Detroit Lions: Building for a Comeback in 2026
The Detroit Lions are gearing up for a pivotal 2026 NFL Draft after a 9-8 finish last season left them out of the playoff picture for the first time since 2022. General Manager Brad Holmes is not one to rest on his laurels, and the Lions' front office has been busy during the early free agency period.
With Frank Ragnow retiring, the team swiftly brought in center Cade Mays and made room for the hard-hitting Isiah Pacheco by trading David Montgomery. But as every NFL fan knows, filling gaps in March doesn’t guarantee a championship run.
The Lions are on the hunt for elite, young talent to make an immediate impact.
Protecting Goff: The Quest for a Left Tackle
The Lions face a pressing issue: shoring up the offensive line to protect Jared Goff. With Taylor Decker's departure, there's a gaping hole on Goff’s blindside. While Penei Sewell is locked in on the right side with a lucrative contract, the search for his counterpart is critical.
Enter Utah’s Spencer Fano, a powerhouse at 6-foot-5 and 311 pounds, known for bulldozing defenders in the run game. Drafting Fano would force the Lions to make a strategic decision-shift Sewell to the left or train Fano for the role. Alternatively, Caleb Lomu, another Utah standout, offers a pure pass-protection option at 6-foot-6 and 313 pounds, with a proven track record on the left side.
Clemson’s Blake Miller is another intriguing prospect, having dominated the NFL Scouting Combine with top athleticism scores. His agility and reach provide flexibility for the Lions.
For teams seeking raw potential, Monroe Freeling from Georgia stands out, despite only one year of starting experience. And don’t overlook Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor, a 6-foot-7, 352-pound behemoth with 40 collegiate starts under his belt, known for neutralizing pass rushers with ease.
Strengthening the Defense: Finding Hutchinson’s Running Mate
Aidan Hutchinson has been a lone warrior on the defensive line, battling double teams throughout 2025. With Al-Quadin Muhammad and Marcus Davenport gone, and new additions D.J.
Wonnum and Payton Turner in place, depth remains a concern. Reinforcements are needed alongside Tyler Lacy and Ahmed Hassanein.
Miami’s Akheem Mesidor brings a high-energy presence, though consistency has been an issue. At 25, he’s a bit older for a draft prospect but can disrupt offensive schemes when on his game.
Auburn’s Keldric Faulk, at 6-foot-6 and 285 pounds, offers elite run defense and room to grow under defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. His youth and potential make him an enticing option for the Lions’ defense.
As Head Coach Dan Campbell put it, “We tasted what it’s like to sit at home in January, and it makes you sick. We aren’t building for next year.
We are building to win right now. The guys we bring into this building better be ready to bite some kneecaps.”
Playoff Implications and the Road Ahead
The Lions hold the 17th overall pick, a selection that could redefine the NFC North landscape. With the Packers and Bears bolstering their offenses, Detroit can't afford to fall behind.
Securing a day-one starter at offensive tackle could transform their rushing attack, featuring Pacheco and Jahmyr Gibbs, into a clock-controlling force. Alternatively, landing a dynamic edge rusher could solidify a defense prone to late-game lapses.
Armed with nine draft picks, the Lions have the flexibility to trade up for top-tier talent like Freeling or trade back to build depth. The choices made in April will decide whether last season’s stumble was a mere hiccup or the start of a downward trend. The Lions are poised to make their move-it's time to see if they can roar back into contention.