April 5, 2026, 10:35 a.m. ET
With nine picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL draft, the Detroit Lions have an opportunity to address some of their key needs and to hopefully restock towards a return trip to the NFC Championship game and beyond.
As the draft in Pittsburgh creeps closer, ESPN’s Matt Miller put together a full seven-round mock draft. Who do the Lions draft in Miller’s seven-round mock?
Here’s how Miller sees the Lions’ nine selections unfolding:
ESPN 7-round Detroit Lions 2026 NFL mock draftRound 1 (No. 17 overall): Georgia OT, Monroe FreelingRound 2 (No. 50 overall): UCF EDGE, Malachi LawrenceRound 4 (No. 118 overall): Michigan LB, Jimmy RolderRound 4 (No. 128 overall): Clemson DT, DeMonte CapehartRound 5 (No. 157 overall): Virginia RB, J’Mari TaylorRound 5 (No. 181 overall): Texas Tech WR, Reggie VirgilRound 6 (No. 205 overall): Baylor QB, Sawyer RobertsonRound 6 (No. 213 overall): Iowa G, Beau StephensRound 7 (No. 222 overall): Washington CB, Ephesians PrysockExpert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
Here’s what Miller wrote about the Lions’ projected first-round selection, Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling:
Taylor Decker’s release leaves an opening at left tackle barring a move from Penei Sewell from the right side. Either way, the Lions need tackle help. Freeling was a one-year starter at Georgia but has elite traits in terms of movement, size (6-foot-7, 315 pounds) and 4.93 speed. Freeling is one of the few proven left tackles with a Round 1 grade and has the upside of a higher-end starter thanks to his upper-level athletic skills plus his development over the course of the 2025 season. – Matt Miller, ESPN
And on Detroit’s second-round selection, UCF EDGE Malachi Lawrence:
We’ve been begging for the Lions to pick an edge rusher to play opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Lawrence is a speedy, upside rusher with 4.52 speed and a 253-pound frame. He can easily slot in for departed free agent Al-Quadin Muhammad and be a Week 1 starter. – Matt Miller, ESPN
Detroit addresses its two largest needs with its first two selections under this projection. Then, the Lions make selections at linebacker and defensive tackle before a run of four offensive players and capping the draft with some corner help.
What do you think?
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