Perfect Picks 2026: Detroit Lions
By Tayyib Abu
The Detroit Lions enter the 2026 offseason at an inflection point. After building one of the league’s most complete rosters over the past few years, key departures along the offensive line and lingering questions on the defensive front have introduced new pressure points. The core remains strong, but sustaining contention will require smart retooling rather than wholesale change.
This Perfect Picks article explores what an ideal draft could look like if the board breaks the right way. Rather than predicting draft weekend outcomes, the focus is on fit, value, and long-term roster construction, identifying prospects who align with the team’s needs at each stage of the draft.
The selections below account for scheme, roster holes, and realistic draft ranges, moving from early-round building blocks to mid-round value and late-round upside.
Round 1 - Blake Miller (OT, Clemson)
The Detroit Lions’ offensive line needed reinforcements ahead of the 2026 season. Veterans Graham Glasgow, Taylor Decker, Dan Skipper, Kevin Zeitler and Frank Ragnow have all moved on in the previous two offseasons.
The signing of Cade Mays should fortify Detroit’s starting center position. At the same time, the signings of Larry Borom and Juice Scruggs should add some younger depth to the group.
But the Lions still have a glaring hole at left tackle. Before his impressive combine showing, Georgia’s Monroe Freeling may have been in play for Detroit. However, his stock is rising, and Brad Holmes might miss out on Freeling.
During that week in Indianapolis, whispers emerged that starting right tackle Penei Sewell may move to left tackle. Sewell played left tackle at Oregon, and if Detroit pivots to that option, it leaves open a spot at right tackle for Clemson’s Blake Miller.
A four-year starter at Clemson, Miller started over 54 games for the Tigers, logging 3,778 snaps. Furthermore, per Brett Kollman, Miller recorded 539 career pass-blocking snaps, which is more than prospects like Francis Maugioa, Spencer Fano and Monroe Freeling. Additionally, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler has Miller as a top-five football character. The Lions covet football character and consistency. Miller provides that.
A high upside athlete, Miller’s initial strengths will come in the run game. An inconsistent pad level will cause rookie growing pains in pass protection. But Miller is a plug-and-play starting right tackle, and the Lions can move Sewell to the most important position on the offensive line.
Round 2 - Derrick Moore (EDGE, Michigan)
Through the initial part of the offseason, the Lions have torn down their defensive end room to the studs. Aidan Hutchinson and 2025 day three pick Ahmed Hassanein are the last men standing.
On paper, the 2026 NFL Draft features a deep pool of defensive ends. With the 50th pick, the Lions could find themselves in the conversation for Derrick Moore.
The Lions have prioritised a ‘crush-the-can’ edge-setting, powerful player opposite Hutchinson. Moore possesses good power and arm length and is particularly strong as a bull rusher.
In 2025, Moore finished in the top three amongst the Big Ten defensive ends for pass rush win rate.
Moore’s current weaknesses are in the run game. He does not play consistently in run defence, a frustrating trait given his athletic ability. He recorded 10.5 TFLs in 2025, good enough to lead the Wolverines, but more consistency and urgency will be areas to improve on at the NFL level.
A 2025 team captain and three-time All-Big Ten selection, Moore started 23 games for the Wolverines. Moore’s pick represents an initial move to resolve their non-Aidan Hutchinson defensive end issues.
Late Round Sleeper - Michael Taaffe (S, Texas)
The Lions met with Texas’ Michael Taaffe at the combine in Indianapolis. Brian Branch will likely miss the start of the season after tearing his achilles tendon last Thanksgiving. Kerby Joseph saw unresolved knee issues plague his 2025 campaign, while veteran Avonte Maddox remains unsigned.
The Lions did sign hybrid defensive back Christian Izien, and the early expectation is that he will play safety. Nonetheless, the Lions still lack depth at the position.
Detroit met with Taaffe in Indianapolis, and the Texas Longhorn ticks boxes for the Lions. A special teams stalwart, Taaffe can find an immediate role on special teams.
The Lions value special teams production from their late-round picks, and Taaffe provides that.
The Texan is a savvy communicator and has a sharp game IQ. Game awareness and play recognition are his strong suits.
Per Cam Mellor, Taaffe finished third amongst SEC safeties for yards allowed per snap. He also reduced his missed-tackle rate in 2025 and flashed explosiveness when triggering downhill.
His physique and athleticism may not translate instantly into the NFL level, but the Lions would draft a smart, tough and hungry player in Taaffe.
Draft in full
17 (R1) – Blake Miller (OT Clemson)
50 (R2) – Derrick Moore (EDGE, Michigan)
118 (R4) – Aiden Fisher (LB, Indiana)
128 (R4) – Ephesians Prysock (CB, Washington)
157 (R5) – Michael Taaffe (S, Texas)
181 (R5) – Mason Reiger (EDGE, Wisconsin)
205 (R6) – Carver Willis (OT, Washington)
213 (R6) – Red Murdock (LB, Buffalo)
222 (R7) – Cade Klubnik (QB, Clemson)
TAYYIB ABU
CFB/NFL ANALYST
Tayyib is an avid NFL fan and, as a follower of the detroit lions, is a permanent resident in the honolulu blue heartbreak hotel. writing football articles since 2019, tayyib loves everything about the sport except that wins are not a qb stat. follow him on twitter @TayyibABU1