Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions
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Head coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions looks on in the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field on December 15, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
The Detroit Lions and head coach Dan Campbell were not pleased with the way the 2025 NFL season turned out.
After entering the season viewed as one of the league’s top Super Bowl contenders, the Lions didn’t even make the playoffs. They took a huge step back from where they had been in the previous two years.
So far this offseason, Detroit has made some aggressive moves. In free agency, the Lions brought in running back Isiah Pacheco, center Cade Mays, cornerback Roger McCreary, and multiple other additions as well.
With the 2026 NFL Draft right around the corner, Detroit will have more opportunities to improve the roster to make a Super Bowl run next season.
Keeping that in mind, the Lions have received a prediction to shake up the first round of the draft with an aggressive trade.
Detroit Lions Predicted to Make Big Trade in 2026 NFL Draft
Christian Booher of On SI has predicted that the Lions will trade with the Los Angeles Chargers in the first round. His proposal would see Detroit ship the No. 17 overall pick to the Chargers in exchange for the No. 22 pick and No. 160 overall pick.
With that pick, he has the Lions selecting Penn State offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane.
“In Ioane, they would get a player capable of competing for a starting job right away. He’d be another young player that the team can continue to rebuild their offensive line around.”
Detroit would be adding an additional draft pick, which would allow the team to add more talent. Moving down from No. 17 to No. 22 would still net the Lions a quality young player in the first round as well.
What Are the Lions’ Biggest Needs Entering the Draft?
ESPN has taken a look at the biggest needs for Detroit ahead of the draft. They believe that offensive line, pass rushing, and cornerback are the three biggest positions to address.
“OL, edge, CB. After struggling to adapt to new faces on the line last season and the release of veteran left tackle Taylor Decker, Detroit can benefit from drafting an O-lineman early. Adding an edge rusher to pair with Pro Bowl player Aidan Hutchinson would also be smart, as Al-Quadin Muhammad signed with Tampa Bay. Plus, the Lions’ cornerback room was plagued by injuries the past couple of seasons.”
Even though the Lions missed out on the playoffs last season, they aren’t far off from being right back in contention. A strong 2026 NFL Draft would be a big step in that direction.
ESPN Weighs in on Potential Post First-Round Target for Detroit
In addition to looking at the biggest needs for Detroit, ESPN also revealed who they view as a perfect target outside of the first round.
“Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern. He is a high-floor prospect who has the requisite attributes to be a long-term starter at either tackle spot. Tiernan showcases physicality as a run blocker and has slightly above-average range as a pass protector.”
That being said, it will be interesting to see what the Lions end up doing in the upcoming draft. They have some holes, but could fill them all with the right selections.