it's far too soon to think about where the Detroit Lions will be falling in next year's draft, but hopefully, it won't be until the 32nd overall pick as the team looks to make the Super Bowl and win the whole thing once and for all.
Until then, we can only assume that, barring any disastrous injuries or moves by the Lions, they'll be picking pretty late in the first round after another successful season. With a late pick, though, Detroit can still make some big selections given their needs aren't at hugely impactful positions as of now. They can use extra pass rush help, another center, and more help in the secondary.
Looking ahead, there will be plenty of players who can fill those needs for the team in 2026. Using NFL Mock Draft Database to run an auto-select mock draft for Detroit, we can get a quick glimpse at what a 5-round mock draft for the team can look like assuming they still have their four picks over five rounds, and assuming these players won't see their stock rise or fall any farther than they currently have.
As a reminder, the Lions have just four picks over five rounds after their trade to get Isaac TeSlaa in 2025 sent out their two 3rd rounders to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
5-round 2026 Lions mock draft
With the 29th overall pick, Deonte Lawson heads to the Lions' defense. Lawson is currently the 2nd best ranked linebacker by NFL Draft Buzz, listed as a box LB, and has picked up 194 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and 12 pass deflections over four seasons with the Crimson Tide. He is returning to the team for his fifth season after passing up on this year's draft.
Lawson would be the perfect disruptive linebacker to throw into the Lions' defense that already has Aidan Hutchinson mucking things up at the pass rush. Lawson, Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, and Derrick Barnes make for a very scary linebacker room.
At 61st overall, the Lions then go for another defender, but this time add to their pass rush by selecting Anto Saka out of Northwestern University. Saka, who collected just 3.5 sacks in 2025, nees the extra experience as a starting defender that another year with Northwestern will afford him, which is why he's projecting as a Round 2 selection despite having lower stock than that had he landed in the 2025 draft.
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He's a fast defender with explosiveness that can obviously be harnessed with the right staff, and it makes him a great target for Detroit as they look to shore up their pass rushing through the draft.
The Lions stay the course with picking defenders and select Daylen Everette in this mock draft at 129th overall. Everette is currently projected as the 22nd best cornerback in college football per NFL Draft Buzz, earning comparisons from the site to Greg Newsome II on the Cleveland Browns and Maxwell Hairston, who was just selected by the Buffalo Bills with their first round pick.
Everette had an impressive 45 solo tackles, three passed defended, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles last season with Georgia. His cons include getting caught too easily with savvy moves from wide receivers in coverage, and technical skills needing work to match up to his actual athleticism. But, Everette would be a solid pickup for Detroit as they continue adding firepower and depth to their secondary.