Draft Flexibility

After finishing the 2025 season with a 9-8 record and missing the playoffs, the Detroit Lions were able to get their hands on draft picks in six rounds out of seven.

Due to their agenda of drafting Isaac TeSlaa in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Lions made a significant trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars to secure the pick.

They moved up 32 spots from No. 102 to complete the move. Detroit sent its 2025 third-round pick and both of its 2026 third-rounders to the Jaguars. 

The Lions can make their first pick on Day 1 in the first round. Followed by round two on Friday, and the last day of the Draft, they can execute their leftover picks from the fourth to seventh rounds.

Total Picks Outline the Lions’ Draft Capital for 2026

With nine total selections, including the No. 17 overall pick in the first round, their draft capital gives them room to address multiple needs while staying adaptable as the board shifts.

In this season, the Detroit Lions' picks are as follows:

• No. 17th pick (Round 1)
• No. 50th pick (Round 2)
• No. 118th pick (Round 4)
• No. 128th pick from the Houston Texans (Round 4)
• No. 157th pick (Round 5)
• No. 181st pick as a compensatory selection (Round 5)
• No. 205th pick from the Jacksonville Jaguars (Round 6)
• No. 213th pick from the Seattle Seahawks through the Jaguars (Round 6)
• No. 222nd pick from the Cleveland  Browns (Round 7)

"I still think we'll be able to get a good player," Holmes when discussing about the No. 17 overall pick. "I do think that this draft is not too much different than what it's been in the last probably couple of years.”

Through free agency, GM Brad Holmes followed the approach of filling the roster from free agency, and now he is building the roster through the NFL Draft.

Draft Strategy Reflects Brad Holmes’ Roster-Building Approach

According to Tim Twentyman, the Lions still could use some depth on the edge and offensive line.

One of the prospects the Lions could eye is Keldric Faulk from the Auburn Tigers, who joined the team in 2023. 

He is known for his elite run defense, versatility across the defensive line, and relentless play style. Lions are looking forward to fill that defensive end role opposite Aidan Hutchinson.

Olaivavega Ioane from Penn State is also a reliable interior offensive lineman. He could be an addition to Cade Mays, Juice Scruggs, Ben Bartch, and Seth McLaughlin. 

Ioane has emerged as one of the best guards in college football last season, earning first-team All-American honors and anchoring the Penn State Nittany Lions' offensive line.

Ioane didn't allow a sack in each of the last two seasons and could be a dependable starter at right guard for the next decade, alongside Penei Sewell.

Defensive end Akheem Mesidor of the Miami Hurricanes is also a top choice for Lions' pass rushing defense. Mesidor received several honors, including second-team All-American and first-team All-ACC selections.

He recorded 12.5 sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, and 63 total tackles, helping lead Miami to the National Championship Game in 2025.

With the draft being a day away, the Lions would look forward to utilize their picks and fill their gaping needs on the roster for the upcoming season.

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Rishab Nandi