The Detroit Lions, despite winning 15 games in 2024, fell back down to earth a bit and won just nine games in 2025, totally missing the playoffs after a short stint atop the NFC North. On paper, this is still one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, but the team has largely struggled to stay healthy.
To add insult, the Lions do have a slew of free agents, so General Manager Brad Holmes and the rest of the front office do have their work cut out for them this offseason. However, this Lions do appear to be a high floor team if nothing else, and I'm not sure a single person would be surprise if this team won 10 or more games in 2026.
In fact, if this mock draft haul actually came true, the Lions would do just that and retake the NFC North crown.
Updated 7-Round Detroit Lions NFL Mock Draft as combine begins
17. Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
The Lions have a slew of free agents along the defensive line this offseason, notably Al-Quadin Muhammad, Marcus Davenport, Roy Lopez, and DJ Reader.
Fortunately, Peter Woods is there for the taking with pick 17. Woods is a versatile player who should be able to line up all over the defensive line, and this simply cannot remain as a one-man wrecking crew with Aidan Hutchinson.
I would personally be floored if Detroit didn't also make a notable free agency investment along the defensive line this offseason.
50. Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Not only is the defensive line in a rough spot, but all of Amik Robertson, Avonte Maddos, Arthur Maulet, Jalen Mills, and Rock Ya-Sin are free agents in the secondary. Cornerback is once again an urgent need, so the Lions simply grab the best cornerback left on the board, snagging Chris Johnson from San Diego State.
The Lions are absolutely in a position to draft for need. Many front offices are simply in the business of taking the best player available. Detroit's roster is good enough to where their NFL Draft can be a bit more deliberate.
118. Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
The pass rush has to be a massive point of emphasis for the Lions this offseason. Trey Hendrickson would be a fun fit, but he's on the wrong side of 30 and coming off a relatively major injury. The Lions could perhaps pursue someone in a lower tier to beef up the pass rush to not run the risk of whiffing on a potentially declined Hendrickson.
Detroit snags Romello Height from Texas Tech and brings more youth into the equation.
155. Matt Gulbin, OC, Michigan State
Matt Gulbin is a developmental center prospect, and we have seen the Lions go through a bit of a transition along the offensive line. Adding more bodies to the unit makes a lot of sense, and just because Detroit's offensive line is generally in a good spot, doesn't mean it stays that way.
180. Lewis Bond, WR, Boston College
Lewis Bond profiles as a potential starting slot receiver but could also simply be some nice depth for the team. Both Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams finished with over 1,000 yards in 2025, but the next wide receiver down, Kalif Raymond, had just 289 yards. Detroit needs another competent option in this room.
204. Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh
Kyle Louis is a bit undersized, but he's an athletic, fast linebacker who is solid in coverage. Along with the defensive line and cornerback group, the linebacker room could also see a ton of transition in the offseason with the amount of free agents the Lions have there. Adding multiple linebackers in the NFL Draft should be on the table.
212. DeShon Singleton, S, Nebraska
Now snagging some seconary depth, Detroit takes DeShon Singleton from Nebraska and keeps stacking rookies on the defensive side of the ball.
223. J'Mari Taylor, RB. Virginia
J'Mari Taylor is the final pick here for the Lions. There seems to be a possibility that Detroit moves on from David Montgomery in some capacity this offseason. If that does happen, the Lions could bring in a lower-cost free agent and further bolster the room in the NFL Draft.