Post-NFL combine: 4 players that could fit the Detroit Lions

That felt like the fastest NFL Scouting Combine that I can remember. Certainly, it was from the data standpoint of each position group (aside from QBs) running their fastest 40-yard dash times in the history of the combine. Just in general, the event flew by during the four-day stretch of testing for each position group.

All that's left now is getting through NFL free agency and the pro day circuit and then we're home free to the 2026 NFL draft. With the combine in the books, who are some players that could fit the Lions in the 2026 NFL draft? Let's take a look at four players that I think could fit well in Detroit.

Dillon Thieneman, DB, Oregon

When watching the safety group for the 2026 NFL draft, one of the last safeties I watched was actually Dillon Thieneman from Oregon. By the time I finished his tape, I came to the conclusion that Thieneman is very much a player that the Lions could covet in the 2026 NFL draft. Much of what I like with Thieneman's game is the versatility that he can provide a secondary.

From covering the slot, playing down in the box, being utilized from single high or with having split-safety responsibilities, he's kind of a jack-of-all-trades. Much of this past season at Oregon, Thieneman was the "Rover" in Oregon's defense that deployed three safeties. By playing at the top of the box and in the middle of the defense, Thieneman was able to patrol the middle with ease and looked comfortable against the run or pass.

When playing against the run, he did a good job playing physical and was a willing tackler but he does need to improve his angles and form tackling at times. He does a good job carrying with tight ends up the seam and shows no issues buzzing down to the cover the flats or in-breaking routes. Prior to playing for Oregon, Thieneman started at Purdue and while there were times that he aligned in a similar role from the 2025 season, there were more instances of him having single-high and split-safety responsibilities.

In addition to this, Thieneman had an excellent performance at the NFL Scouting Combine. He posted a 41-inch vertical, ran the 40-yard dash in 4.35 seconds and had 18 reps in the bench press. Most importantly, he looked incredibly fluid during the drills on the field.

It's easy to see his game translating to the NFL the way it has for Cooper DeJean or Nick Emmanwori. As we all know, NFL defenses are on the lookout to find that next versatile playmaker. My only holdup is that I just don't know if Thieneman goes in the first round like everyone assumes. If you compare him to DeJean or Emmanwori, he's not as good of a player nor did either of those players get picked in the first round. It will be interesting to see if the NFL views it the same way.

With that being said, I think Thieneman would factor in nicely into the Lions coverage variances between Cover 1, Cover 3 and Cover 3 Buzz. With their Cover 1 defense, he could end up playing man-to-man or being the single high safety. I can just envision the Lions coaching staff loving his skill-set and being able to use him while Kerby Joseph (knee) and Brian Branch (achilles) recover from injuries. The Lions may have to use the 17th overall pick on Thieneman because I don't think he'll last until their 50th overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL draft.

Bud Clark, DB, TCU

Since the Senior Bowl, I've been all about Bud Clark and his ability to play in the NFL. He's ended up as a top-65 player on my board for the 2026 NFL draft (I think much of the NFL media is far too low on him btw). The ball skills for Clark really stand out right away on tape. Over the last four seasons, he's posted 21 pass deflections and 15 interceptions.

At the NFL Scouting Combine, Clark tested really well and also looked fluid on the field. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds and had a 38-inch vertical. Despite spending six seasons in college and being a bit of an older prospect, it's hard to pass on a ready-made player in the NFL. Teams looking to win now could use a player such as a Clark.

Productive in stopping the run, Clark gets downhill quickly and does it consistently when aligned as a single-high safety. He plays with discipline eyes and looks comfortable with good fluidity in zone. Closing quickly on the football, he's got active hands at the catch point and shows good consistency of jumping routes to intercept or deflect passes. Much of his game resembles Kerby Joseph and he could be a player that the Lions target on the second day of the draft.

Brian Parker, IOL, Duke

Despite trading for Juice Scruggs, the Lions should very much remain on the hunt for another center or guard. The same can be said for offensive tackle after the news of Taylor Decker asking for his release. For now, let's focus on the interior part of the Lions offensive line. One player that could make sense for the Lions after the NFL Scouting Combine is Brian Parker from Duke.

While I wasn't originally on board with his tape at tackle, I do like the idea of moving Brian Parker to the interior part of an offensive line. Specifically, I can see the vision for Parker moving to center. At the Shrine Bowl, he showed good first step quickness, steady feet and good base with a battle tested anchor. Not every rep was perfect but again, he battled and leaned on his technique and effort to win.

At the NFL Scouting Combine, it was a good performance for him as well. He showed good fluidity through the bags and tested relatively well despite a 4.8 time in the shuttle (20th percentile). He was efficient through center drills and it should encourage teams that he should be able to make the transition in the NFL.

On tape, he shows that he'll need to work on faster recovery and better balance against longer or more powerful defenders. Despite needing to get a touch stronger, teams will be encouraged with his effort, ability to get in space and effectively move defenders in the run game. I'd expect Parker to be the 2nd or 3rd center off the board and that should be between the 3rd or 4th round of the 2026 NFL draft. There's a good chance that the sweet spot for centers will be between the 3rd and 5th round. If Tate Ratledge doesn't move from right guard to center, could the Lions be one of those teams looking to add a center in the 2026 NFL draft?

Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

Lastly, with the news of LT Taylor Decker asking for his release, the Lions have the obvious need of adding an offensive tackle. Whether it be through the NFL draft, free agency or both, the Lions need reinforcements.

During the first week of January, I said that Georgia OT Monroe Freeling is going to rise through the draft process. That continues to happen after his strong performance from the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine and I think there's a good chance that he could be the first offensive tackle off the board. Don't be surprised if the Browns consider him with the 6th overall pick.

That leaves players such as Spencer Fano, Kaydn Proctor, Blake Miller, Francis Mauigoa or Caleb Lomu on the board for the Lions. All viable options, but I could see the Lions being much higher on Utah LT Caleb Lomu than some may think. When you look at the profile of Lomu, it's a very clean one. Much like the prospects listed above, Lomu interviewed well with the media and just seems like a player the Lions could fall in love with during the process.

At the NFL Scouting Combine, Lomu had one of the best workouts of the day. Fluid as can be on the field, he showed quick feet, ran good angles and it's clear there's good fluidity to his game. His size was something that myself and many scouts wanted to see at the Combine. Answering the bell, Lomu checked in at 6' 6" and 313 pounds with 33 3/8" arms and 9 1/2" hands. His 4.99 second time in the 40-yard dash and 32 1/2" vertical jump are 89th and 90th percentile for all offensive tackles.

On tape, Lomu shows good flexibility and good movement skills. He can mirror defenders and plays with good hands and grip strength. There are times that he's a bit of a leaner but his consistency is very similar to what we saw from Texas OT Kelvin Banks Jr in the 2025 NFL draft. Banks Jr was the 9th overall pick to the New Orleans Saints. We'll see where Lomu lands in April but he's got the athleticism needed to play either tackle position.

This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Post-NFL combine: 4 players that could fit the Detroit Lions