Seven New Lions Walk Into Allen Park
The Detroit Lions wrapped up their 2026 draft weekend with seven new faces heading to Allen Park. And for once, it actually looks like Brad Holmes knew exactly what he was doing.
The Lions didn’t draft for immediate need, but they sure as hell attacked their roster holes like they meant business. First round brought us our right tackle of the future. Second round delivered a high-upside edge rusher. Day 3 added linebacker depth, corner help, a slot receiver, and a pair of defensive linemen.
Here’s what just walked through the doors at the practice facility.
Round 1, Pick 17: Blake Miller, RT, Clemson
The Lions have been rebuilding their offensive line all offseason, and Miller might be the final piece of that puzzle. Dan Campbell has said the team would move All-Pro Penei Sewell to left tackle if the right guy showed up at right tackle. Miller is that guy.
At 22 years old, Miller already has 54 starts at right tackle for Clemson. He’s arguably the most NFL-ready offensive tackle in this entire draft class. Standing 6-foot-7, 318 pounds with a 9.90 RAS score, he’s got the size and athleticism you want.
But here’s what makes him perfect for Detroit: the kid simply doesn’t take shortcuts. He missed exactly one practice in four years at Clemson, and that was for wrist surgery. He was back the next day. That’s Lions football right there.
Round 2, Pick 44: Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan (Traded Up)
The Lions gave up picks 50 and 128 to move up for Moore, and honestly, good for them. Moore is a balanced edge rusher who sets the edge with power and violence. He wins as a pass rusher through pure effort, which sounds about right for this coaching staff.
Moore should challenge DJ Wonnum for a starting spot opposite Aidan Hutchinson from day one. High developmental floor, local kid who knows what it means to play in this state. What’s not to like?
Round 4, Pick 118: Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan
Limited starting experience, but Rolder is technically sound with great instincts. Another Michigan guy who flows to the football like he was born doing it. He can run with tight ends in coverage and hits like he means it.
Special teams contributor immediately, legitimate contender for the starting WILL linebacker spot eventually. When you watch his film, you wouldn’t know he only started one season.
Round 5, Pick 157: Keith Abney, CB, Arizona State
National analysts had Abney as a Top 100 pick. The Lions grabbed him in the fifth round. That’s what we call value, folks.
Abney has inside-out range and can back up on the outside while challenging for the slot. He ranked in the top 30 on the Grit Index with a 9.07 score. He’s competitive as hell and has starter upside, even if he’s a work in progress.
Round 5, Pick 168: Kendrick Law, Slot WR, Kentucky (Traded Up)
The Lions traded picks 181 and 213 to Buffalo to move up for Law. High-floor slot receiver with 4.45 speed who projects better in NFL schemes than he did in college.
Incredibly quick in his breaks and will give defenders fits trying to run with him. There’s punt return potential here, plus he’s dynamic on special teams coverage.
Round 6, Pick 205: Skyler Gill-Howard, DT, Texas A&M
Gill-Howard was the highest-rated defensive tackle on the Grit Index with a 9.42 score. At 6-foot-1, 280 pounds, he projects as a rotational 3-technique.
Limited in where he can be deployed, but he has the quickness to find the field in subpackages. Needs to add strength for the 4i role, but the foundation is there.
Round 7, Pick 222: Tyre West, DL, Tennessee
West closed out the draft class as another defensive lineman. At 6-foot-2, 283 pounds, he projects as a 4i/3T in the Lions scheme.
Quick feet, heavy hands, fits the mold of what Detroit wants in a big set defensive lineman. Strong enough to anchor the edge, versatile enough to kick inside to the 3T in subpackages.
So there you have it. Seven new Lions, two trades up, and a draft class that actually addresses real needs without reaching. Is this what competent drafting feels like, or are we just setting ourselves up for another round of heartbreak? Let me know what you think in the comments.
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Finally feels like we got a draft where Holmes wasn’t just throwing darts at a board. Blake Miller looking NFL ready from day one is exactly what we needed at RT, and going after local guys like Moore and Rolder who actually understand what it means to play in Detroit is chef’s kiss. This could actually be the start of something real.
Look, I like the moves on paper too, but I’ve seen promising draft classes turn into nothing before. Keith Abney in the fifth when he was supposed to go top 100? That’s great value IF it pans out, but we gotta see these guys actually play before we start talking about building something. I’m hopeful but not holding my breath yet.
You know what I appreciate about this draft class? The philosophy of getting tough, hardworking guys who understand the game. That Miller kid never missing practice at Clemson reminds me of the kind of guys who built winning teams. Whether it works out or not, at least they’re picking the right kind of people this time around.
Two trades up for Moore and Law shows Holmes has conviction in his board, and I’m here for it. We got major value with Abney falling to the fifth and a slot guy who can move around on special teams. This feels like a complete draft class that actually addresses what we need without reaching for hype.