The Detroit Lions were back on the road this past weekend, scouting players for the 2026 NFL Draft. Per reports, they had scouts at the Notre Dame vs. USC, Ohio State vs. Wisconsin, Utah vs. BYU, and Missouri vs. Auburn games. Here are eight players we believe they were keeping an eye on.

Spencer Fano, T, Utah

The Lions have been paying a lot of attention to left tackles this season, and Fano is one of the best in the country. In fact, he might just be the best in the country at this point. Fano could be the first tackle off the board in April.

He’s allowed just six pressures and one sack this season. In 2024, he allowed just one sack, too. That was in Week 1. Fano can play on the left and right side, but he’s been primarily a right tackle for the last two years. It makes you wonder if a move to left tackle could happen for Penei Sewell.

John Henry Daley, Edge, Utah

Man, this guy is a baller. He’s racked up 34 pressures, which is sixth in the nation, and 10 sacks, which is second. It’s crazy that he’s not flying up everyone’s draft boards at the moment. Somehow, he’s expected to be a Day 3 pick. I have to tell you, he may not reach the first round, but if he keeps playing this way, he’s not getting past Day 2.

Austin Siereveld, T, Ohio State

He’s another tackle worth watching for sure. Siereveld has allowed just four pressures and no sacks this year as a left tackle. It’s actually his first season doing it, too. That’s the big thing here. Siereveld has mostly played at left and right guard before making this move. He’s taken to it quite well.

Connor Lew, C, Auburn

Lions GM Brad Holmes did say ahead of the season that the Lions still plan to give Tate Ratledge looks at center, but maybe since he’s played so well at right guard, they’ll scrap that idea and get themselves the best center in this draft. In three seasons at starting center for Auburn, Lew has allowed a total of 18 pressures and three sacks. This guy is a baller.

Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn

Faulk is a guy who could be tremendous opposite Aidan Hutchinson. He’s someone who attracts a lot of attention and opens up one-on-one opportunities elsewhere on the line. That could make a big difference for Detroit’s already pretty good defensive line.

Anthony Lucas, Edge, USC

Lucas is a first-time starter at USC, and so far, he’s playing fairly well. He’s getting a fair amount of pressure with 18, but he’s only gotten home twice. Still, he has nine quarterback hits this year.

You can see that he’s getting better every week, and once he fine-tunes his ability, he’s going to be a problem. Do the Lions want to wait on that, though?

Jayden Maiava, QB, USC

This guy is tearing everyone up right now. His 2,180 passing yards lead the nation. If you watched him play Michigan State, then you know this guy has an arm, and he can make the explosives happen for sure.

Jared Goff is great, but he won’t be around forever. The Lions failed with Hendon Hooker, but that doesn’t mean they’ll never try again. Maiava would be so much fun in Detroit.

Zion Young, Edge, Missouri

This was not the Lions’ first time seeing Young and Missouri this year. They were out there earlier in the season, too. What’s not to love with this guy? He has 28 pressures and five sacks.

His name is being called all the time at Mizzou. The Lions have been watching Mizzou ball a lot lately, it would seem, but they’ve only come away with Ennis Rakestraw so far.

Other players the Lions were likely watching

• Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
• Caleb Lomu, T, Utah
• Charles Jagusah, G, Notre Dame
• Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
• Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
• Cayden Green, T, Missouri
• Tao Johnson, S, Utah
• Xavier Chaplin, T, Auburn
• Boubacar Traore, Edge, Notre Dame
• Kenyatta Jackson, Edge, Ohio State