The draft smoke is getting thick around Allen Park, and frankly, we know better than to trust everything floating around this time of year. But damn if we don’t eat it up anyway.
The Lions have kept their cards closer to their chest than a poker player in downtown Detroit, but the rumors are flying fast and furious as we get closer to draft night. Most of the chatter centers around offensive tackle, which shouldn’t surprise anyone who watched our line get worked over when it mattered most.
What We’re Hearing From the Rumor Mill
The latest buzz has the Lions making calls to explore trading up in the 2026 NFL Draft. Because apparently sitting at our current spot and taking the best available player is too simple for this franchise. Jonathan Jones and Jeremy Fowler are reporting that Brad Holmes has been working the phones.
On the scouting front, Holmes had a Zoom call with UCF EDGE Malachi Lawrence. The Lions also met virtually with Michigan defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny, which makes sense given our history of loving local talent.
Here’s an interesting tidbit: the Lions did NOT bring Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling in for a top-30 visit. Dave Birkett dropped that nugget, and honestly, sometimes what a team doesn’t do tells you as much as what they do.
The Tackle Talk Continues
Teams are apparently expecting an early run on offensive linemen, per Jeremy Fowler. And yes, I know what you’re thinking – we’ve heard this song before. But with our tackle situation being what it is, we better hope we’re not the ones left standing when the music stops.
The most intriguing rumor came earlier this month when Daniel Jeremiah suggested Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor wouldn’t get past the Lions. That’s the kind of intel that either ages like fine wine or spoiled milk, with no in-between.
Reading the Tea Leaves
Look, draft rumors are about as reliable as our kicking game in the playoffs, but patterns emerge. The offensive line focus makes perfect sense. The trade-up talk? That’s where it gets interesting. This front office has shown they’re not afraid to be aggressive, but they’ve also been smart about it.
Teams are apparently trying to trade ahead of us, according to Todd McShay. Can’t blame them – they know we’re sitting in a spot where impact players will still be available, and nobody wants to give us another weapon.
The truth is, we won’t know what Holmes and company are really thinking until they’re on the clock. But after years of watching this franchise, at least we can trust that whatever they do will be calculated, not desperate.
Are you buying into the trade-up rumors or do you think Holmes stays put and takes best available? Let me know what you’re expecting come draft night.
