With the Detroit Lions’ 2025 NFL season officially in the books, attention has quickly shifted toward the future — and that means the 2026 NFL Draft. As roster questions begin to surface across multiple position groups, early mock drafts are already painting a clear picture of what national analysts believe Detroit should prioritize.

This marks the kickoff of our 2026 Detroit Lions Mock Draft Roundup, a weekly series that compiles projections from mock drafts published over the last seven days. The goal isn’t to crown a “correct” prediction, but rather to help Lions fans familiarize themselves with top prospects, positional trends, and how Detroit’s draft philosophy may take shape under general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell.

Mock Draft Overview: Balanced, But Trenches Lead the Way

In this first installment, we reviewed 28 mock drafts, and the results were fairly balanced between offense and defense. However, one theme stood out clearly: the trenches matter most.

Positional breakdown of projections:

Offensive tackle: 11

Guard: 2

Defensive tackle: 3

Edge rusher: 5

Cornerback: 7

The Lions currently hold the No. 17 overall pick, and most projections reflect roster uncertainty along the offensive line, defensive front, and secondary.

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Offensive Line Prospects Linked to Detroit

Francis Mauigoa, RT, Miami (6’6”, 325)

Sources: USA Today, DraftWire, FTN Fantasy, Saturday Blitz

Mauigoa is viewed as a plug-and-play lineman with elite physicality. A powerful run blocker and reliable pass protector, he fits Dan Campbell’s desire to reestablish dominance up front. His ability to play tackle or slide inside adds valuable flexibility.

Spencer Fano, RT, Utah (6’5”, 300)

Sources: Sports Illustrated, The Sports Bank

With Taylor Decker contemplating retirement, Fano’s experience at both tackle spots makes him a strong fit. He brings quick feet, solid mirror ability, and effectiveness as a puller in the run game.

Kadyn Proctor, LT, Alabama (6’7”, 360)

Sources: The Athletic, USA Today, FanSided

Proctor offers massive upside due to his rare size and athletic traits. While still raw, he represents a potential long-term answer at left tackle if Detroit opts for upside over polish.

Ioane Vega, LG, Penn State (6’4”, 335)

Sources: SB Nation, Yahoo Sports

Interior offensive line struggles plagued Detroit in 2025. Vega is widely viewed as the top guard in the class and would immediately address protection issues that led to Jared Goff being sacked a career-high 36 times.

Caleb Lomu, LT, Utah (6’6”, 305)

Sources: ESPN, Pro Football Network

Lomu is a high-upside developmental tackle with improving pass protection metrics. While strength remains a work in progress, his athleticism makes him an intriguing succession plan for Decker.

Takeaway:
Offensive line dominated early projections, and for good reason. With Penei Sewell’s positional versatility, Detroit can simply draft the best lineman available and adjust accordingly.

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Defensive Tackle Targets

Peter Woods, DT, Clemson (6’3”, 315)

Source: The Draft Network

Woods entered the season as a potential top overall prospect. His blend of power and explosiveness would give Detroit another interior disruptor alongside Aidan Hutchinson.

Kayden McDonald, NT, Ohio State (6’2”, 326)

Sources: McShay Report, Fox Sports

McDonald is widely regarded as the best pure run-stopper in the class. With Detroit slipping defensively against the run in 2025, he would provide immediate impact in the middle.

Takeaway:
While defensive tackle isn’t the Lions’ most glaring need, expiring contracts and Brad Holmes’ best-player-available approach keep the position in play.

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Edge Rushers in the Mix

Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami (6’3”, 250)

Source: The Ringer

Bain is a high-motor, three-down defender with explosive traits. His relentless style aligns perfectly with Campbell’s defensive identity.

Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn (6’6”, 275)

Sources: RealGM, Clutch Points, The Game Haus

Faulk fits Detroit’s preferred power-rusher mold and profiles similarly to Marcus Davenport. With limited depth behind Hutchinson, edge help remains a priority.

Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M (6’2”, 249)

Source: SI Fan Nation

Howell’s motor and pass-rush production have earned first-round buzz, though some question his schematic fit in Detroit.

Takeaway:
Adding another edge rusher to complement Hutchinson is a recurring theme across mock drafts.

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Cornerback Projections

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee (6’0”, 195)

Sources: Bleacher Report, San Diego Tribune

Despite missing time, McCoy’s athleticism and physicality stand out. He excels in both man and zone coverage and brings strong tackling ability.

Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU (5’11”, 191)

Sources: CBS Sports, DNVR, NFL Spin Zone

Delane was one of college football’s top man corners in 2025, making him a natural fit for Detroit’s defensive scheme.

Takeaway:
With multiple cornerbacks hitting free agency and injuries impacting the secondary, cornerback is a legitimate first-round option.

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Final Thoughts

Early 2026 Detroit Lions mock drafts reflect a team in transition, one focused on reinforcing the offensive line, improving defensive consistency, and adding depth at premium positions. While projections will shift dramatically over the coming months, one thing is clear: Detroit’s path forward starts in the trenches.

Stay tuned as we continue tracking weekly trends and prospect movement leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft.