Lions' Shocking 2026 NFL Draft Picks Revealed: Are They About to Make History or Disaster?

The Detroit Lions are looking to rebound after a disappointing 2025 season, during which they failed to make the playoffs despite having earned the NFC’s No. 1 seed in 2024. In preparation for the upcoming offseason, the organization has already made significant changes by parting ways with offensive coordinator John Morton. This marks the fourth offensive coordinator change since Dan Campbell took over as head coach in 2021, indicating a critical juncture for the franchise.

With the clock ticking on their offseason preparations, the Lions are now focused on the 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled for April 23, where they hold the 17th pick in the first round. The team has 105 days to evaluate prospects, a task that has taken on even greater urgency in light of their recent struggles. The Lions do not have a third-round pick, having traded it last year to select wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa.

Early Mock Draft Predictions

In their early draft projections, ClutchPoints consulted the PFF Mock Draft Simulator to outline potential picks for the Lions. The first round presents a critical opportunity for Detroit to bolster its offensive line, a unit that faltered significantly in 2025. The Lions allowed quarterback Jared Goff to be sacked 38 times, the eighth-highest in the league, and their run game saw a dramatic dip from 146.4 rushing yards per game in 2024 to just 120.1 in 2025.

One of the primary concerns this offseason is the future of tackle Taylor Decker, who has been a cornerstone of the Lions' offensive line since being drafted in the first round in 2016. Decker has been both consistent and plagued by injuries, and after the season finale against the Chicago Bears, he hinted that his playing days might be over. “I’m not willing to put my family through it. I’m not willing to be a distant father,” he told reporters, leaving his future in doubt.

In this mock draft scenario, the Lions selected Francis Mauigoa, an offensive tackle from Miami (FL), with their first pick. Mauigoa is rated as the second-best tackle in the 2026 draft class and the 20th overall player on PFF's big board. His dual ability as a run blocker and a pass protector makes him an ideal fit for the Lions, potentially pairing him with fellow tackle Penei Sewell to create a formidable young duo.

Continuing their focus on the offensive line, the Lions' second-round pick, projected at 50, is Connor Lew, an interior offensive lineman from Auburn. Detroit's offensive line was a shadow of its former self in 2025, a contributing factor to their overall struggles. The retirement of Frank Ragnow, a former first-overall pick and one of the toughest centers in football, left a glaring hole in the lineup. Ragnow had attempted a comeback during the 2025 season but ultimately failed his physical, making his return for 2026 unlikely.

Although the Lions invested in their offensive line in the previous draft with selections like Tate Ratledge and Miles Frazier, bringing in Lew could complicate their depth chart. Nonetheless, Lew stands out as a true center, which could allow the team to retain Ratledge at guard. This strategic pick underscores the Lions' commitment to fortifying their line, a fundamental aspect of their identity as a team.

As the Lions prepare for the draft, they must navigate these critical decisions carefully. The future of key players, along with their offensive identity, hangs in the balance. The upcoming draft not only presents an opportunity to reshape the roster but also a chance to signal a new direction for a franchise eager to return to contention.