Six More Chances to Get This Right
The Lions may have only grabbed two players in the first two days of the 2026 draft, but Saturday is where Brad Holmes gets to show us what all those trades were really about. Six picks await us on Day 3. One fourth rounder, two fifths, two sixths, and a seventh. Sure, we’re not finding the next Calvin Johnson at pick 222, but this is where you build the foundation that keeps you from collapsing when injuries hit.
And yes, I know what you’re thinking. This is the Lions. We’ve watched this organization turn promising draft capital into a collection of practice squad heroes more times than any fan base should endure.
But here’s the thing about Day 3. These picks matter more than casual fans realize. Special teams contributors, depth pieces who can step up when starters get hurt, developmental projects who might surprise you in year two. This is where you find contributors who stick around.
When to Tune In
Day 3 kicks off at noon Saturday, and based on historical timing, here’s when to expect each Lions selection:
Round 4, Pick 18 (118 overall) should hit somewhere between 12:45 and 1:00 PM. Not exactly appointment television, but this is your best shot at finding a contributor.
Round 5, Pick 17 (157 overall) lands between 2:40 and 3:00 PM. The first of two fifth rounders, courtesy of whatever wheeling and dealing Holmes has been up to.
Round 5, Pick 41 (181 overall) comes next, estimated between 3:45 and 4:15 PM. Two swings in the same round means someone’s getting creative with the draft board.
Round 6, Pick 24 (205 overall) should arrive between 4:50 and 5:15 PM. We’re deep in “find a sleeper” territory now.
Round 6, Pick 32 (213 overall) follows between 5:10 and 5:35 PM. The second sixth rounder of the day, because apparently we’re collecting them.
Round 7, Pick 6 (222 overall) wraps things up somewhere between 5:30 and 6:00 PM. The final roll of the dice, where legends are born and dreams go to die.
Making the Most of What We’ve Got
Look, this isn’t where championships are built, but it’s where they’re sustained. Six chances to add bodies that can contribute on special teams, fill holes when veterans get hurt, or develop into something more than their draft position suggests.
Holmes has shown he can find value in these later rounds. The question is whether he can do it consistently enough to justify trading away earlier picks for quantity. Saturday will tell us a lot about the direction of this roster and whether all this draft day maneuvering was genius or just movement for movement’s sake.
Are we about to witness vintage Lions draft magic or just six more names for the practice squad? Tell us which round you think produces our best find in the comments below.
