NFL Analyst Believes Lions Cornerback Pick More Likely in Second Round

Analyst describes what would be an ideal 2026 NFL draft for Detroit Lions.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:39pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting Detroit Lions football players in angular, overlapping shapes of blue and silver, conveying the team's multifaceted approach to the upcoming NFL draft.An abstract, cubist interpretation of the Detroit Lions' draft strategy captures the team's need to rebuild key positions on both sides of the ball.Today in Detroit

According to NFL analyst Benjamin Solak, the Detroit Lions are more likely to target a cornerback in the second round of the 2026 NFL draft rather than in the first round. Solak believes the team's top priorities should be addressing the offensive line and adding another pass rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson, but cornerback has also emerged as a need due to injuries and departures in the secondary.

Why it matters

The Lions are coming off a strong 2025 season and will be looking to build on that success in the 2026 draft. Nailing their top picks will be crucial to their continued improvement, so Solak's analysis provides valuable insight into how the team may approach their draft strategy.

The details

Solak believes the Lions' biggest needs are at offensive tackle and edge rusher, but he thinks cornerback could also be a target, especially in the second round. The team has questions at the position due to the struggles of Terrion Arnold and the departure of Amik Robertson in free agency. If Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy is available at pick No. 17, Solak says the Lions could adjust their plans to take him. But he believes a cornerback pick is more likely to come at No. 50 overall, where Brandon Cisse could be an option. The safety position is another area the Lions could look to solidify, with Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch working their way back from injuries.

  • The 2026 NFL draft will take place in late April.

The players

Aidan Hutchinson

A defensive end for the Detroit Lions who had a breakout season in 2025.

Terrion Arnold

A cornerback for the Detroit Lions who has struggled with consistency and penalties.

Amik Robertson

A former cornerback for the Detroit Lions who departed the team in free agency.

Jermod McCoy

A cornerback prospect from the University of Tennessee who could be a target for the Lions in the 2026 draft.

Brandon Cisse

A cornerback prospect who could be an option for the Lions in the second round of the 2026 draft.

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What they’re saying

“Cornerback Terrion Arnold's struggles for consistent availability and penalty-free play, as well as Amik Robertson's departure in free agency, leave plenty of gettable snaps both inside and outside. If Jermod McCoy's knee injury pulls him to No. 17, don't be surprised if the Lions adjust their plans on the fly for the Tennessee corner.”

— Benjamin Solak, NFL Analyst

“In the middle rounds, the safety position also becomes a target. Kerby Joseph was in and out of the lineup with a lingering knee injury from training camp; Brian Branch tore his Achilles in Week 14 and won't be full-go by Week 1.”

— Benjamin Solak, NFL Analyst

What’s next

The Lions will continue to evaluate prospects and finalize their draft strategy in the weeks leading up to the 2026 NFL draft, which is scheduled for late April.

The takeaway

The Lions have several key needs to address in the 2026 draft, and Solak's analysis suggests they may prioritize the offensive line, edge rusher, and cornerback, with the latter position potentially being targeted in the second round if the right prospect is available.