5 players the Lions were on site to likely scout during conference championship weekend

The Lions were on the ground for the Big Ten Championship game scouting players from Ohio State and Indiana

Mike Payton — Detroit Lions Beat Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

This past weekend, we had some big conference championship games, and we learned a lot from some of the playoff teams that won. Unfortunately, there’s only one game that the Lions were confirmed to have scouts at, but it was a big one. They were one of eight teams at the Big Ten Championship game between Indiana and Ohio State.

There are some heavy hitters in this game, including Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. He’s expected to be a top-five draft pick this year. With that in mind, we’re just going to be looking at players who have the best chance to be in the Lions’ range. I’m sure they’d love Mendoza or Ohio State’s Arvell Reese, but they won’t be there without a trade-up. Here are five guys they could have been there for:

Sonny Styles Jr., LB, Ohio State

Sonny Styles is our 17th-ranked player on our big board right now, and he’s coming off a strong showing in this game. With Alex Anzalone possibly done with Detroit after this season, Styles could be a nice addition next to Jack Campbell. He brings some pass-rush ability similar to Anzalone, and he flies to the ball every time.

Max Klare, TE, Ohio State

If you ever dreamed of a world with two tight end sets where both guys can go out for the pass and block, here’s your possibility for that. Max Klare is our second-highest-ranked tight end on our big board and the 49th-ranked player. He’s put up 51 receptions for 684 yards and four touchdowns this year. He’s also shown to be a solid run blocker.

Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State

While the Lions have shown that they have really strong cornerback depth this year, bringing in another player wouldn’t hurt. Cornerback is one of those positions where you can’t have too many guys. Igbinosun is allowing a passer rating of 69.3 this year and has two picks and eight pass breakups.

Mikhail Kamara, Edge, Indiana

Now here’s a guy who could make Lions fans pretty excited. We already know they want an edge rusher this offseason. How about the guy who led the nation in pressures last year? He had 68 pressures and 10 sacks in 2024.

Unfortunately, injuries took a toll on his 2025 season. But that does make a guy who could have been a first-round pick slip down to Day 3. Here’s where you take a low-risk, high-reward chance.

Austin Siereveld, OT, Ohio State

The current Ohio State tackle the Lions have, Taylor Decker, is weighing retirement this coming offseason. If he steps away, and frankly, even if he doesn’t, the Lions can reload with another Buckeye. That is, if Siereveld enters this year’s draft.

He’s only played two years of college ball after redshirting his freshman year. But he’s made the most of it. This season, he allowed 11 pressures and one sack in his first year as a full-time starter at left tackle. The Lions can get him in the fourth round right now.

Related Articles