The Detroit Lions have a big game against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night, and it feels weird to be talking about the 2026 NFL Draft in Week 3, but the Lions’ scouts have been out doing their thing, and they’ve been a big presence in a few places. It’s those places that really tell a story. about what the Lions could be looking for early in the draft.
The Lions’ college visits show a heavy interest in edge rushers
I know every Lions fan wants this team to find thier edge rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson, and they seem to be scoping out some of the first-round guys. The Lions were at Clemson vs Syracuse on Saturday, and they have seven different players on our initial top 100 big board. The guy holding down the number one spot on that board right now is their edge rusher T.J. Parker. He’s one of the best defensive players in the country right now. Parker had three pressures and a sack against the Orange. Clemson also had Will Heldt, who is expected to go in the second or early third round.
The Lions were also at the Oregon vs Oklahoma State game in Week 2. The Ducks have first-round edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei. He has been a force to be reckoned with this season, with 12 pressures and three sacks. He’s 34th on our big board.
They were also at Texas A&M vs Notre Dame, where the Aggies have first-rounder Cashius Howell, who has nine pressures and three sacks through the first four weeks. There was also Notre Dame’s Boubacar Traore, who is projected to go in the third round right now.
Then there’s Michigan vs Central Michigan, where third-round edge rusher David Moore is making noise for the Wolverines, and Pitt vs West Virginia, where the latter has Jimmori Robinson, a projected late-day three pick.
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The Lions could also be scoping out offensive linemen
Oregon tackle Isaiah Wolrd is also someone to watch from all of these games. He is a big-time left tackle prospect who we have 13th on our big board. He could be your possible Taylor Decker replacement. Getting him in the first round in the Lions range would be a steal. Clemson tackle Blake Miller is someone the Lions could get in the third round at this point. Same with Notre Dame tackle Aamil Wagner and Texas A&M tackle Trey Zuhn.
There’s also Notre Dame guard Charles Jagusah, Texas A&M guards Ar’Maj, Reed-Adams, and Chase Bisontis, Oregon guard Emmanuel Pregnon, and Pitt Guard Ryan Carretta. While the Lions drafted two guards last year, keep in mind that, according to Lions GM Brad Holmes, the plan is to make Tate Ratledge a center. He’ll need to be replaced.
This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Sep 22, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.