Lions Predicted to Land 'Tough' Leader With NFL Draft Trade

Pro Football Focus projects Detroit to acquire Georgia LB CJ Allen after trading down in the first round.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:09am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in the midst of a tackle, with sharp planes of dark green, navy blue, and orange conveying the intense physicality of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a hard-hitting linebacker's impact on the game, reflecting CJ Allen's physical and mental approach to the position.Today in Detroit

In a new 2026 NFL mock draft, Pro Football Focus's Daire Carragher projected the Detroit Lions to move down in the first round and select Georgia linebacker CJ Allen. Carragher believes Allen's leadership abilities and high-character profile could appeal to the Lions, even if linebacker isn't their biggest need.

Why it matters

The Lions are looking to get back to the playoffs next season, and adding a high-impact defensive leader like Allen could help solidify their linebacking corps. However, the team may still prioritize addressing needs at edge rusher or offensive tackle with their first-round pick.

The details

Carragher has the Lions trading down six spots in the first round and then selecting Allen, who was an All-American for the Bulldogs in 2025 after posting 88 tackles, 8 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. NFL.com's Lance Zierlein praised Allen's 'toughness and control' as a 'dependable starting Mike linebacker' who can 'raise the floor of a defense.' ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Allen as the 23rd overall prospect in the 2026 draft.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 2026.

The players

CJ Allen

A linebacker from the University of Georgia who was an All-American in 2025 after posting strong stats and earning praise for his leadership and high-character profile.

Daire Carragher

An analyst at Pro Football Focus who projected the Detroit Lions to trade down in the first round and select CJ Allen in his latest 2026 NFL mock draft.

Lance Zierlein

An NFL.com analyst who raved about CJ Allen's 'toughness and control' as a 'dependable starting Mike linebacker' who can 'raise the floor of a defense.'

Mel Kiper Jr.

An ESPN draft analyst who ranked CJ Allen as the 23rd overall prospect in his 2026 NFL Draft big board.

Damone Clark

A free agent linebacker signed by the Detroit Lions this offseason.

Alex Anzalone

A veteran linebacker who left the Detroit Lions to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason.

Jack Campbell

An inside linebacker and former first-round pick of the Detroit Lions.

D.J. Wonnum

An edge rusher signed by the Detroit Lions in free agency this offseason.

Taylor Decker

A longtime left tackle for the Detroit Lions who is retiring or leaving the team.

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What they’re saying

“The Lions trade down six spots and draft a player they could have reasonably selected had they stayed put. Linebacker may not be the biggest need for Detroit, but this organization places a premium on high-character players who bring energy and enthusiasm.”

— Daire Carragher, Analyst, Pro Football Focus

“'Green dot' linebacker and team captain more capable of rowing the boat than making big splashes. Allen plays with toughness and control, sorting through run fits with patience and leverage in pursuit.”

— Lance Zierlein, Analyst, NFL.com

“Allen is a three-down linebacker at the next level because his read-and-react skills are excellent and he can make plays in all three aspects of the defense. He has the physicality to take on blocks in the run game and the speed to chase down ball carriers once he disengages.”

— Mel Kiper Jr., Analyst, ESPN

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 2026, when the Detroit Lions will have the opportunity to select CJ Allen or address other needs on their roster.

The takeaway

While linebacker may not be the Lions' top priority, CJ Allen's leadership, high character, and well-rounded skill set could make him an appealing first-round target if Detroit trades down and he's available. The team will have to weigh Allen's intangibles against the potential to upgrade at edge rusher or offensive tackle.