Lions Draft Tracker: Following Detroit’s Picks Through All Three Days
The 2026 draft is here, and for once the Lions aren’t picking in the top five. Remember when that was our annual tradition? When we knew we’d be sitting there in April, waiting to see which blue-chip prospect would grace us with their presence before quietly disappearing into the Honolulu Blue abyss?
This year feels different. The Lions enter with nine picks, starting with No. 17 in the first round. That’s pick 17, not pick 2. I’m still getting used to this.
We’ll track every selection here, with all the details and analysis you need. Bookmark this page and check back as Brad Holmes works his magic, or at least what we hope is magic.
Round 1, Pick No. 17: Blake Miller, RT, Clemson
The offensive line rebuild continues. Dan Campbell has made it clear the Lions are willing to move Penei Sewell to left tackle if they find the right guy for the right side. Miller might be that guy.
At 22 years old, Miller brings 54 starts at right tackle from Clemson. He’s got the size at 6-foot-7 and 318 pounds, plus the athletic testing numbers to back it up. But here’s what really catches your attention: the kid missed exactly one practice in four years at Clemson, and that was for wrist surgery. He was back the next day.
That’s the kind of mentality that fits what Campbell is building in Allen Park. Miller doesn’t take shortcuts, and he won’t let his teammates down. His combination of toughness, football intelligence, and leadership makes him an appealing prospect for a team that values those traits above all else.
The Lions prioritized revamping their offensive line this offseason, and Miller could be the final piece of that puzzle. He’s arguably the most consistent and ready-to-play offensive tackle in this draft class.
TRADE: Lions Move Up
Holmes traded picks No. 50 and 128 to the Jets for pick No. 44. Moving up in the second round to grab their guy. This is what good teams do.
Round 2, Pick No. 44: Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
A Michigan Wolverine coming home to Detroit. Moore is a balanced edge rusher who sets a firm edge with power and violence. He wins as a pass rusher mainly through effort, which sounds familiar if you’ve watched this Lions defense.
Moore has a high developmental floor and should challenge DJ Wonnum for a starting role opposite Aidan Hutchinson from day one. The depth at pass rusher was a concern, and Holmes addressed it by trading up.
Round 4, Pick No. 118: Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan
Another Wolverine. Rolder doesn’t have extensive starting experience, but he’s technically sound with great instincts and reaction timing. He’ll contribute on special teams immediately while competing for the WILL linebacker spot.
Sometimes the best picks are the ones that give you upside and immediate value. Rolder fits that profile.
Remaining Picks
The Lions still have five picks left:
Round 5, pick 157
Round 5, pick 181
Round 6, pick 205
Round 6, pick 213
Round 7, pick 222
These late-round picks are where Holmes has found some gems. Remember when we thought drafting in the later rounds was just throwing darts at a board? This front office has changed that narrative completely.
Is this the draft that puts the Lions over the top, or are we setting ourselves up for another round of “what could have been? Drop your thoughts below and let’s see if Holmes can keep this magic going.
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Blake Miller sounds like exactly what we need, a guy who’s just gonna show up and do his job every single day. The fact that he barely missed a practice in four years tells you everything about his character and that’s what Campbell is building here. This feels right.
I like the moves but I’m not gonna get too excited until I see these guys actually play for us. We’ve made smart-looking draft picks before and things haven’t always worked out, so I’m just gonna wait and see what happens when the season starts.
I love that we’re going after Michigan guys and taking care of the line and defense. This feels like how you’re supposed to build a team, piece by piece with real football people. Makes me feel like the organization finally understands what it takes.
The fact that Holmes traded up to get Moore shows he’s got conviction in his guys. That’s the kind of aggressive move good teams make when they see something they want. Really excited to see what this edge rusher room looks like with some real depth finally.