Lions Go All-In on Defense in 7-Round Mock Draft with Blockbuster Trade for All-Pro CB
The Detroit Lions are getting closer to the NFL Combine, and that’s when their true draft priorities will begin to surface. With that in mind, this seven-round mock draft projects Detroit making an aggressive move by trading for an All-Pro cornerback while still addressing key needs through the draft.
Trade with Pittsburgh Steelers
The Lions make an early move in Round 2 to reposition their draft capital.
Lions receive:
21st overall pick
76th overall pick
Steelers receive:
17th overall pick
This allows Detroit to gain an extra third-round selection without falling too far back in the first round.
Round 1 (Pick 21): T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Detroit opens the draft by selecting Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker to play opposite Aidan Hutchinson. The defensive line remains a priority, and Parker brings immediate pass-rush upside after recording 51 pressures and 12 sacks last season. With the tackle class deep in 2026, the Lions can afford to target a premier edge defender early.
Major Trade: Lions Acquire CB Trent McDuffie
Lions trade:
50th overall pick
DL Mekhi Wingo
Chiefs receive:
Trent McDuffie
The Lions make a bold move to address cornerback by acquiring two-time All-Pro Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs. With Kansas City facing salary cap challenges, moving McDuffie could be their most efficient solution.
Detroit would absorb McDuffie’s projected $13 million cap hit in 2026 and likely negotiate a long-term extension. While McDuffie is not expected to reset the cornerback market, he could command a deal approaching $90 million, placing him among the league’s top-paid corners.
McDuffie immediately upgrades the Lions’ secondary and would form a strong tandem with D.J. Reed, while Terrion Arnold continues developing in the rotation. The trade gives Detroit a proven elite defender instead of relying on untested options at a critical position.
Mekhi Wingo fits Kansas City’s defensive scheme better than Detroit’s, giving the Chiefs a young defensive lineman with upside.
Round 3 (Pick 76): Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa
Dunker projects as Detroit’s future right tackle, allowing Penei Sewell to shift back to left tackle. The Iowa lineman allowed just 10 pressures and two sacks in 2025 and fits the Lions’ physical run-first identity. Dunker plays with a nasty edge and excels as a road-grader in the run game.
Round 4 (Pick 118): Michael Taaffe, S, Texas
With uncertainty surrounding Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, the Lions add depth at safety. Taaffe allowed a passer rating of just 59.7 last season and recorded two interceptions while being targeted only 18 times. He consistently shut down his area of the field.
Round 5 (Pick 155): Kyle Louis, LB, Pitt
If Alex Anzalone departs in free agency, Louis profiles as a natural replacement. He brings versatility in coverage and as a blitzer, finishing the 2025 season with 60 tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions.
Round 6 (Pick 180): Dallen Bentley, TE, Utah
Bentley gives Detroit depth at tight end with a physical profile that fits the Lions’ offensive style.
Round 6 (Pick 187): Logan Jones, C, Iowa
Jones provides interior offensive line depth and potential long-term competition at center.
Round 7 (Pick 204): Ceyair Wright, CB, Nebraska
Wright adds late-round depth at cornerback and fits the Lions’ length and athleticism profile for defensive backs.
Round 7 (Pick 222): Haynes King, QB, Georgia Tech
Detroit takes a developmental quarterback in Haynes King, adding mobility and upside behind Jared Goff.
Final Thoughts
This mock draft shows the Detroit Lions going all-in on upgrading their defense by trading for an established All-Pro cornerback while still reinforcing the trenches and secondary through the draft. Adding Trent McDuffie gives Detroit a true CB1 and immediately raises the ceiling of the defense heading into the 2026 season.
