You Won't Believe What the Lions Did in the 2026 NFL Draft—Shocking Moves That Could Change Everything!

The NFL offseason is heating up as the Detroit Lions kicked off their training program last week at the Meijer Performance Center. This initial phase will lead into Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in May and a minicamp in June, culminating in the highly anticipated training camp in July. It's during this time that competition for roster spots becomes fierce, particularly following the recent draft.

This year's draft introduced several new faces, setting the stage for intriguing camp battles. The right tackle position is one to watch closely: will it be the promising rookie Miller or the seasoned veteran Larry Borom who secures the starting role? Additionally, defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard is faced with filling the nickel cornerback position left vacated by Amik Robertson, who departed in free agency. Veterans Roger McCreary and Christian Izien are potential fits, but rookie fifth-round pick Keith Abney II has the physical style and skill set that might make him an ideal candidate in Sheppard's defense. The competition doesn't stop there; fifth-round pick Kendrick Law will also be vying for return roles against Greg Dortch and Tom Kennedy, while aiming for a gunner position on special teams.

The additions of rookies Rolder and Abney in the fourth and fifth rounds have already raised eyebrows. General Manager Brad Holmes expressed surprise that both players were still available at those spots, noting a "two-round difference" in Abney's draft grade. “He was just a simple one because we had him ranked a couple rounds higher than where he was, so that was a no-brainer for us,” said Holmes about Abney, whose toughness and physicality have garnered attention. While he primarily played on the outside in college, his ability to challenge receivers and contribute to run defense could see him excel in his new role in Detroit.

Special teams could also see immediate impacts from rookies Rolder and Law. Some of Rolder's special teams tape has been described as elite, showcasing his potential in a league where such skills are invaluable. Law, similarly, is expected to compete not only as a returner but also as a gunner.

Further intrigue surrounds sixth-round pick Skyler Gill-Howard and seventh-round pick Tyre West, both defensive linemen. The Lions have a wide-open competition for the fourth defensive tackle role behind Alim McNeill, Tyleik Williams, and Levi Onwuzurike, as well as for the fourth edge rusher spot behind Aidan Hutchinson, Wonnum, and Moore. Both Gill-Howard and West bring intriguing skill sets that could make them contenders for roster spots, but their true capabilities will only be revealed when the pads come on in the summer.

As Holmes pointed out, the arrival of these first-year players could have a ripple effect on the veterans in the team. “However high that these guys take it in terms of climbing the depth chart, I do think that they're going to have the ability to potentially make some people uncomfortable,” he stated, emphasizing the potential for competition to improve overall team performance.

As the Lions navigate through this offseason, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close watch. With the upcoming training camp set to begin in July, the battles for starting roles and roster spots are shaping up to be fiercely contested, promising excitement for the season ahead.