After a quiet trade deadline, Bleacher Report's Scouting Department unveiled another mock draft for the 2026 NFL Draft. The department projects that the Detroit Lions will be picking at 21st overall, and will continue to build on the defensive side of the ball come Spring.
After extending Aidan Hutchinson to a 4-year, $180 million dollar contract that keeps him in Detroit until 2030, Bleacher Report has the Lions finding his running mate for the foreseeable future. GM Brad Holmes is predicted to select Oregon EDGE Matayo Uiagalelei - the brother of D.J. Uiagalelei.
The Lions have been looking for a complimentary piece for Hutchinson, and may have one falling into their lap with the Oregon product. The Lions have done a good job selecting EDGE rushers with Ziggy Ansah in 2013, and Hutchinson in 2022. The problem is that Detroit hasn't been able to repeat the success with a secondary rusher while having both players on the roster.
Lions predicted to snag a steal of a pass rusher in 2026 NFL Draft
The Lions currently have Al-Quadin Muhammad under contract till the end of the season, and the 30-year-old veteran has been extremely serviceable as a rotational piece through eight games. He's already registered six sacks. However, he doesn't offer a lot of upside from a long-term perspective.
With the ability to add to a defense that can utilize a friendly rookie contract, the first-round investment in Uiagalelei gives the Lions a much stronger, younger, and financially responsible presence that earned All-Big Ten honors in 2024, and has totaled 16.5 sacks through two and a half collegiate seasons.
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***"The Lions locked Hutchinson down contractually for the foreseeable future, but the defense still needs a secondary threat coming off the edge. At 6'5", 275 pounds, Uiagelelei fits the size profile that Detroit looks for in a defensive end. He also has the skills as a pass-rusher to help take some of the pressure off of Hutchinson,"***wrote B/R scouting department writer Matt Holder.
With the Lions having Hutchinson under contract, and seemingly looking to secure Jack Campbell, Brian Branch, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Sam LaPorta, the ability to bring in the Oregon pass rusher could give Kelvin Sheppard's defense a strong hold on opposing offenses for at least the next five seasons.
The Lions currently also have D.J. Reader, Levi Onwuzurike, Pat O'Connor, Josh Paschal, and Marcus Davenport with expiring contracts at the end of the 2025 season, as well. This opens the door wide open for Holmes and the Lions' scouting department to go all in on a talent like Uiagalelei.