Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft Recap: Building the Trenches and Reloading the Defense
The Detroit Lions entered the 2026 NFL Draft with clear needs after a disappointing 9-8 season that ended outside of the playoffs. General Manager Brad Holmes and Head Coach Dan Campbell made it clear after the season that the standard in Detroit remains high, and the organization needed to address weaknesses that held the team back.
When the draft concluded, one theme stood out above all else:
The Lions went back to the trenches.
Detroit used premium picks to strengthen both the offensive and defensive lines while adding depth and athleticism across the roster.
Full Detroit Lions 2026 Draft Class
Round 1, Pick 17: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Round 2, Pick 44: Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
Round 4, Pick 118: Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan
Round 5, Pick 157: Keith Abney II, CB
Round 5, Pick 168: Kendrick Law, WR, Kentucky
Round 6, Pick 205: Skyler Gill-Howard, DT, Texas Tech
Round 7, Pick 222: Tyre West, DT, Tennessee
Fixing the Offensive Line Starts with Blake Miller
One of the biggest issues that surfaced during Detroit’s 2025 season was inconsistency along the offensive line. Injuries, protection breakdowns, and struggles creating rhythm in the run game all impacted the offense.
That made the selection of Blake Miller at No. 17 a logical and important move.
Miller arrives from Clemson with elite experience, durability, and leadership. He set program records in snaps played and consecutive starts, showing the type of reliability Detroit values.
He gives the Lions options:
Immediate competition at tackle
Future insurance for veteran departures
More protection for Jared Goff
Stronger edge blocking for the run game
If Detroit wants to get back to offensive dominance, it starts up front and Miller could be a major part of that turnaround.
Aidan Hutchinson Finally Gets Help?
The Lions also invested heavily in the defensive front, led by the second-round selection of Derrick Moore.
Moore was one of the top pass rushers in college football and brings explosiveness, power, and toughness off the edge. That matters because for too long, opposing offenses were able to focus protection on Aidan Hutchinson.
Now Detroit could have a much different look.
Potential Defensive Front:
EDGE: Aidan Hutchinson
EDGE: Derrick Moore
DT: Alim McNeill
DT: Skyler Gill-Howard / Tyre West rotation
That combination gives the Lions younger legs, more depth, and hopefully more one-on-one opportunities for Hutchinson to dominate.
If Moore develops quickly, Detroit’s pass rush could take a major leap.
More Defensive Depth Added
The Lions also grabbed Jimmy Rolder at linebacker and Keith Abney II at cornerback.
Rolder adds toughness and instincts to the second level, while Abney gives Detroit another young defensive back to develop in a secondary that always needs depth in today’s NFL.
Another Weapon on Offense
Fifth-round pick Kendrick Law gives Detroit speed and versatility at wide receiver.
He could compete for rotational snaps, gadget packages, and special teams duties while adding another explosive element to the offense.
Final Thoughts
This draft felt like a return to the Lions’ identity under Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell:
Build the trenches
Get tougher
Develop young talent
Stay physical
Detroit did not chase flashy names. Instead, they attacked areas that needed fixing.
If Blake Miller helps stabilize the offensive line and Derrick Moore becomes the pass-rush partner Aidan Hutchinson has needed, this draft class could become one of the most important of the Holmes era.
The Lions believe they are still close to a Super Bowl.
This weekend was about making sure they stay that way.
