The Detroit Lions might not have a stockpile of early picks in this year’s NFL Draft - just two selections in the first three rounds - but don’t mistake that for a lack of opportunity. With solid draft positioning and a front office that’s shown it can find value beyond the first round, Detroit is in a prime spot to land a pair of players who could step in and contribute right away.
This past weekend’s Senior Bowl gave scouts and GMs a closer look at some of the top talent heading into the NFL Combine, and two names in particular have started to generate buzz among Lions fans: Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk and Arizona State right tackle Max Iheanachor. Both were projected to Detroit in ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller’s latest mock draft - and both would fit what the Lions are building.
Let’s start with Faulk. At 6-foot-6 and 285 pounds, he’s got the kind of frame and raw power that defensive coordinators dream about.
While his sack numbers dipped in 2025 - just two, down from seven the year prior - his performance at the Senior Bowl reminded everyone why he’s still such an intriguing prospect. He showed flashes of dominance, using his length and strength to disrupt plays and push the pocket.
The drop in production last season is a red flag for some, but teams around the league still see Faulk as a potential hybrid weapon on the defensive line - someone who can line up inside or out and keep offensive lines guessing. That versatility, paired with his physical tools, makes him a compelling option for a Lions defense that could use another difference-maker up front.
And while Detroit has been hesitant to spend first-round capital on pass rushers in recent years, this could be the year that changes. If some of the top names - like Akheem Mesidor or David Bailey - are off the board, Faulk might be the kind of swing worth taking. Especially if the Lions opt not to bring back Marcus Davenport in free agency and instead re-sign Al-Quadin Muhammad, which would signal a commitment to reshaping the edge rotation.
Then there’s Max Iheanachor, who Miller has going to Detroit at pick No. 50.
This is where things get really interesting. Iheanachor has a background in basketball, and it shows in his footwork and agility on the edge.
At Arizona State, he posted a 78.3 pass-blocking grade over 859 snaps at right tackle - and didn’t allow a single sack. Just three quarterback hits over that stretch?
That’s the kind of efficiency that gets offensive line coaches fired up.
At the Senior Bowl, Iheanachor flashed some real nastiness in the run game, showing he’s not just a finesse blocker. He’s got the strength to finish plays and the athleticism to get to the second level - a combo that fits Detroit’s physical, run-heavy identity to a tee.
Now, there’s some development needed here - he’s not a plug-and-play guy in the same tier as Penei Sewell was coming out - but that’s exactly the kind of player GM Brad Holmes has gravitated toward in recent drafts. And if Sewell is serious about being open to flipping to left tackle - something he’s hinted at - Iheanachor could be a seamless fit on the right side. Especially with Taylor Decker’s future still up in the air and Giovanni Manu not quite looking like the heir apparent.
Bottom line: the Lions may only have two early picks, but they’re positioned to make them count. With Faulk, they’d be betting on upside and versatility in the trenches.
With Iheanachor, they’d be investing in a high-ceiling tackle who could grow into a long-term starter. For a team that’s already built a strong foundation, these could be the kind of picks that help push Detroit from contender to legitimate championship threat.