Breaking down the Detroit Lions draft picks, team needs and 2026 first-round mock draft projections, including Monroe Freeling.
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Despite finishing tied for the fourth-most points scored in the NFL last season, the Detroit Lions managed just nine wins. That result left them at the bottom of a competitive NFC North and outside the playoff picture just one year after earning the top seed in the conference.
The gap between offensive production and overall results highlights a clear need to improve on the defensive side of the ball in the draft. The offensive line is also expected to be a major focus after struggling throughout the season.
Head coach Dan Campbell and GM Brad Holmes have done an excellent job building a roster capable of contending in Detroit. After several positive additions in free agency, they now turn to the draft to round out a playoff-caliber roster with young talent.
Let’s take a look at the full list of 2026 Detroit Lions NFL Draft picks, team needs and first-round mock drafts.
Detroit Lions NFL Draft Picks 2026
| Round | Overall | From |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 17 | |
| 2 | 50 | |
| 4 | 118 | |
| 4 | 128 | via HOU |
| 5 | 157 | |
| 5 | 181 | Compensatory |
| 6 | 205 | via JAX |
| 6 | 213 | via SEA |
| 7 | 222 | via CLE |
Detroit Lions NFL Draft Needs
Offensive Line
The Lions’ offensive line never seemed to fully recover from the unexpected retirement of Frank Ragnow last summer. Now, they must also account for the loss of Taylor Decker, who made the decision to hang up his cleats this offseason. Penei Sewell is expected to move over to left tackle in place of Decker. That leaves an obvious need at the right tackle spot, but Detroit also still needs to fill in the left guard spot, which was a revolving door of disaster a year ago.
EDGE
Simply put, the current depth chart at the edge rusher position leaves a lot to be desired behind Aidan Hutchinson. After having the best season of his career in Detroit last year, Al-Quadin Muhammad departed in free agency. The Lions made two additions in their own right in the form of DJ Wonnum and Payton Turner. However, the team’s search for a bona fide pass rusher opposite Hutchinson continues into the 2026 NFL Draft.
Defensive Line
Although the Lions’ run defense regressed significantly last year, the outlook and performance of the defensive line were marred by injuries. Both Alim McNeill and Levi Onwuzurike were among the casualties. Last year, Detroit used a first-round pick on Tyleik Williams, who figures to take a step forward in 2026. That said, the loss of DJ Reader leaves room to add another young player to this unit.
Other Lions Draft Needs
- Linebacker
- Cornerback
- Running Back
With these needs in mind, let’s take a look at how analysts are projecting the Lions to approach the first round.
Lions Mock Drafts | First-Round Picks
Here are four Detroit Lions mock drafts for the first round from ESPN, CBS, NFL Network and FlurrySports. Who do draft pundits think the Lions will select with the 17th overall pick?
No. 17 | Lions NFL Draft Pick
Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia | ESPN
Simply put, Monroe Freeling is a mountain of a man. His height measures at 6’7”, and you can bet he has the long reach to go with it. As such, he has the physical tools to be a star offensive tackle in the NFL. He could stand to add more strength and improve in run blocking, but Freeling projects as a force at the position for years to come.
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama | CBS
Another behemoth option among this year’s crop of tackles is Kadyn Proctor. He has great length and elite strength, both overall and specifically with regard to his grip. For a man of his size, Proctor also moves well and is more than capable of doing damage in open space. Landing with a team where he can be coached up will be ideal to address some of his weaknesses.
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah | NFL Network
Spencer Fano has prior experience playing at both tackle spots, something that could give the Lions added flexibility with how they revamp their starting unit. His hands are also among the best in this draft class. Widely expected to be a top 15 pick, this Detroit Lions NFL Draft projection has them trading with the Los Angeles Rams to move up four spots and secure Fano at No. 13 overall.
Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State | FlurrySports
Imagine a world in which Vega Ioane lines up next to Penei Sewell on the left side of the Lions’ offensive line. One can dream, right? While Taylor Decker’s retirement leads many to believe Detroit will address the tackle spot with its first pick, let’s not forget how awful the situation was at left guard a year ago. Drafting the best pure guard in this class would solve that in a hurry.
