The NFL Draft is nearing, prompting the unveiling of my updated Detroit Lions 7-Round Mock Draft 2.0. This iteration reflects substantial changes due to recent developments affecting the team. A week can alter perspectives significantly; the NFL Scouting Combine has concluded, and while some prospects excelled and saw their stock rise, others faced setbacks that raised concerns among NFL teams.
The Detroit Lions experienced a whirlwind week, particularly with the news surrounding Terrion Arnold”s legal troubles in Florida, which have impacted their aspirations of acquiring Maxx Crosby. Additionally, the Lions traded running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans. Although this move was anticipated, it has left a notable void in Detroit”s backfield. The ramifications of these events have dramatically influenced my latest mock draft. Let”s delve into the players I now anticipate joining the Lions this April.
Round 1, Pick 17: Dillon Thieneman, Safety, Oregon
This time, no trades are anticipated in the first round. The Lions” secondary situation has deteriorated significantly. Arnold”s off-field issues may heighten their need for a cornerback, but that might be only part of the problem. Detroit”s impressive safety combination of Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph cannot be relied upon for the 2026 season. Branch is likely to miss most, if not all, of the upcoming season due to an Achilles tendon tear. Joseph”s chronic knee injuries further complicate the issue, raising doubts about his availability for 2026 and potentially jeopardizing his career.
To address these concerns, the Lions could turn to Thieneman, whose performance at the Combine was exceptional. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 201 pounds, the Oregon safety dazzled with a 4.35-second forty-yard dash and a remarkable 41-inch vertical leap. His agility during positional drills was equally impressive, showcasing elite mobility with precise movements. Once projected as a second-round pick, Thieneman”s stock has surged in recent weeks. Given his outstanding Combine performance, he has solidified his status as a top-20 prospect. I anticipate the Lions targeting him, as he can make an immediate impact on Detroit”s defense.
Round 2, Pick 50: Gennings Dunker, Guard/Tackle, Iowa
I remain firm in my prediction of Dunker landing with the Lions in Round 2. This versatile lineman offers the Lions various options and could become a foundational piece for their offensive line. The former Iowa standout can step in as an immediate starter at guard and eventually transition to left tackle when the time is right. Alternatively, Dunker could also serve as the right tackle if the team opts to shift All-Pro Penei Sewell to the left side following Taylor Decker”s departure. Of course, he could simply secure a long-term role at guard, as he possesses that level of talent. I believe Gennings Dunker is destined to play for the Detroit Lions.
Round 3: Trade with Pittsburgh
In my previous mock draft, I had the Lions trading down from pick 17 to pick 24, acquiring additional picks from Cleveland, including a third-rounder. This draft class is deep, with ample talent available in the middle rounds. Given the multitude of needs to address, the Lions would be wise to secure a third-round pick, even if it necessitates sacrificing future resources. They found a trade partner in the Pittsburgh Steelers, resulting in the following deal:
- Detroit Lions receive: Pick 85, 2027 7th-round pick
- Pittsburgh Steelers receive: Picks 118, 203, 2027 3rd-round pick
The Lions aim to secure a long-term edge rusher to complement Aidan Hutchinson. Although Detroit may retain Al-Quadin Muhammad, his limitations against the run do not align with the Lions” requirements from their edge rushers. Muhammad would be best utilized as a specialist in pass-rushing situations, leaving room for a more well-rounded player in early-down scenarios. Meanwhile, the Steelers, entering the 2026 Draft with at least 12 picks, have the flexibility to maneuver freely. They seem to anticipate quarterback Aaron Rodgers returning for another season, particularly after hiring Mike McCarthy, Rodgers” former coach at Green Bay, to replace Mike Tomlin. Should Rodgers not return, the Steelers may pursue the recently released Kyler Murray, mirroring their signing of Russell Wilson in 2024. Pittsburgh appears to be postponing the search for their future quarterback until 2027, given that next year”s quarterback class appears more promising. Acquiring an extra 2027 3rd-round pick will provide them with additional resources to move up and secure their target.
Round 3, Pick 85 (From Pittsburgh): Anthony Lucas, Edge, USC
Anthony Lucas would be an excellent addition alongside star Aidan Hutchinson. At 6 feet 5 inches and 280 pounds, Lucas possesses the size and strength the Lions desire from their edge players. His ability to disrupt the pocket and obstruct throwing lanes will make him a valuable asset to any defensive unit. Lucas excels at setting the edge, utilizing his physicality and impressive wingspan to dictate the flow of plays. Although the former Trojan has yet to establish himself as a dominant sack artist, with only three sacks in college, he has the potential and strength to reach the quarterback. The Lions are likely betting on his physical traits translating into greater production, with Muhammad handling obvious passing downs.
Round 4, Pick 128 (From Houston): Kaytron Allen, Running Back, Penn State
With one of the picks acquired from the David Montgomery trade, the Lions are set to select his successor. Allen is the closest running back in this draft class to Montgomery, and the team may opt to draft their new RB2 rather than sign an older, pricier free agent. At 6 feet tall and weighing 220 pounds, Allen is a powerful runner adept at gaining tough yards and excels in pass protection. He consistently breaks tackles with his strong lower body and low pad level, dragging defenders for extra yardage. With 43 career touchdowns, Allen is a proven asset in the red zone who can influence games in various ways, reminiscent of a player the Lions once had.
Round 5, Pick 155: Sam Roush, Tight End, Stanford
Roush is another pick I am maintaining from my initial mock draft. The 6 feet 5 inches, 260-pound tight end is an ideal fit for the Lions. He provides excellent in-line blocking while also contributing to the short-to-intermediate passing game. Roush will enable the Lions to implement the multiple tight end sets that new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing favors. While Sam LaPorta is expected to dominate the reception share, Roush adds another dependable offensive weapon. He could potentially surpass Brock Wright as the second tight end as early as 2026.
Round 5, Compensatory Selection (Projection): Tyren Montgomery, Wide Receiver, John Carroll
This marks my first estimation of a compensatory selection for the Lions. Although it has not yet been officially announced by the NFL, Detroit is expected to gain an additional pick for Carlton Davis III”s departure in free agency. Montgomery is another player I have consistently projected to the Lions. The 5 feet 11 inches, 190-pound receiver excelled in Division III in 2025, amassing 119 receptions for 1,528 yards and 15 touchdowns. That success continued during Senior Bowl week against tougher competition. The Lions may need to find a replacement for WR Kalif Raymond, who is set to become a free agent. With Raymond”s role on offense diminishing over the past two years, the Lions might opt to move on from the 31-year-old speedster. Tyren Montgomery could adequately fill that gap if Raymond departs. Having only started playing football at age 21, Montgomery has considerable upside.
Round 6, Pick 186 (Via Cleveland): Charles Demmings, Cornerback, Stephen F. Austin
A new name in my mocks is Charles Demmings, whose Combine performance caught attention. Measuring 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 193 pounds, Demmings combined impressive size with a 4.42-second 40-yard dash, a 43-inch vertical leap, and an 11-foot broad jump. His explosiveness translated into seamless, fluid movement during drills. Despite coming from a smaller school, Demmings” stock is on the rise. Although reaching his potential may require patience, he can immediately contribute as the Lions” gunner on special teams.
Round 7, Pick 222 (Via Cleveland): Micah Morris, Guard, Georgia
Initially included in my interior offensive line mock draft, Micah Morris has solidified his status as a worthy late-round selection. His athletic testing results at the Combine were exceptional. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 334 pounds, Morris achieved a 9.98 Relative Athletic Score, ranking as the fifth-best score out of 1,748 guard prospects in Combine history. Although he is raw and requires technical refinement before earning significant playing time, his elite athleticism and solid power make him an intriguing late-round prospect.
There you have it; another mock draft is complete. The new league year is approaching, and the outcome of free agency will significantly influence the draft landscape. Expect another mock draft from me following the resolution of the first round of free agency. I welcome your thoughts in the comments. Who would you like to see the Lions draft?
