The Detroit Lions showed some urgency during NFL free agency. If Detroit shows the same level of urgency during the 2026 NFL Draft, they could be in for a deep playoff run next season. One new mock draft has the Lions adding a player who is the physical embodiment of “grit.”
ESPN’s Peter Schrager released a new mock draft on Tuesday just a few weeks before the big event. Schrager paired the Lions with Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane, who he thinks is a prototypical Dan Campbell guy.
“I’m not sure there’s a more ‘Dan Campbell’ player in this draft than Ioane. He’s 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds, and he plays with a mean streak,” Schrager wrote. “Ioane didn’t give up a single sack and was an All-American last season at Penn State. Nice fit on the interior for the Detroit line.”
Ioane would certainly be a great addition to Detroit’s offensive line. The Lions invested a second-round pick in Tate Ratledge in 2025, so Ioane would likely slide in at left guard.
Ioane projects as an immediate starter who has a pretty high floor. Detroit would love the power he brings as a run blocker.
Lions fans might have mixed opinions on this pick in real life. Not because Ioane isn’t a good prospect, but because Detroit passed on a few player who were still on the board.
Left tackle is still a big need in Detroit after Taylor Decker’s surprising release before NFL free agency. Detroit picked Ioane over tackle prospects like Georgia’s Monroe Freeling, Clemson’s Blake Miller, and Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor.
Penei Sewell may be headed to left tackle, which could explain Schrager’s logic with the Ioane pick.
Still, the Lions would get a lot better by adding Ioane in the middle of their o-line.
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