April 5, 2026, 2:55 p.m. ET
As the 2026 NFL draft in the Steel City nears, final draft projections are beginning to take shape.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., Matt Miller, Jordan Reid and Field Yates put their minds together for a rotating 2026 mock draft. When pick No. 17 popped up, Mel Kiper was on the clock with the Detroit Lions‘ selection.
Who did the longtime ESPN NFL draft analyst project to the Lions?
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. makes Detroit Lions’ first-round pick
Round 1 (No. 17 overall): Monroe Freeling, OT Georgia
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Regardless of which side Penei Sewell plays next season, the Lions need a long-term answer at the other offensive tackle spot. Freeling started just 17 games in college, but he’s long and quick, and his ceiling is high. – Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN
Freeling to the Lions feels like a projection that’s been picking up steam in recent weeks. The Lions are looking for a Taylor Decker replacement and Freeling might be too good to pass up at No. 17 if he is available.
As their rotating mock draft continued, Matt Miller got to make the Lions’ second-round selection at pick No. 50.
ESPN’s Matt Miller makes Detroit Lions’ second-round pick
Round 2 (No. 50 overall): Jaishawn Barham, EDGE, Michigan
Detroit goes down the road to get a sudden defender who is still ascending after moving from linebacker to a full-time edge rusher role. Barham could help fill the void opposite Aidan Hutchinson. – Matt Miller, ESPN
A name that many Lions fans are familiar with, Jaishawn Barham totaled 32 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, five quarterback hurries, four sacks, three pass breakups and one forced fumble.
Some help opposite Aidan Hutchinson would be a welcome sight.
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