With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching within a few days, the Detroit Lions aren’t guessing their heading into the draft. A new report points to three prospects tied directly to their biggest needs, the offensive line and pass rush.

According to Axios Detroit's Joe Guilen, the Lions hope to pursue offensive tackles Monroe Freeling, Kadyn Proctor, and cornerback Jermod McCoy this draft.

"There is only one draft, and the roster's going to change every single year," Holmes said.

The 2026 NFL Draft is set to start at 8 PM EST on Thursday at Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 

According to Guillen, the Lions have nine overall picks in this year's draft. With No. 17th in the first round, one in the second and seventh rounds, and two picks in each of the fourth, fifth, and sixth rounds.

Monroe Freeling

Offensive tackle Monroe Freeling started his collegiate career with the Georgia Bulldogs in 2023. 

Known for his elite athleticism, 6'7" frame, and potential as a franchise left tackle, he was ranked 81st among the 632 qualified OTs. 

In the 2025 season, he played for 747 offensive snaps and maintained a pass block grade of 85 and a run block grade of 61.3.

He allowed five total pressures in pass protection, including a sack and no hits allowed to opposing pass rushers.

Kadyn Proctor 

Hailing from Des Moines, Iowa, Kadyn Proctor joined the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2023. 

He is primarily recognized for his rare athleticism, immense size, and dominant run-blocking ability at Alabama. 

He is a five-star recruit out of high school and a three-year starter for the Crimson Tide. During his final season, he won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, given to the best collegiate tackle in the country.

He is considered to be a premier 2026 NFL Draft prospect with notable, rare, quick feet for a "people mover”. As per Sports Reference, he appeared in 40 games while playing for 878 snaps in the last season. 

Ranked 32nd among the 632 qualified OTs, he earned a PFF grade of 85.4. 

Jermod McCoy

The last one in the list is Jermod McCoy from the Tennessee Volunteers. He joined the Volunteers in 2024 as a cornerback after playing for Oregon State in 2023. 

McCoy is projected to be a top 2026 NFL Draft prospect. He starred in 2024 with four interceptions and nine pass breakups, before missing the 2025 season with an injury.

In 2024, he played for 13 games and recorded 26 tackles.

He is a potential first-year starter despite missing last season with a torn ACL while playing in an offseason training session in January 2025.

Detroit has the draft capital and clear direction to address its biggest needs. Now it comes down to execution and whether these targets turn into impact pieces right away.

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Rishab Nandi