Lions prepare for pivotal NFL draft
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Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes addresses the media at the 2026 NFL Combine. Photo: Justin Casterline/Getty Images
It's NFL draft week, and the Detroit Lions are on the clock as they try to get back to contender status after missing the playoffs last season.
Why it matters: Detroit's most obvious needs — offensive line and pass rush — align with this year's draft class, which analysts say is deep in both areas.
Driving the news: The draft starts at 8pm Thursday in Pittsburgh (ESPN, ABC, NFL Network).
State of play: The Lions have nine picks, starting with the No. 17 pick in the first round. They also have one pick in each of the second and seventh rounds and two picks in each of the fourth, fifth and sixth rounds.
Catch up quick: Detroit still has elite talent at quarterback (Jared Goff), running back (Jahmyr Gibbs), wide receiver (Amon-Ra St. Brown), tight end (Sam LaPorta) and edge rusher (Aidan Hutchinson).
- The front office has plugged some holes this offseason, signing right tackle Larry Borom, center Cade Mays and defensive end D.J. Wonnum in free agency.
What they're saying: General manager Brad Holmes said the team will stick with its best-player-available approach, prioritizing long-term upside over immediate needs.
- "There is only one draft, and the roster's going to change every single year," Holmes said.
What we're watching: Whether Detroit stays put at No. 17 or trades down to add picks.
The intrigue: The draft could influence whether All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell moves to left tackle next season, head coach Dan Campbell has said.
Names to know
Monroe Freeling, offensive tackle, Georgia: A raw but athletic tackle with upside who started 18 games at Georgia.
Kadyn Proctor, offensive tackle, Alabama: A mountain of a man (6-foot-7, 352 pounds) who recorded a vertical jump of 32.5 inches at the draft combine. That's the highest vertical for a prospect who weighs at least 350 pounds in more than 20 years.
Jermod McCoy, cornerback, Tennessee: A potential first-year starter despite missing last season with a torn ACL.