Perhaps the most surprising thing about the Detroit Lions’ 2026 draft was just how unsurprising it was. Most people expected Brad Holmes to select an offensive tackle and edge rusher with Detroit’s first two picks, and that is exactly what happened. Holmes has a history of going against the grain, making his selections of OT Blake Miller and Edge Derrick Moore, while solid and sensible, almost seem…boring. After shoring up Detroit’s most glaring needs in rounds one and two, Holmes used the Lions’ last five picks to add talent and depth all around the roster. How much impact will the seven new Lions make this season and beyond? Time for some Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft analysis.
Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft Analysis
The Picks:
Round 1, Pick 17: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Round 2, Pick 44: Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
Round 4, Pick 118: Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan
Round 5, Pick 157: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
Round 5, Pick 168: Kendrick Law, WR, Kentucky
Round 6, Pick 205: Skyler Gill-Howard, DT, Texas Tech
Round 7, Pick 222: Tyre West, EDGE, Tennessee
Best Pick:
Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Sometimes the simplest and most obvious choice is the best choice. In Blake Miller, the Lions are getting an immediate starter at right tackle. Instead of overthinking the pick or making a panic trade-up, Holmes stood pat at pick 17 and filled the biggest hole on Detroit’s roster. It’s possible that Miller was ranked higher than 17 on the Lions board, but Holmes was able to get his guy without sacrificing any more of his limited draft capital.
Worst Pick:
Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan
Normally, getting a fringe starter/top backup player in the middle of round four wouldn’t be a cause for criticism. However, with the way this draft board fell, the selection of Jimmy Rolder was disappointing. Unless Rolder outperforms expectations, it appears the Lions passed on several preferable options, specifically LB/S hybrid Kyle Louis, LB Kaleb Elarms-Orr, and S Jalon Kilgore. Those players, along with a host of other defensive backs, linebackers, and defensive tackles, had much higher upside and could become more impactful than Rolder will be.
Best Value:
Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
Keith Abney II was expected to hear his call sometime in the late second/early third round. Drafting the physical, versatile CB at pick 157 is downright robbery for the Lions. Abney II should be able to compete immediately for Detroit’s starting nickel CB role, while also providing top depth with starting ability on the outside. The Lions needed to add talent to their secondary, and Abney II has plenty.
Biggest Headscratcher:
Back-To-Back Selections Of Skyler Gill-Howard And Tyre West
On their own, both picks of Skyler Gill-Howard and Tyre West are perfectly fine. Selecting them back-to-back is a bit of a headscratcher. Gill-Howard is an undersized DT at 6’1, and 280 pounds, while Tyre is a 290-pound edge rusher who will probably see most of his snaps inside. With Mekhi Wingo already on the roster, the Lions seem overloaded with undersized interior defensive linemen. Would Detroit have been better served using this pick on depth along the interior of its offensive line?
Final Analysis
The Lions walked away from the three-day marathon with a solid, if unspectacular, draft class. Miller was the pick who made the most sense at 17, and the Lions were quick to snag him. As a rookie, Moore will push D.J. Wonnum for the starting edge position opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Even if Wonnum is the Week 1 starter, it won’t be long before Moore overtakes him. Abney II makes Detroit’s CB room both more talented and deeper.
Rolder, even though I listed him as the Lions’ worst pick, will still have a significant role. Detroit added another weapon with Law, while both defensive linemen should earn spots on the 53-man roster.
All in all, Detroit should be happy with its draft class. The Lions are definitely a better, more complete football team than they were before the draft began.
