With the Super Bowl looming as the final chapter of the 2025 NFL season, the spotlight is starting to shift toward what comes next-namely, the 2026 NFL Draft. And with mock draft season in full swing, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah has entered the chat with his first projection of the year. As expected, his mock stirred the pot, offering a few curveballs that could reshape how fans and front offices alike view certain prospects.
At the top of the board, Jeremiah follows a familiar script: Utah’s Spencer Fano and Miami’s Francis Mauigoa-widely considered the top two offensive tackles in this class-are off the board within the first six picks. The top edge rushers, Texas Tech’s David Bailey and Miami’s Reuben Bain, don’t last much longer, both going inside the top 10.
That brings us to the Detroit Lions, who are currently slotted at pick No. 17.
The Lions are in a tricky spot. Trading up for one of the elite tackles feels like a long shot, and grabbing the third-best tackle might be a reach-especially considering Jeremiah doesn’t have another offensive lineman coming off the board until pick No.
- So what do you do when the board doesn’t fall your way at your top position of need?
You pivot. And that’s exactly what Jeremiah has the Lions doing.
Instead of forcing a fit at tackle, the mock sends Detroit in a different direction-one that still addresses a major need: edge rusher. While many mock drafts have linked the Lions to Auburn’s Keldric Faulk in this scenario, Jeremiah breaks from the pack. He has Detroit passing on Faulk, who ends up going three picks later, and instead projects the Lions to select:
Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (6'3", 275 lbs)
Jeremiah’s explanation is short but telling:
“Mesidor would thrive opposite Aidan Hutchinson, going from one dynamic pass-rush duo (with Bain at Miami) to another.”
And honestly, that’s a compelling fit. Mesidor brings a lot to the table for a team like Detroit.
He’s strong at the point of attack, quick off the edge, and brings a level of positional versatility that fits perfectly in the Lions’ defensive front. He’s the kind of player who can line up in multiple spots, disrupt the pocket, and complement Hutchinson’s relentless motor with a skill set that’s both powerful and polished.
While Mesidor hasn’t been a household name in most draft circles-at least not yet-his stock has been trending upward, especially following his strong performances in the college football playoffs. He may not have the eye-popping production of some of his peers, but the tape shows a player with real NFL traits. He’s not just a pass-rusher; he’s a tone-setter.
One knock you’ll hear about Mesidor is his age-he’ll turn 25 just before the draft-but that shouldn’t overshadow what he brings to the field. If anything, his maturity and experience could be seen as a plus for a Lions team looking to make a serious postseason push. He’s already played high-level football against top-tier competition and held his own.
For those who’ve been tracking the Lions’ needs, edge rusher has been right up there with offensive tackle. Opposing offenses have keyed in on Hutchinson all season, and Detroit needs another threat off the edge to take pressure off their star.
Mesidor could be that guy. He’s not just a scheme fit-he’s a culture fit, too.
And while the pick might catch some fans off guard, it’s worth noting that both Jeremiah and Dane Brugler-two of the most respected draft analysts in the game-have Mesidor going in the first round. That kind of consensus doesn’t happen by accident. The talent is real, and the buzz is growing.
Bottom line: If the board plays out like this, the Lions could do a lot worse than grabbing a high-upside, pro-ready edge rusher who fits their system and brings a physical presence to the front seven. Mesidor may not be the flashiest name in the draft, but don’t be surprised if he ends up being one of the most impactful.