{"id":267325,"date":"2026-02-27T11:30:41","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T16:30:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=267325"},"modified":"2026-02-27T09:21:42","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T14:21:42","slug":"detroit-lions-2026-7-round-mock-draft-1-0","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2026\/02\/27\/detroit-lions-2026-7-round-mock-draft-1-0\/","title":{"rendered":"Detroit Lions 2026 7-Round Mock Draft 1.0"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the NFL Scouting Combine in full swing, it is the perfect time to release my first full mock draft for the Detroit Lions. After dedicating most of February to writing mock drafts that only covered a single position, I now want to take my shot at predicting who I think will become the newest Detroit Lions at the NFL Draft, April 23-25, held in Pittsburgh (my hometown). Welcome to my Detroit Lions 2026 7-Round Mock Draft 1.0.<\/span><\/p>\n

This mock is my first covering all positions. Feel free to go back and compare it to my single-position mocks. On offense, I have picked full drafts of tackles<\/a>, interior linemen<\/a>, wide receivers<\/a>, running backs<\/a>, and tight ends.<\/a> Defensively, I chose defensive tackles<\/a>, edge rushers<\/a>, linebackers<\/a>, cornerbacks<\/a>, and safeties.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Did any of those picks make the cut? Will there be any trades? It\u2019s time to find out.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Round 1, Pick 17: TRADE!<\/span><\/h2>\n

That sure didn\u2019t take long. Let\u2019s take a look at the trade details.<\/span><\/h3>\n

Cleveland Browns<\/a> receive: Pick 17<\/span><\/h4>\n

Detroit Lions receive: Picks 24, 70, and 107<\/span><\/h4>\n

The Lions decide to trade back and gain extra picks in what is considered a deep draft. For a team like the Lions, with multiple stars on newly signed, expensive contracts (with more on the way), picking up an extra third and fourth-round pick has immense value. Those picks can become starters, or at least important contributors, on cheap rookie deals. Per the NFL Draft Trade Value Chart<\/a>, the Lions are bringing in 1060 points while sending out 950. Teams are always looking for value in trading back, but sometimes it\u2019s hard to find a dance partner.<\/span><\/p>\n

Detroit finds that willing partner in the Cleveland Browns. In this scenario, the Browns are moving up to select a new weapon for Pro-Bowl QB (lol) Shadeur Sanders. Cleveland leapfrogs wide receiver-needy teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a>, Carolina Panthers,<\/a> and Dallas Cowboys<\/a> (depending on what happens with George Pickens) to select WR Denzel Boston<\/a>. Many think the Browns will take a WR with the sixth overall pick, but I think a few defensive players offer much better value at that spot.<\/span><\/p>\n

Enough about Cleveland. Let\u2019s get back to the Lions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Round 1, Pick 24 (From Jacksonville Via Cleveland): Akheem Mesidor<\/a>, Edge, Miami<\/span><\/h2>\n

Mesidor to the Lions is a very popular choice amongst mock drafts.<\/a> The former Hurricane doesn\u2019t get the hype of Miami teammate Rueben Bain Jr., but could become a better NFL player. Mesidor, at 6\u20193 and 270 pounds, has the size Detroit looks for in its edge rushers. A standout 2025 season saw Mesidor erupt for 12.5 while demonstrating a refined and deep pass-rush arsenal. His violent hands, versatility, and explosive first step will make Mesidor a day-one starter in Detroit. His upside may be limited (he will be a 25-year-old rookie), but that shouldn\u2019t matter to the Lions. They are built to win now, and Mesidor will finally give Aidan Hutchinson a long-term running mate off the edge.<\/span><\/p>\n

Round 2, Pick 50: Gennings Dunker, Guard\/Tackle, Iowa<\/span><\/h2>\n

Whether he sticks at tackle or moves inside to guard, Gennings Dunker<\/a> will be a new building block for the Lions\u2019 offensive line. The 6\u20195, 320-pound Dunker is a nasty run-blocker who will help the Lions get back to their dominant ways on the ground. The former Hawkeye is simply a \u201cmauler\u201d and a terrific fit for Detroit. His grip strength and anchor give Dunker the look of a 10-year starter in the NFL. Showing the ability to play multiple positions at the Senior Bowl only adds to his appeal. Even with Taylor Decker returning for 2026, the Lions desperately need offensive line help. Enter Dunker, who just looks like a Detroit Lion.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
Jan 29, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; National offensive lineman Gennings Dunker (68) of Iowa works against National defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton (33) of Penn State during National Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Round 3, Pick 70 (Via Cleveland): Logan Jones, Center, Iowa<\/span><\/h2>\n

After selecting Dunker with their second-round pick, the Lions use the first of their newly acquired selections on another Hawkeye lineman, Logan Jones<\/a>. Center is arguably Detroit\u2019s biggest need, and Jones can step in and start there right away. Considered a bit undersized at 6\u20193 and 300 pounds, Jones makes up for it with elite athleticism. He was PFF\u2019s top-rated in the country in 2025, and the only one to rank in the top five in both run and pass blocking. I fully believe Logan Jones will be someone the Lions target in this draft, possibly trading up if Brad Holmes thinks it is the only way to get him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Round 4, Pick 107: Kyle Louis, Linebacker, Pittsburgh<\/span><\/h2>\n

With the Lions looking likely to lose Alex Anzalone in free agency, they draft his replacement with their other new pick. Kyle Louis, one of my favorite players in the draft, can play all over the field. Louis can line up in the box, the slot, or on the defensive line. Possibly the best coverage LB in the 2026 draft, Louis can make plays everywhere. Earning comparisons to future Hall of Famer Lavonte David<\/a>, the 5\u201911, 224-pounder, former Panther may be undersized, but his production doesn\u2019t lie. He finished his career at Pitt with 201 tackles, 10 sacks, and an impressive six interceptions. Sign me up.<\/span><\/p>\n

Round 4, Pick 118: Rayshaun Benny<\/a>, Defensive Tackle, Michigan<\/span><\/h2>\n

Lions\u2019 GM Brad Holmes continues his never-ending quest to fortify the trenches. Detroit is already showing heavy interest<\/a> in Benny. The strong DT is a beast against the run, who uses violent hands and excellent technique to shed blocks. Benny maintains strong gap discipline and is coming off a solid showing at the Senior Bowl. The former Wolverine can play anywhere along the defensive line, and Dan Campbell really values positional versatility. It\u2019s easy to see why the Lions like Rayshaun Benny.<\/span><\/p>\n

Round 5, Pick 155: Sam Roush, Tight End, Stanford<\/span><\/h2>\n

When researching my mock draft for tight ends, Sam Roush<\/a> really stood out to me. The 6\u20195, 260-pounder is a perfect fit in Detroit. With the Lions being expected to use more 13 personnel with new OC Drew Petzing, Roush can earn a substantial role immediately. An excellent run-blocker who also provides another option in the intermediate passing game, Roush could supplant current Lions\u2019 TE2 Brock Wright as early as 2026. His potential as a receiver is limited, but Roush is exactly the type of tight end Detroit needs to complement star Sam LaPorta.<\/span><\/p>\n

Round 6, Pick 186 (Via Cleveland): Patrick Payton, Edge, LSU<\/span><\/h2>\n

After starting his college career with a bang at Florida State, Patrick Payton hasn\u2019t been the same player since 2023. His tape during his first two years has the look of a first-round pick. That talent is still in there, and Detroit should take a chance on finding it. With the Lions potentially losing edge Al-Quadin Muhammad in free agency, they would be wise to double-dip at the position in the draft. Even if Payton doesn\u2019t regain his former magic and continues to struggle against the run, his ability to get to the quarterback will earn him a situational role in Detroit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Round 6, Pick 203 (Via Jacksonville): Tyren Montgomery, Wide Receiver, John Carroll\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Lions may be moving on from WR Kalif Raymond this offseason. Tyren Montgomery,<\/a> at 5\u201911 and 190 pounds, can help fill the void. Montgomery dominated Division III in 2025 with 119 catches, 1528 yards, and a whopping 15 touchdowns. Against much better competition during Senior Bowl week, he continued his success without skipping a beat. Montgomery, who didn’t even start playing football until he was 21, is a fascinating prospect who brings tremendous upside. I think he would be a steal at this pick.<\/span><\/p>\n

Round 7, Pick 222 (Via Cleveland): Desmond Reid, Running Back, Pittsburgh<\/span><\/h2>\n

Another one of my draft darlings (and another former Panther), Desmond Reid, is an explosive playmaker. Even if the Lions (hopefully) keep David Montgomery, Reid could still become a valuable weapon for Detroit. If he can stay healthy enough to stay on the field, Reid brings game-breaking ability as a runner, receiver, and returner. With 4.38 speed, Reid is a highlight reel waiting to happen. The 5\u201911, 180-pound back is fragile, but his mere presence on the field is something NFL defenses will have to account for.<\/span><\/p>\n

What do you think? Who do you think the Lions will draft?\u00a0 Let me know how you feel about my picks in the comment section below.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

(Note: Picks are subject to change, as the NFL has not yet announced compensatory selections, and trades involving draft picks are pending.)<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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