ESPN Shares 7-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft for Detroit Lions

The Lions have nine picks to address key needs in the upcoming draft.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:35pm

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ESPN's Matt Miller released a full seven-round 2026 NFL mock draft for the Detroit Lions, who have nine total picks to work with. The Lions are projected to address their offensive line, pass rush, linebacker, and other positions of need through this draft class.

Why it matters

The Lions are coming off an NFC Championship game appearance and have a chance to further bolster their roster through the draft. How ESPN sees them using their nine picks could provide insight into the team's offseason strategy and areas of focus.

The details

In Miller's mock, the Lions select Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling in the first round, UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence in the second, Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder in the fourth, Clemson defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart in the fourth, Virginia running back J'Mari Taylor in the fifth, Texas Tech wide receiver Reggie Virgil in the fifth, Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson in the sixth, Iowa guard Beau Stephens in the sixth, and Washington cornerback Ephesians Prysock in the seventh.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The players

Monroe Freeling

A one-year starting offensive tackle from the University of Georgia who has elite size, movement skills, and upside as a potential high-end starter.

Malachi Lawrence

A speedy and athletic edge rusher from the University of Central Florida who can step in as a starter opposite Aidan Hutchinson.

Jimmy Rolder

A linebacker from the University of Michigan who the Lions select in the fourth round to address their needs at the position.

DeMonte Capehart

A defensive tackle from Clemson University who the Lions take in the fourth round to bolster their interior defensive line.

J'Mari Taylor

A running back from the University of Virginia who the Lions select in the fifth round to add depth and competition to their backfield.

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What they’re saying

“Taylor Decker's release leaves an opening at left tackle barring a move from Penei Sewell from the right side. Either way, the Lions need tackle help. Freeling was a one-year starter at Georgia but has elite traits in terms of movement, size (6-foot-7, 315 pounds) and 4.93 speed. Freeling is one of the few proven left tackles with a Round 1 grade and has the upside of a higher-end starter thanks to his upper-level athletic skills plus his development over the course of the 2025 season.”

— Matt Miller, ESPN

“We've been begging for the Lions to pick an edge rusher to play opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Lawrence is a speedy, upside rusher with 4.52 speed and a 253-pound frame. He can easily slot in for departed free agent Al-Quadin Muhammad and be a Week 1 starter.”

— Matt Miller, ESPN

What’s next

The Lions will look to finalize their draft board and prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.

The takeaway

The Lions are using this draft to address key needs on both sides of the ball, focusing on offensive tackle, edge rusher, linebacker, and other positions that can help them build on their recent success and make another deep playoff run.