The 2026 NFL Draft is now just days away. Earlier this week, I published my final seven-round mock draft projection for the Detroit Lions. With that out of the way, it’s time to shift the conversation. Most of the discussion surrounding the draft centers on which players Detroit should target. But the opposite perspective is just as important. Some prospects may generate excitement yet still be poor fits for the Lions’ roster or philosophy. Below are five players Detroit would be wise to pass on if they are available during the draft.

1. Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

It’s easy to understand why Detroit Lions fans might be intrigued by Cashius Howell. Detroit clearly needs additional pass-rushing help, and Howell has proven he can pressure quarterbacks. In fact, he finished the 2025 season leading the SEC with 11 sacks. With many analysts predicting the Lions will address edge rusher early in the 2026 NFL Draft, Howell could appear to be a logical choice.

However, his overall skill set doesn’t align well with what Detroit typically asks from its defensive ends. The Lions emphasize edge defenders who can stop the run effectively, maintain their gap assignments, and influence the game beyond just rushing the passer.

That isn’t necessarily Howell’s strength. His shorter arms — measuring under 31 inches — make it difficult for him to disengage from blockers, which often allows offensive linemen to push him off his spot or remove him from the play entirely. If his first pass-rush move fails, he doesn’t consistently have counters to fall back on.

This situation resembles the case of Al-Quadin Muhammad, who posted an 11-sack season but still failed to secure a long-term role because of weaknesses against the run. While Howell could eventually thrive in the NFL as a situational pass rusher, that limited role would make him questionable value for a top-50 selection. If drafted by Detroit, he could end up following a similar path to James Houston — flashes of promise without consistent impact.

2. Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

Defensive tackle Caleb Banks possesses undeniable talent, but his injury history raises serious concerns. The massive Florida defender recently suffered another foot injury at the Combine, continuing a troubling pattern of lower-body issues.

The Lions have experienced the downside of drafting players with significant medical concerns before. Both Jahvid Best and Levi Onwuzurike entered the league with injury red flags that ultimately limited their ability to contribute.

Detroit is in a position where it cannot afford another high-risk gamble, even if the player’s upside is enticing. The team already invested a first-round pick in Tyleik Williams last year, and star tackle Alim McNeill recently secured a major contract extension. With those two expected to anchor the interior defensive line, using a premium pick on Banks would create unnecessary risk.

If the Lions want to add depth at the position, targeting prospects such as Jordan van den Berg or Zxavian Harris later in the draft would represent a safer and more logical approach.

3. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Tight end Kenyon Sadiq is a player with the talent to develop into a standout NFL contributor. Many teams will likely consider him a first-round option.

For the Detroit Lions, though, the position is already firmly established thanks to Sam LaPorta. While there have been rumors suggesting Detroit could move LaPorta in a future transaction, selecting Sadiq would almost certainly trigger that scenario.

Replacing LaPorta with Sadiq could create long-term financial flexibility, but the Lions are currently focused on winning immediately. The financial advantages of such a move wouldn’t be realized right away, and Sadiq likely wouldn’t provide the same immediate production as LaPorta.

Teams with championship aspirations cannot afford to weaken their roster in the present for benefits that may come later. If Detroit intends to contend for a title in 2026, their first-round selection must improve the team on the field right away — not just on the salary cap sheet.

4. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

Safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren has experienced a rapid rise in draft buzz. Not long ago he was viewed as a sleeper prospect, but he’s now projected by some to hear his name called in the first round.

That sudden surge could make him an overvalued option for Detroit. While McNeil-Warren has intriguing athletic traits, there are still concerns about whether he’s ready to make the leap from Toledo to the professional level.

Compared to other safeties in this class — particularly Dillon Thieneman — McNeil-Warren carries more uncertainty. His tape reveals issues with pursuit angles and tackling consistency, and he lacks elite speed that would allow him to recover if beaten deep.

Because the Lions still have other key roster needs, spending a first-round pick on a safety with those question marks may not be the wisest move.

5. Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas

Cornerback Malik Muhammad is widely projected to be selected within the first three rounds, but he may not be the ideal addition for Detroit’s secondary.

One of the concerns stems from the Lions already dealing with penalty issues from young corner Terrion Arnold. Muhammad has shown similar tendencies that could lead to frequent flags at the next level.

Additionally, his slender build — roughly 6-foot and 180 pounds — raises questions about how well he will hold up against larger, more physical receivers in the NFL. Muhammad also struggles at times as a tackler and can be sealed off by blockers during running plays.

Because of these factors, drafting him might simply replicate the same developmental challenges the Lions are already working through with Arnold, rather than providing an upgrade.

The Detroit Lions face significant expectations entering the 2026 NFL Draft. While each of the prospects mentioned above has the potential to succeed somewhere in the league, their individual risks or fit issues make them questionable choices for Detroit’s current roster and championship ambitions.