In just two weeks, the football world will converge on Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for the 2026 NFL Draft. All 32 franchises will usher in a new set of talent. Some draftees will be expected to be team saviors. Others will look to secure meaningful roles as rookies. Many will work hard just to make the roster. After falling well short of expectations in 2025, the Detroit Lions are under heavy pressure to hit on this draft class. By this point, everyone knows the top prospects. GM Brad Holmes must continue his excellent track record of hitting on less-heralded prospects. The 2026 Draft is deep, with potential difference makers throughout. Researching my Lions mock drafts has led to several potential new Lions standing out to me. Here are my top 5 2026 draft crushes for the Detroit Lions.
The Lions Have Nine Total Picks
As of now, the Lions have nine total picks. Normally, that would represent a pretty decent haul. Not so fast. Of Detroit’s nine picks, only two fall in the first 117. The Lions traded away both of their 2026 third-round picks at last year’s draft to move up to select WR Isaac TeSlaa. The dynamic rookie showed flashes of his potential, but TeSlaa will need to take a big step forward to justify his cost. In a draft as deep as this one, not having those two third-rounders hurts. The Lions own the following selections:
Round 1, Pick 17
Round 2, Pick 50
Round 4, Pick 118
Round 4, Pick 128 (From Houston)
Round 5, Pick 157
Round 5, Pick 181 (Compensatory Selection)
Round 6, Pick 205 (From Jacksonville)
Round 6, Pick 213 (From Seattle via Jacksonville)
Round 7, Pick 222 (From Cleveland)
It is imperative that Brad Holmes not only hit on his premium picks but also find diamonds in the rough with his later choices. I trust the man who drafted Amon-Ra St. Brown in the fourth round and both Kerby Joseph and Alim McNeill in the third to do just that.
Here is the list of players Ireally hope end up in the Motor City:
1. Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh
Draft Projection: Rounds 3-4
Kyle Louis is one of my favorite players in the entire draft. Situations like this make it really easy to question Holmes for giving up both of his third-round picks. The Lions need a linebacker to replace Alex Anzalone, and he would be an excellent fit. Lewis is a playmaker, no matter where he lines up. Whether in the box, the slot, or covering RBs out of the backfield, the former Panther will make his presence felt. The highly productive Louis can tackle, rush the passer, and tallied six interceptions over his final two seasons at Pitt.
Unfortunately for Detroit, Louis, who is often compared to Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks and future Hall of Famer Lavonte David, is projected to be selected between the Lions’ second- and fourth-round picks. Versatile chess pieces like him often hear their name called early. If the Lions want to draft Louis, they probably will need to make a move to acquire a third-round pick.
2. Keylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech
Draft Projection: Rounds 2-3
I don’t think the Lions should be sold on Christian Mahogany as their starting left guard. If they are not, Keylan Rutledge would be a fantastic addition. Any guard described as “nasty” or a “mauler” would be a perfect fit in Detroit. Along with 2025 second-round pick Tate Ratledge, the Lions could have a terrific combo of young, talented guards.
Rutledge, at 6’4 and 316 pounds, is a punishing run blocker and excellent pass blocker, earning a 76.7 PFF grade in 2025. Once thought of as a 4th-6th-round selection, Rutledge has skyrocketed to number 62 in Dane Brugler’s latest Top 100 list. That means Rutledge is yet another excellent choice whom Brad Holmes would most likely need to wheel and deal to select.
3. Desmond Reid, RB, Pittsburgh
Draft Projection: Round 7-UDFA
Another former Pitt Panther, Desmond Reid, is another sleeper who would look great in Honolulu Blue. The diminutive Reid, who is only 5’6 and 180 pounds, is an electrifying talent when given the ball in space. However, Reid does come with plenty of injury concerns. His workload in the NFL will need to be light, but the former Panther is dynamic as a runner, receiver, and returner.
If new OC Drew Petzing wants to channel his inner-Ben Johnson, Reid could be a true weapon on gadget plays. Whether as a late-round pick or priority UDFA, Reid is exactly the kind of homerun lottery ticket that Brad Holmes should take a swing at.
4. Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
Draft Projection: Rounds 2-3
I once hoped the Lions would be able to grab Igbinosun in the fourth round, but that just isn’t happening. Igbinosun looked like the total package at the Combine. Measuring 6’2 and 189 pounds, the former Buckeye ran a 4.45 forty with a 10-foot broad jump. Igbinosun looks like the next great cornerback out of Ohio State.
With ideal traits for press-man coverage, Igbinosun is perfect for the Lions. The Terrion Arnold situation has left Detroit’s secondary with a sneaky potential need at CB. Ranked number 68 by Brugler, Igbinosun to the Lions could be a perfect match. If the Lions sign someone like Jadeveon Clowney to strengthen their edge rusher room, I would have no issue with Holmes taking Igbinosun in the second round, especially if he can trade back a few spots and pick up an extra selection.
Draft Projection: Round 1
Who says all draft crushes must be mid-late round picks? I know the Lions desperately need a tackle and should draft an edge rusher high, but I would love to see Dillon Thieneman in Detroit. The all-world athlete put on a magnificent show at the Combine, positioning himself as a Top-20 prospect.
Honestly, the Lions’ safety group is a bit crowded right now. Brad Holmes recently signed veteran FA Chuck Clark and smartly retained Avonte Maddox. If Brian Branch can return from his Achilles tear in 2026, and if Kerby Joseph can overcome his chronic left knee injury, the Lions would have a great set of safeties.
Those are big “ifs.” Achilles injuries are notoriously difficult to recover from, and Joseph’s knee has cast doubts over the rest of his career. If both can return to form, safety could be one of Detroit’s biggest strengths. If not, the position will need help.
Brad Holmes will soon need to extend his star-studded 2023 draft class. Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell are locks to earn huge paydays. Will Holmes also keep Sam LaPorta with a market-setting deal? If Branch doesn’t look like the same player when he returns, the Lions will have a difficult decision. If Detroit has doubts about Branch’s future, or Joseph’s, Thieneman could replace either and still give the Lions a dynamic player at the back of their defense. Also, it would really suck to see Thieneman end up in Minnesota or Chicago.
Honorable Mentions:
Sam Roush, TE, Stanford (Rounds 4-5)
Tyren Motgomery, WR, John Carroll (Rounds 5-6)
Zxavian Harris, DT, Ole Miss (Round 5-6)
Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati (Round 2)
R Mason Thomas, Edge, Oklahoma (Round 2)