Detroit, MI— The 2026 NFL Draft concluded Saturday after a three-day run in Pittsburgh, and the Lions came away with a class focused on strengthening both lines and adding defensive depth.
With their only first-round selection at No. 17 overall, Detroit chose Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller, aiming to reinforce a unit that struggled in pass protection last season.
Round 1 (No. 17): Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Detroit is betting on Miller becoming a long-term anchor up front. The offensive line underperformed in 2025, particularly in pass protection, and the front office made it clear this offseason that fixing that issue was a priority. Miller fits the bill as a reliable, physical blocker with the versatility to contribute early.
There’s a real possibility he steps into a starting role as a rookie. With changes already underway along the line, including roster turnover and potential position shifts, Miller could slide in naturally—especially given his extensive experience at right tackle in college.
Round 2 (No. 44): Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
Detroit made an aggressive move up the board to land Moore, signaling how badly they wanted to upgrade their pass rush. He’s expected to complement the team’s top edge threat and finally give the defense a more balanced attack off the edge. After years of fans calling for help at the position, the Lions addressed it with a high-upside prospect who was highly productive in college.
Round 4 (No. 118): Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan
Rolder adds depth and toughness to the linebacker group. He led his college team in tackles last season and brings experience from a championship-caliber program. While he may not start immediately, he provides solid rotational value and special teams potential.
Round 5 (No. 157): Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
Abney gives Detroit another option in the secondary. A physical defender with strong ball production, he showed an ability to disrupt passing lanes and limit big plays. Though he’s coming off an injury, his versatility and competitiveness make him a worthwhile addition as the team looks to deepen its defensive backfield.
Round 5 (No. 168): Kendrick Law, WR, Kentucky
Detroit traded up again to grab Law, an explosive playmaker with impressive athleticism. He led his college team in receiving yards and excels after the catch. However, with several established receivers already ahead of him, earning consistent playing time could be a challenge early on.
Round 6 (No. 205): Skyler Gill-Howard, DT, Texas Tech
Gill-Howard may not have ideal size for his position, but his production stands out. He adds depth to a defensive front that needs more contributors, particularly after offseason departures weakened the pass rush rotation.
Round 7 (No. 222): Tyre West, EDGE, Tennessee
With their final pick, the Lions doubled down on improving the edge rotation. West has been a steady source of pressure in college and gives the team another developmental piece who could carve out a situational role.
Overall outlook
Detroit’s draft strategy was clear: improve protection for the quarterback, upgrade the pass rush, and build defensive depth. With multiple additions in the trenches and several high-effort defenders, the Lions are positioning themselves to be more balanced and competitive heading into the 2026 season.
