The 2026 Draft Is Here and the Lions Still Have Work to Do
The 2026 NFL Draft is upon us, and you know what that means. Time to figure out which holes Brad Holmes needs to fill on a roster that’s supposed to be competing for championships. Because yes, even when you’re good, you still have needs. That’s how this league works.
Holmes loves to preach “best player available” over filling needs, and sure, that sounds great in theory. But roster construction isn’t just about right now. It’s about what this thing looks like in 2027 and beyond, and some positions need attention whether Holmes wants to admit it or not.
Here are the seven biggest needs for a Lions team that can’t afford to stand still.
Offensive Tackle Is Still a Problem
The Lions have Penei Sewell locked up through 2029, which is great. Everything else at tackle? Not so much. Larry Borom (2026), Giovanni Manu (2027), and Devin Cochran (2026) are what they have under contract, and if you’re comfortable calling that a solution, I’ve got some Matt Millen draft picks to sell you.
Holmes insists they’d be fine with Borom as the starting right tackle in 2026, but after last year’s offensive line disappointment, “fine” isn’t going to cut it. Being one injury away from starting Manu unless he takes a big step in 2026 is not exactly a championship-level depth chart.
They spent just $5 million on Taylor Decker’s replacement. That should tell you everything about how serious they are about fixing this spot.
Edge Rush Depth Is Scary Thin
Aidan Hutchinson is locked up through 2030, which is the only reason this isn’t the number one need. After him? DJ Wonnum (2026), Payton Turner (2026), Tyler Lacy (2026), and Ahmed Hassanein (2026) are what’s under contract.
The Lions say they’re confident in Wonnum playing starting-level snaps in 2026, but that’s a stopgap solution at best. Turner has played in just 31 games in five years. Lacy splits limited time between the interior and edge. Hassanein is a completely unknown.
This isn’t just about finding a starter. Detroit needs depth and reserves because when injuries hit the pass rush, everything falls apart fast.
Linebacker Room Needs Bodies
Remember when the Lions rostered 10 linebackers on their 90-man roster following the 2025 NFL Draft? Yeah, they have half that now. Jack Campbell (2026 – team holds a 5th year option), Derrick Barnes (2027), Malcolm Rodriguez (2026), Trevor Nowaske (2026), and Damone Clark (2026) are what’s left under contract.
They still haven’t replaced Alex Anzalone. Adding Clark is fine, but he’s probably closer to a Grant Stuard replacement than anything that moves the needle. Looking ahead, only Barnes is under contract for 2027, and if he doesn’t step up this year, Detroit could move on before his $6.145 million 2027 option bonus kicks in.
Campbell is a lock to receive an extension, but everyone else is a question mark. That’s not sustainable for a defense that relies on linebacker play.
Tight End Depth for the Future
Sam LaPorta (2026), Brock Wright (2026), Tyler Conklin (2026), Zach Horton (2026), and Thomas Gordon (2026) should be fine for this season, assuming LaPorta and Wright are healthy after finishing the season on injured reserve. The room is thin, but the immediate need isn’t pressing.
The problem is 2027. LaPorta seems destined for an extension, but Wright and Conklin could be gone. Detroit needs another balanced tight end, though this draft class isn’t exactly loaded with them.
This is more about planning ahead than panic, but that’s what good teams do.
Nose Tackle After Losing Roy Lopez
Losing Roy Lopez and potentially DJ Reader leaves some questions along the interior. Tyleik Williams (2028) and Alim McNeill (2028) are both under contract, plus Chris Smith (2026).
A healthy McNeill and some Year 2 growth from Williams should help offset the departures, but it’s surprising the Lions didn’t add a run-stuffer on the defensive line this free agency. Their stop-the-run-first identity depends on controlling the interior, and adding some Day 3 talent wouldn’t hurt.
Cornerback Future Is Murky
The cornerback room looks solid for the 2026 season with D.J. Reed (2027), Terrion Arnold (2027), Rock Ya-Sin (2026), Roger McCreary (2026), Ennis Rakestraw (2027), Khalil Dorsey (2026), and Nick Whiteside (2026) under contract. But the outlook could look much different next year.
Reed and Arnold have yet to solidify their place as long-term starters after a bumpy 2025 season. Rakestraw has yet to stay healthy enough to know what the Lions have in him. Everyone else is only signed through this year.
Detroit could raise the ceiling and provide long-term depth early in this draft. Don’t be surprised if they do.
Running Back Insurance Policy
Jahmyr Gibbs (2026 – team holds a 5th year option) is the foundation, and Isiah Pacheco (2026) is supposed to fill David Montgomery’s role. But Pacheco’s recent injuries and physical running style should spark some skepticism about his durability.
Sione Vaki (2027), Jacob Saylors (2026), Kye Robichaux (2027), and Jabari Small (2026) round out the room, with the Lions excited to see what Vaki can bring in a bigger role. Still, finding a more reliable long-term backup for Gibbs, who is expected to sign an extension this offseason, makes sense.
The immediate need isn’t huge, but this is about protecting your investment in the backfield.
So there you have it. Seven areas where the Lions could use help, even on a roster built to compete. Think Holmes addresses these needs or just goes full “best player available” and leaves us wondering what the hell the plan is? Drop your take below.
