In his initial 2026 NFL mock draft, ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. projected the Lions to select Penn State interior offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane.
But, with a month’s time since and plenty of conversations with the NFL’s top minds, Kiper is changing his tune on the Lions’ first-round selection.
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Kiper has Detroit looking defense in his updated first-round NFL mock draft. Per Kiper’s mock, the Lions would select Missouri defensive end Zion Young.
We’ve been begging the Lions to add a long-term threat off the edge opposite Aidan Hutchinson for a while now. Al-Quadin Muhammad had a surprise breakout last season with 11 sacks, but he’s a free agent. Tyrus Wheat was next best in sacks among pure edge rushers … with 1.5. So, although the interior offensive line might warrant a look (Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane?), Detroit has to address the lack of depth on the edge. Young has strong hands and good quickness, and he had 6.5 sacks and 46 pressures last season. – Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN
The Lions drafting pass rushing help opposite of Aidan Hutchinson has been a trendy projection across most NFL mock drafts.
Adding Young from Missouri would be an exciting first-round selection at No. 17 that would be sure to fire up the Lions’ fan base.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: ESPN NFL mock draft forecasts Missouri star to Detroit Lions