The Detroit Lions have responded well after a disappointing 2025 campaign. Detroit acted with urgency during NFL free agency, filling the roster with depth and competition at almost every position. That has the Lions poised to go in almost any direction ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Detroit still has a few obvious positions of need on the roster. In fact, most fans seem to expect an offensive tackle or edge rusher in the first round. But do analysts agree with that approach?
Here’s who analysts are mocking to the Lions just weeks before the draft.
G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
Schrager called Ioane one of the most Dan Campbell players in this year’s draft class. But would the Lions really pull the trigger on a guard in the first round?
Ioane is a special guard prospect who is an ideal fit in a power running offense like Detroit’s. He would be an immediate upgrade over left guard Christian Mahogany. The Lions may not have Frank Ragnow anymore, but adding Ioane to Cade Mays and Tate Ratledge could make their o-line a strength once more.
But most fans want to see an offensive tackle or edge rusher in the first round. That could make this pick immediately controversial, even if Ioane is unquestionably a great fit in Detroit.
If the Lions did pick Ioane, expectations would be huge for his rookie season.
T Monroe Freeling, Georgia
Freeling has become a trendy tackle prospect after dominating at the NFL Scouting Combine. At this point, Freeling being available at 17 would be mildly surprising.
The biggest downside to Freeling is his small sample size of starting experience in college. But if the Lions feel confident in their ability to coach him up, Freeling could be an absolute steal of a pick.
If Detroit did pick Freeling, it could cement Penei Sewell’s possible move to left tackle in stone.
T Spencer Fano, Utah
Acosta certainly seems to think that Sewell will move to left tackle.
He used that potential switch, plus Fano’s positional versatility, as his main argument for this selection.
“Fano played right tackle for Utah, and if he’s more of an interior guy, he can slide to left guard,” Acosta wrote. “Either way, his fluid movement skills and core strength are the pillars of his game and would make him at least a quality NFL starter.”
Just like Ioane, Fano feels like a player Dan Campbell would love to coach. Detroit’s coaching staff would appreciate having the flexibility to play him at guard or tackle. That could end up being the tiebreaker between him and other tackle prospects.
It is easy to imagine Fano becoming a fan favorite in Detroit.
T Blake Miller, Clemson
There’s a lot to like about Miller as a right tackle prospect. He is incredibly well built at 6-foot-7, 317 pounds.
Miller boasts long arms and powerful hands, which help him hold up again bull rushers. But scouts question how well he’ll hold up against speed rushers in the NFL.
If the Lions like his run blocking ability enough, they could take a swing at him. But Miller might be a stretch at 17th overall, considering that most of the other players on this list should be available.
Perhaps Miller could be an option if Detroit trades down to acquire more picks.
EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
Howell is not a popular to pair with the Lions in recent mock drafts. But he does fit a huge position of need for Detroit and could make an impact right away.
Shook also makes an excellent argument for why Howell could end up in Detroit despite his absence from mock drafts.
“If there’s any general manager in the NFL who has demonstrated a willingness to ignore pre-draft rankings and stick with his guys, it’s the Lions’ Brad Holmes,” Shook wrote. “He flouts concerns regarding Howell’s arm length (30 1/4 inches) and chooses a dynamic rusher who is also highly capable of making a difference against the run, giving the Lions the running mate they’ve needed for Aidan Hutchinson.”
Howell had 11.5 sacks in his final season with the Aggies. He even uses the same inside spin move that Hutchinson loves to use when rushing the passer.
If the Lions don’t go for an offensive lineman, then Howell could be a great option.
LB CJ Allen, Georgia
Holmes would really surprise Lions fans if he does what Carragher suggested in his latest mock draft.
In this scenario, Detroit trades down with Philadelphia. They then use their first-round pick on an off-ball linebacker instead of a tackle or edge rusher.
“The Lions trade down six spots and draft a player they could have reasonably selected had they stayed put,” Carragher wrote. “Linebacker may not be the biggest need for Detroit, but this organization places a premium on high-character players who bring energy and enthusiasm.”
Detroit did lose Alex Anzalone in free agency, so a new WILL linebacker is a position of need. But Allen could still be a reach at 17 even if he’s a great prospect.
“Allen wore the green dot on Kirby Smart’s defense, and coaches rave about his leadership ability,” Carragher added. “He has graded as an outstanding run defender over the past two seasons, earning PFF run-defense grades above 88.0 in each year.”
The Lions would really have to fall in love with Allen to pick him in the first round.
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