Lions Draft Tracker: Following Every Pick From Allen Park’s War Room
The 2026 draft is here, and we’re tracking every single move Brad Holmes makes from Day 1 through Day 3. This is your one-stop shop for all things Lions draft without having to dig through a dozen different articles.
Detroit entered with nine picks total, including that juicy No. 17 slot in the first round. Then they had pick 50 in Round 2, and seven more scattered across Day 3 (picks 118, 128, 157, 181, 205, 213, and 222). Of course, Holmes being Holmes, that didn’t last long.
Round 1, Pick 17: Blake Miller, RT, Clemson
Holmes went straight for the offensive line. Again. And honestly, after watching this franchise get quarterbacks murdered for decades, nobody should be complaining.
Miller is the kind of prospect that makes Dan Campbell’s eyes light up. At 6-foot-7 and 318 pounds, he’s got 54 starts at right tackle for Clemson and missed exactly one practice in four years due to wrist surgery. He was back the next day. That’s not just impressive, that’s Lions football.
The plan seems obvious: slide Penei Sewell to left tackle and let Miller anchor the right side. Miller ranked sixth on the Grit Index with a 9.90 RAS score, which means he’s got the athleticism to match the toughness. At 22 years old, he’s ready to start immediately.
Campbell has been clear about moving Sewell if the right tackle presented himself. Miller is that guy.
TRADE ALERT: Lions Move Up
Holmes traded picks 50 and 128 to the Jets for pick 44. Classic Brad Holmes move, giving up quantity for quality when he sees his guy.
Round 2, Pick 44: Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
A Michigan Wolverine coming to Detroit. The poetry writes itself.
Moore brings power and violence to the edge, which pairs perfectly with what Aaron Glenn wants to do defensively. He’s got a high floor and should immediately challenge DJ Wonnum for the starting spot opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Yes, that’s the competition level we’re dealing with now in Allen Park.
This pick addresses the pass rush depth that disappeared when they couldn’t bring back Za’Darius Smith. Moore wins with effort and technique, which means he’ll fit right into this defense.
Round 4, Pick 118: Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan
Another Wolverine, because apparently Holmes decided to raid Ann Arbor this year.
Rolder has limited starting experience but plays like a seasoned veteran. His instincts are sharp, he can cover tight ends, and he hits like he means it. Special teams contributor immediately, with legitimate upside as a starting WILL linebacker.
Sometimes the best picks are guys who just know how to play football. Rolder is one of those guys.
Round 5, Pick 157: Keith Abney, CB, Arizona State
This is the steal of the draft. Abney was considered a Top 100 pick by most analysts, and the Lions grabbed him in the fifth round.
He’s got inside-out range, meaning he can back up the outside corners while also competing for the slot. His 9.07 Grit Index score put him in the top 30, so you know he’s not backing down from anyone. Raw but talented, which is exactly what you want in Round 5.
Still On The Clock
The Lions still have four picks remaining:
Round 5, pick 181
Round 6, pick 205
Round 6, pick 213
Round 7, pick 222
Knowing Holmes, at least two of these will end up being trades. The man cannot help himself.
Are we watching Holmes build the most complete Lions roster in decades, or are we just setting ourselves up for heartbreak again? Drop your take below.
OK so we’re actually addressing the trenches on both sides now? Blake Miller at 17 feels right, and sliding Sewell to left tackle makes so much sense. If Holmes can keep building this way instead of reaching for flashy stuff, I’m feeling something I haven’t felt in a long time.
I like the moves on paper, but I’ve seen this movie before where we draft solid in April and then September shows up and things fall apart. Let’s see if these guys actually stay healthy and contribute before we call this the most complete roster in decades.
The way Holmes is building this feels different than what we’ve had to watch over the years. Three Michigan guys, focusing on the line, not overthinking it. This is how you do it right.
Keith Abney in round 5 being a top 100 guy is exactly the kind of value I want to see. This draft is hitting different so far.