Lions' Bold 2026 Draft Plan: Are They About to Shock Everyone by Trading Up to No. 13?

The anticipation for the 2026 NFL Draft is palpable among fans and analysts alike, particularly for the Detroit Lions, who find themselves at an intriguing crossroads. With General Manager Brad Holmes at the helm, the Lions have crafted one of the strongest rosters in the league, and Thursday’s draft presents an opportunity to further refine their team. Known for his unpredictable strategies, Holmes has a penchant for straying from conventional wisdom, often trading up to snag coveted players. So, what might the draft have in store for Detroit?

Let’s break down one final mock-draft scenario for the Lions as they prepare for the event.

Potential Picks for the Lions

Round 1, No. 13: Spencer Fano, T/G, Utah

In a bold move, the Lions can trade with the Los Angeles Rams, swapping their picks at Nos. 17 and 157, along with a third-round pick in 2027, to move up to No. 13. With this pick, they select Spencer Fano, a player known for his positional flexibility. He can be a starter at either right tackle or left guard in 2027, setting the stage for an intense competition between current players Christian Mahogany and Larry Borom. While some question Fano’s arm length, Holmes has shown in the past that he isn’t deterred by such concerns, suggesting that selecting Fano could yield significant returns for the Lions.

Round 2, No. 63: Derrick Moore, Edge, Michigan

After trading up for Fano, the Lions may look to recoup their assets by trading down with the New England Patriots, moving from No. 50 to Nos. 63 and 95. At No. 63, they could seize the opportunity to draft local standout Derrick Moore. Although he may not be a polished technician, Moore is known for his bull rush and ability to set a strong edge in the run game. His physicality, combined with his speed, makes him a valuable addition to the Lions’ defense.

Round 3, No. 95: Bud Clark, S, TCU

With concerns surrounding safety Kerby Joseph’s knee injury, the Lions may want to bolster their secondary. Bud Clark from TCU offers a starting-caliber option in a safety-rich draft class. Known for his range and ball skills, Clark also provides the versatility to transition to nickel, enhancing the secondary’s depth when fully healthy.

Round 4, No. 118: Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma

The Lions struggled with interior pressure last season, lacking a defensive tackle among the top 50 in pressures. With the defensive line set to regain players like Alim McNeill and Levi Onwuzurike from injuries, adding depth is crucial. Gracen Halton, while undersized, is a disruptive interior rusher and could become a long-term rotational three-technique, addressing a notable team weakness.

Round 4, No. 128: Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, TCU

With the departure of Alex Anzalone to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, finding a suitable replacement becomes paramount. Kaleb Elarms-Orr, another TCU product, brings exceptional athleticism, demonstrated by his 9.33 relative athletic score. His work ethic has been praised by scouts, making him a character fit for the Lions as well.

Round 5, No. 181: Dallen Bentley, TE, Utah

At 25 years old, Dallen Bentley is poised to contribute immediately. A natural hands catcher, he excels in making plays in space and has a knack for finding soft zones. Bentley would add another weapon to the Lions' offense, particularly in 13 personnel packages.

Round 6, No. 205: Jager Burton, C/G, Kentucky

Jager Burton is an athletic center prospect who could develop further under veteran guidance. His impressive 9.88 RAS rank places him among the top ten all-time. A year or two of observation behind Cade Mays would benefit Burton's growth while providing crucial depth to the offensive line.

Round 6, No. 213: J’Mari Taylor, RB, Virginia

As a late-round option, J’Mari Taylor could be a dynamic addition to the Lions' backfield. Described as a "bowling ball," Taylor possesses excellent contact balance and the patience to let blocks develop, making him a valuable asset in short-yardage situations.

Round 7, No. 222: Trey Moore, LB/Edge, Texas

With uncertainty around his position, Trey Moore could fit seamlessly into Detroit’s defensive scheme. Whether he lines up as a linebacker or edge rusher, his speed (4.54 40-yard dash) makes him an intriguing prospect for a developmental role.

As the Lions gear up for the draft, the choices they make could shape the future of the franchise. Each selection not only addresses immediate needs but also builds a stronger, more versatile roster for the coming seasons. Fans will certainly be watching closely to see how these potential picks unfold.