Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft draft class: List, analysis of all 7 picks

Apr 26, 2026 - 18:00

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Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft draft class: List, analysis of all 7 picks

Detroit Lions first round draft Blake Miller, center, poses for a photo with his father Chris Miller, left, and mother Karen Miller at his introductory press conference at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, April 24, 2026. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Detroit Lions’ 2026 NFL draft class is in the books. After three days of patience, trades, and exciting moments, the Lions have come out with seven new players.

While Lions don’t draft for immediate need, they certainly appeared to aggressively attack their needs in this draft. In the first round, the Lions grabbed their right tackle of the future and then snagged a high upside edge in the second round. On Day 3, Detroit added more depth at linebacker, corner, slot receiver, and a pair of defensive linemen.

Here’s a look at the team’s 2026 draft class, plus some analysis of each pick and our full coverage for the selections.

This draft class recap is sponsored by the folks over at FanDuel Sportsbook, who have the Lions listed as +1800 to win this year’s Super Bowl, +850 to win the NFC Championship, and +150 to win the NFC North as the current favorites.

Round 1, pick No. 17: Blake Miller, RT, Clemson

The Lions have prioritized revamping their offensive line this offseason, and adding a starting offensive tackle in the first round could be the final piece to their offseason puzzle. Coach Dan Campbell has stated that the team is open to moving All-Pro Penei Sewell to left tackle if the right RT presents himself, and Miller would certainly meet those qualifications.

While still just 22 years old, Miller has an impressive 54 starts at RT at Clemson and is arguably the most consistent and ready-to-play OT in this draft class. His combination of size (6-foot-7, 318 pounds), toughness, athleticism (9.90 RAS), GRIT (6th-best player on our Grit Index), football intelligence, and leadership makes him a very appealing prospect for the Lions, but it’s his gritty demeanor that makes him a perfect fit. Miller simply doesn’t take shortcuts in his work ethic, as he is unwilling to let his team down. This is most clearly evidenced by the fact that he missed just one practice during his entire four years at Clemson (due to having wrist surgery) and was back on the field the following day.

Round 2, pick 44: Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan

Moore is a balanced edge rusher who sets a firm edge with his power and violence, and wins as a pass rusher mainly due to his effort. Like Blake Miller, Moore has a very high developmental floor and should challenge DJ Wonnum for a starting role opposite Aidan Hutchinson from the moment he arrives in Allen Park.

Round 4, pick 118: Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan

While Rolder has limited starting experience, he is a technically sound linebacker with great instincts and reaction timing. He’s an upside player who will immediately contribute on special teams, while being a legitimate contender for a starting WILL linebacker role. When you watch his film, you wouldn’t know he’s only started for one season, as he flows effortlessly to the football, can run with tight ends in coverage, and is a violent hitter.

Round 5, pick 157: Keith Abney, CB/NB, Arizona State

Widely considered a Top 100 pick by national draft analysts, the Lions grab Abney in the fifth round, adding depth to their secondary. With inside-out range, Abney has the skills to back up on the outside while also challenging to start in the slot. Highly competitive—he ranked in the top 30 on the Grit Index with a 9.07 score—Abney is a bit of a work in progress, but he has starter upside.

Round 5, pick 168: Kendrick Law, Slot/PR, Kentucky

Law is a high-floor slot wide receiver with 4.45-second 40-yard-dash speed, and projects to fit better in the NFL than he did in college schemes. Incredibly quick in his breaks and will give defenders who try to run with him across the field. There is punt-return range, while also being a dynamic special-teams player, blocking and pursuing.

Round 6, pick 205: Skyler Gill-Howard, DT, Texas A&M

Gill-Howard was the highest-rated DT on the Grit Index (9.42) and projects as a rotational 3-technique at the next level. At 6-foot-1, 280 pounds, Gill-Howard will be limited in where he can be deployed. He has the quickness to find the field in subpackages, but will need to add more strength to be considered in the 4i role.

Round 7, pick 222: Tyre West, DL, Tennessee

A big defensive end at Tennessee (6-foot-2, 283 pounds), West projects as a 4i/3T in the Lion scheme. With quick feet and heavy hands, he fits the mold of what the Lions look for in a “big set” defensive lineman. He’s very strong and can anchor the edge, but he’ll struggle to disengage on the outside. In subpackages, he has the versatility to kick inside to the 3T and try to utilize his leverage as a pass rusher.