Winner: Jared Goff
Goff might be the biggest winner coming out of this draft. After enduring a career-high 38 sacks in 2025, watching Blake Miller get called at pick 17 had to feel like Christmas morning for the Lions quarterback. Miller should immediately upgrade the entire offensive line, and moving Penei Sewell to protect Goff’s blindside? That’s the kind of chess move that keeps quarterbacks upright and productive.
Winner: Jahmyr Gibbs and Isiah Pacheco
The running backs are about to eat. Gibbs struggled down the stretch, averaging just 3.1 yards per carry and 45.3 rushing yards per game in the final six games as Detroit tried to make their playoff push. That’s not entirely on him when your offensive line is getting pushed around.
With Miller bringing that finishing attitude, Tate Ratledge entering his second year, and a revamped left side of the line, Gibbs could be in for a monster Year 4. Pacheco benefits from all the same upgrades, plus Detroit didn’t draft a running back to compete with him. Smart move by Brad Holmes to let the man prove he’s still got it.
Winner: Christian Mahogany
Holmes could have drafted competition for the starting left guard spot and nobody would have blinked. Instead, he left Mahogany to battle Miles Frazier and Ben Bartch for the job, making him the clear favorite to start.
Here’s the kicker: with Sewell moving to left tackle, Mahogany would be sandwiched between Sewell and Cade Mays. That’s a significant upgrade from Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow. The kid has never been in a better position to succeed.
Loser: Giovanni Manu
It’s Year 3 for the developmental tackle, and his ceiling just got capped at OT4 after Miller’s selection. Detroit clearly likes the experience and success that Larry Borom brings to the swing tackle position, leaving Manu fighting just to justify keeping a fourth tackle on the roster. For the first time in his NFL career, he’s genuinely battling for his job.
Loser: Dominic Lovett
Fifth-round pick Kendrick Law came out of nowhere to potentially steal Lovett’s spot. Law brings returner experience that Lovett lacks, plus Holmes is already talking about him as a candidate for the critical gunner role. That’s bad news for Lovett, who spent most of his rookie season in a very small special teams role.
One year into his NFL career and he’s already fighting for a roster spot. Welcome to the league, kid.
Winner: The Entire Lions Secondary
Finally, some pass rush help. Detroit invested in getting to the quarterback with Derrick Moore in the first round, then doubled down with interior pass rushers Skyler Gill-Howard and Tyre West in the sixth and seventh rounds.
Last year, only two teams took longer to get to the quarterback than Detroit. That left the secondary covering receivers for an unrealistic amount of time. With Moore, DJ Wonnum, Aidan Hutchinson, a healthy Alim McNeill, and Levi Onwuzurike, plus Tyleik Williams taking a second-year jump, the pass rush finally has some true potential.
The only added competition in the secondary was Keith Abney in the fifth round, and while he could challenge for the starting nickel role, the outside corners and safeties should be safe from additional competition.
Loser: Mekhi Wingo
Two years, 235 total snaps, and only 59 last year. Detroit is clearly trying to light a fire under Wingo with the Gill-Howard pick, bringing in a player with similar traits.
The rookie won’t automatically get the job, but the pressure is on. It’s year three for Wingo. Time to show up or ship out.
Winner: Malcolm Rodriguez
Linebacker was one of the team’s biggest needs heading into the draft, and while Detroit did grab Jimmy Rolder from Michigan in the fourth round, he looks more like a long-term project than immediate competition for Rodriguez. Rolder will contribute on special teams while learning the position.
That opens the door for Rodriguez to get significant playing time and prove he’s a starting-level talent. He was robbed of that opportunity last year—his contract year—with an ACL that zapped most of his 2025 season. Now healthy, Rodriguez could impress in 2026 and cash in in 2027.
Think Holmes nailed this draft or are we missing something obvious? Drop your take below and tell us who you think really won and lost here.
