Detroit, MI—–The Detroit Lions head into the 2026 season focused on strengthening key areas of their roster, and the upcoming National Football League Draft will play a major role in that effort.
Set to take place in Pittsburgh from April 23–25, the draft gives Detroit a valuable opportunity to build on a 9–8 campaign in 2025. The Lions will make their first selection at No. 17 overall—their highest first-round position since selecting Jahmyr Gibbs 12th in 2023.
Draft schedule
The three-day event will unfold as follows:
Round 1: Thursday, April 23 (8 p.m. ET)
Rounds 2–3: Friday, April 24 (7 p.m. ET)
Rounds 4–7: Saturday, April 25 (Noon ET)
Coverage will air across major networks including ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network.
Lions’ 2026 draft capital
Detroit currently holds nine total picks, though they’ll be without a third-round selection due to previous trades. Here’s how their draft board looks:
- Round 1: No. 17
- Round 2: No. 50
- Round 4: No. 118
- Round 4: No. 128 (via Houston Texans)
- Round 5: No. 157
- Round 5: No. 181 (compensatory)
- Round 6: No. 205 (via Jacksonville Jaguars)
- Round 6: No. 213 (via Seattle Seahawks)
- Round 7: No. 222 (via Cleveland Browns)
How they got here
Several past moves shaped Detroit’s current draft position:
The Lions traded away both 2026 third-round picks (including a compensatory selection tied to Aaron Glenn becoming head coach of the New York Jets) to move up for wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa in the 2025 draft.
An extra fourth-round pick came from a deal involving running back David Montgomery and Houston.
A compensatory fifth-rounder was awarded after the departure of offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler.
Additional sixth-round picks were acquired through trades, including one tied to wide receiver Tim Patrick.
The seventh-round selection was obtained in a prior deal that sent pass rusher Za’Darius Smith to Cleveland.
. Offensive Tackle (Most Likely)
Top names:
- Monroe Freeling (Georgia)
- Kadyn Proctor (Alabama)
- Detroit has a real need on the offensive line
- Multiple projections have Freeling as the pick at No. 17
- Analysts say going anything other than tackle would be a surprise
Freeling in particular is viewed as a high-upside, athletic tackle who fits the Lions’ identity.
Draft outlook
Without a third-round pick, Detroit’s margin for error is slimmer in the early rounds. However, the team’s nine total selections provide flexibility to address multiple needs and potentially move around the board.
Holding a mid-first-round pick at No. 17, the Lions are in position to add an immediate contributor while still maintaining depth throughout the later rounds.
Big picture
The Lions enter the draft in a relatively stable position compared to previous years, but with clear opportunities to improve. Smart use of their first two selections—and finding value in the middle rounds—will be key to taking the next step in 2026.
With a balanced mix of picks and a roster on the rise, Detroit has the tools to make meaningful progress if they capitalize on draft weekend.
