2026 Detroit Lions Mock Draft 3.0: Post-Combine Predictions for All 9 Picks

The 2026 NFL Combine is officially in the books, and it’s time for my Mock Draft 3.0 for the Detroit Lions. With Brad Holmes always prioritizing long-term roster building, I leaned heavily into the defensive side of the ball while still adding help in the trenches on offense.

Detroit has built one of the better rosters in the NFC, but there are still areas that could use depth — particularly in the secondary, along the edge and at linebacker. This mock focuses on addressing those spots while adding developmental offensive linemen and a physical running back who fits the Lions’ identity.

Round 1, Pick 17: CB Jermod McCoy – Tennessee

Jermod McCoy may be one of the biggest wild cards in the draft after suffering a torn ACL that caused him to miss the entire 2025 season. However, if there’s one thing Lions general manager Brad Holmes has shown, it’s that he’s willing to draft injured prospects if the talent is worth the risk.

McCoy’s 2024 production shows exactly why he could still be a first-round talent. He posted an 87.0 overall PFF grade (11th among corners) and an 89.6 coverage grade (10th) while recording four interceptions and allowing just a 53.6 passer rating when targeted.

At his best, McCoy is a physical press corner with strong instincts and ball skills. Detroit could use another high-upside outside corner opposite Terrion Arnold, and McCoy would fit well in Aaron Glenn’s aggressive defensive scheme once he’s fully healthy.

Round 2, Pick 50: EDGE Malachi Lawrence – UCF

Malachi Lawrence might be one of the most explosive athletes in the entire draft class. His combine performance backed that up in a big way.

Lawrence ran a 4.52 40-yard dash (3rd fastest among edge rushers) with a 1.59 10-yard split, while also posting a 40-inch vertical and 10’10” broad jump, both second best at the position.

Production matched the athleticism in 2025. Lawrence recorded:

• 80.1 overall PFF grade

• 89.5 pass rush grade

• 40 pressures

• 7 sacks

• 30 QB hurries

• 2 forced fumbles

At 6-foot-4, 253 pounds, Lawrence has the speed and burst the Lions look for in their edge defenders. Detroit’s defensive line thrives on depth and rotational pass rushers, and Lawrence could quickly carve out a role as a situational pass rusher while developing into a full-time starter.

Round 4, Pick 118: S Bud Clark – TCU

The Lions have emphasized versatility in the secondary, and Bud Clark brings exactly that.

Clark had a strong 2025 season at TCU with a 79.5 overall PFF grade, including a 75.7 coverage grade and an 84.2 run defense grade across 664 snaps. He also recorded four interceptions while allowing just 26 receptions all season.

His combine performance further boosted his draft stock, running a 4.41 40-yard dash with a 38-inch vertical and a 10’7” broad jump.

Clark’s instincts and ball skills make him an intriguing developmental safety who could eventually contribute in sub-packages and on special teams early in his career.

Round 4, Pick 128: OT J.C. Davis – Illinois

Detroit’s offensive line has been the foundation of its offense for years, but depth is always important — especially with injuries inevitable during a long season.

J.C. Davis was one of the most consistent tackles in college football in 2025, earning an 87.8 overall PFF grade (6th among tackles). He also posted a 77.4 pass-blocking grade and an 86.7 run-blocking grade while playing 776 snaps at left tackle.

At 6-foot-5, 335 pounds, Davis brings the size and physicality the Lions look for in their linemen. With Detroit’s emphasis on dominating the run game, Davis could develop into a valuable swing tackle who fits the team’s offensive identity.

Round 5, Pick 155: RB Kaytron Allen – Penn State

Kaytron Allen would be a perfect stylistic fit for Detroit’s offense.

In 2025, Allen posted an impressive 89.5 overall PFF grade with a 91.3 rushing grade, totaling 1,303 rushing yards on 210 carries and 15 touchdowns while averaging 6.2 yards per carry.

He also forced 57 missed tackles, showing the power and balance that makes him difficult to bring down.

Allen’s running style has drawn comparisons to Tyler Allgeier — a physical, downhill runner who thrives in gap-heavy run schemes. That kind of back fits perfectly with Detroit’s offensive philosophy of controlling games on the ground.

Round 5, Pick 180: C Pat Coogan – Indiana

Adding interior offensive line depth is always a smart move, and Pat Coogan brings reliability and pass protection ability.

Coogan finished the 2025 season with a 76.8 overall PFF grade (14th among centers) and an 81.9 pass-blocking grade. Over 766 total snaps, he allowed zero sacks, zero quarterback hits, and just seven total pressures.

He also committed just two penalties all season, showing strong discipline and technique.

Coogan could develop behind Detroit’s current starters while providing valuable interior depth.

Round 6, Pick 187: EDGE George Gumbs Jr. – Florida

George Gumbs Jr. is an intriguing late-round developmental pass rusher with impressive athletic traits.

At the combine, Gumbs ran a 4.66 40-yard dash with a 41-inch vertical and a 10’1” broad jump, showing explosiveness that teams look for in edge defenders.

In 2025 he recorded:

• 66.5 overall PFF grade

• 69.1 pass rush grade

• 3 sacks

• 3 forced fumbles

Detroit has had success developing mid-to-late round defensive linemen, and Gumbs could be another player they mold into a rotational contributor.

Round 6, Pick 204: LB Red Murdock – Buffalo

Red Murdock might be one of the most productive linebackers in this draft class.

In 2025 he posted a 91.2 overall PFF grade, including a 91.3 run defense grade and 86.5 coverage grade. He totaled 93 solo tackles (9th most) and 42 assisted tackles (2nd most) while adding six sacks.

At 6-foot-2, 232 pounds, Murdock brings physicality and versatility. He’s capable of stopping the run, rushing the passer and holding his own in coverage — traits that would give Detroit valuable linebacker depth.

Round 7, Pick 222: CB DJ Harvey – USC

DJ Harvey is a late-round flier with intriguing upside.

Although he played only 104 snaps in 2025, his 2024 season was outstanding. Harvey posted a 90.6 overall PFF grade (2nd among corners) with a 90.3 coverage grade (5th) and an 86 run defense grade.

With Detroit emphasizing competition in the secondary, Harvey could compete for a roster spot while contributing on special teams early in his career.

2026 Detroit Lions Mock Draft 3.0: Post-Combine Predictions for All 9 Picks

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