The Lions Actually Drafted for Need and We’re Not Sure How to Feel About It
One of the more surprising developments from the Lions’ 2026 NFL Draft is the fact that they knocked out some of their biggest immediate needs. Any time he has the chance, Brad Holmes reminds the media that they don’t draft for need, they just want good football players. Chasing needs, he argues, is a good way to get lesser talent out of a draft class, suggesting that you’ll “reach” just to fill a hole.
Yet on draft weekend, the Lions kicked off their picks by addressing the team’s three biggest needs in the exact order of need: offensive tackle, defensive end, linebacker.
Holmes basically looked at his board, saw good players at positions of need, and said why the hell not. It’s almost like having a competent front office changes everything.
But There’s Still Work to Do
There’s only so much you can do in one draft weekend. The Lions only had two picks in the top-100, and it would be unrealistic to expect Holmes to find starting-level talent on Day 3 at other positions of need.
So where do things stand now? What’s the biggest hole left on this roster heading into 2026?
Nose Tackle is the Glaring Issue
For a team that prioritizes stopping the run, it’s been pretty surprising to see their lack of moves at defensive tackle for most of the offseason. They let Roy Lopez walk, and it appears DJ Reader is about to sign elsewhere, as well. In free agency, they failed to sign a single person to replace them.
And while in the draft they did spend a sixth and seventh-round pick on players who can play on the interior, both are undersized pass rushers rather than run defenders.
Detroit is likely to lean more on Alim McNeill and Tyleik Williams to help bridge the gap, but the Lions obviously need more depth at the position. It would not surprise me if they added some veteran nose tackle who can just two-gap on early downs.
They could reunite with Benito Jones, 12-year veteran DaQuan Jones is still available, as is former Bear Eddie Goldman. None of these guys are going to make you forget Aaron Donald, but they can eat blocks and stop inside runs. Sometimes that’s enough.
Linebacker Depth is Still Sketchy
Despite drafting Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder in the fourth round, linebacker remains a pretty huge need. The Lions only have six rostered linebackers, and if they plan on playing three-linebacker sets, they should add competition for the final starting job opposite Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes.
Rolder helps, but he’s a rookie. After that, things get thin fast. This defense is going to live and die with Campbell and Barnes staying healthy, which is never a great place to be.
Trust the Process, Question the Gaps
Look, Holmes has earned the benefit of the doubt here. This is the same guy who turned a franchise graveyard into a contender through the draft. If he’s comfortable rolling with what they have at nose tackle, maybe he sees something we don’t.
But watching opposing teams gash you up the middle because you’re playing 280-pound pass rushers at nose tackle is going to test even the most patient fan’s faith. Sometimes you need a big ugly human being who can just take up space and make life miserable for offensive linemen.
The good news? There’s still time to fix it. The bad news? We’re talking about free agents available in May, which usually means there’s a reason they’re still available.
So what do you think is the biggest hole left on this roster? Are you worried about the nose tackle situation or trusting Holmes to figure it out? Let’s hear it below.
Holmes nailed it with the first three picks addressing actual needs. I get the nose tackle concern but the guy has proven he knows what he’s doing, so if he thinks McNeill and Williams can handle it with some vet help, I’m willing to bet he’s right. This is what competence looks like and it feels weird to have it.
Here’s my thing – I like what Holmes did but I’m gonna need to see how this plays out before I’m celebrating. Six linebackers on the roster with a rookie and hoping guys stay healthy is… not ideal. I hope he’s got something cooking in free agency cause that’s thin as hell.
You know what’s wild? We’re actually having conversations about draft strategy and positional value instead of just hoping the front office doesn’t completely sabotage the team. That alone tells you how different things are now. Still worried about that interior line depth though, that’s a real thing.
The nose tackle thing is bugging me but I gotta trust the process. Holmes built this from nothing so if he thinks a veteran can come in and handle the job, maybe he knows something we don’t watching tape all day. Just hope it doesn’t bite us in September.