The 2026 NFL Combine is less than two weeks away, and the Detroit Lions are slotted to pick 17th. At least, they were before this mock draft.
As the festivities get ready to begin, it feels like a good time to fire up the mock draft simulator and identify areas of growth for the Lions. The positions of need are obvious. The trenches could use reinforcements, the defense as a whole could stand to get younger and faster and there’s always a need for depth.
As the next few months unfold, we’ll have a better idea of where the chips might fall. But until then, let’s take a look at some potential fits for the Lions, as they look to bounce back in 2026.
Round 1, No. 24
Akheem Mesidor, edge, Miami
While on the clock at No. 17, we received a call from the Browns about trading down to No. 24. We asked for Nos. 24 and 70 in exchange for Nos. 17 and 155. The trade is dead even on the Rich Hill trade chart, though if a team is aggressive enough, the Lions could easily create surplus value in a move like this. That said, we were confident that several players we liked in that range would still be available, and the idea of picking up an early third-round pick to move down seven spots was too enticing.
At No. 24, we went with Mesidor. He’s one of the most disruptive edge rushers in the class and one who, in most cases, wouldn’t make it this far based on production, tape and talent alone. But Mesidor will be 25 when the season starts, and there are teams that would rather bet on traits or a younger prospect. Their loss would be Detroit’s gain, as Mesidor’s age should be considered a plus for the Lions. They need someone who can step in right away and contribute — not a project. He possesses strong hand technique, displays an impressive first step, converts speed to power, can rush inside or outside and he can step in immediately opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
He won’t be for everyone, given his age and medical history, but he’s a ready-made pass rusher capable of improving this defensive line on Day 1. That’s what the Lions have needed for years. — Colton Pouncy
Round 2, No. 50
Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
The 6-foot-6, 325-pound Iheanachor moved from Nigeria to Los Angeles at 13 and played only basketball and soccer in high school before first trying football at the junior college level. A terrific athlete at 320-plus, Iheanachor plays with great lateral quickness and explosion in both the run and pass game. He’s a capable screener and puller with legit power and the potential to play either right or left tackle.
There are still inconsistencies with Iheanachor’s pass sets and other small details in protection. But, again, this is still a young player in terms of growth. He’s ready to start now and his best football is in front of him.
If veteran Taylor Decker announces his retirement in the coming months, Iheanachor could be an answer at left tackle. Detroit also has the unique option of being able to flip Penei Sewell to the left side if need be. Iheanachor was a right tackle only at Arizona State, so if it doesn’t click for him on the left side, the Lions could just flip Sewell.
Speaking of: When Iheanachor signed with Arizona State out of East Los Angeles College, he listed Sewell as his favorite NFL player. — Nick Baumgardner
Pitt’s Kyle Louis recorded three sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions last season. Brett Davis / Imagn Images
Round 3, No. 70
Kyle Louis, LB, Pitt
With the extra pick gained in the trade back with Cleveland, Pitt LB Kyle Louis — 5-11, 224 pounds of dynamite — was the selection. Louis is a hybrid box defender who has hit 21.3 miles per hour on the GPS (he was the 10th-fastest player at the Senior Bowl) and chases the football without fear. His acceleration generates enough speed to create real power, which means he’s capable of playing in the box, rushing off the edge, covering a tight end or even some receivers. He’s an X-factor and a playmaker.
The Lions do not currently have a player like this on their roster. However, if you just watched the Super Bowl, you saw the Seattle Seahawks’ dominant defense — featuring box hybrid Nick Emmanwori. Louis is not Emmanwori. But he could be the type of player who allows the Lions to better dictate their own personnel defensively, whether an offense lines up big or small. Long term, Louis is good enough against the run to be a potential answer next to Jack Campbell inside, with Alex Anzalone set to hit free agency. — Baumgardner
Round 4, No. 118
Harold Perkins, LB, LSU
If the Lions are sticking with their current scheme, they’re in desperate need of athleticism. Louis offers a lot of it, and Perkins only adds to it. You might remember Perkins’ excellent production as a freshman at LSU. He totaled 7.5 sacks as a pass-rushing linebacker before moving to weakside linebacker ahead of his sophomore year to maximize his NFL potential. He was on a first-round track — graded as the 20th prospect on Dane Brugler’s 2025 preseason big board — but tore his ACL as a junior and ultimately returned to school. His stock has taken a hit since then, mainly because he’s a tweener and a team would need a real plan for him. You have to think defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard — a former LSU linebacker himself — would have one for him.
Perkins feels like the sort of player who could thrive at sam. He was at his best as a pure pass rusher, but won’t be able to play it full-time in the NFL due to his size (6-1, 220 pounds). His skills as a stack backer have improved with time and he has the speed to do just about anything on the field if coached up well. The idea of building around Campbell with Louis and Perkins would give the Lions the most athletic and versatile linebacker trio in the league and allow them to match just about anything an offense throws at them. Add in a defensive line of Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, Tyleik Williams and Mesidor, and the Lions have a really intriguing front seven. All of a sudden, this is a younger, more athletic, more versatile defense — which would allow Sheppard to get creative with his personnel.
Note: As for other needs like center and safety, we approached this specific mock with the idea that those positions would be addressed in free agency. The Lions could probably use a veteran center who isn’t going to need time to adjust to the NFL, and safeties are generally easier to find than other positions. — Pouncy