4 things that were revealed about the Detroit Lions on Day 2 of the NFL Combine
We learned some things about the Lions’ defensive preferences
The Detroit Lions are in Indianapolis at the 2026 NFL Combine this week, and so far, we’ve learned some big things on Day 1. The Lions are maintaining contact with David Montgomery, they’re getting the ball rolling on Jahmyr Gibbs’ extension, and Taylor Decker is back.
Now it’s time for Day two. The Combine was all about defensive linemen and linebackers on this day. Here’s what we learned:
The Lions are meeting with some of the big names at edge
The two big names the Lions had formal meetings with this week were Miami’s Akheem Mesidor and Clemson’s T.J. Parker. Both of these guys could be there for the Lions with the 17th pick, and they could very well be the route they go. Personally, I lean toward Mesidor at 17. He’s an older player at 25, but he’s ready to go right now. He can jump into the starting lineup on Day 1.
There’s some interest in finding a new SAM linebacker
The Lions just signed Derrick Barnes to a new deal last offseason, and I wouldn’t at all expect the Lions to move off him. But it’s not out of the realm of possibility to move him to the Will, with Alex Anzalone likely not returning to Detroit. The Lions talked to Michigan edge rusher Jaishawn Barnham about the possibility of moving to the SAM if they were to draft him. He would be a solid fit there.
The Lions are also keeping an eye out for Will linebackers, too
The Lions are covering all their bases here. They talked with Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. about playing both the Mike and the Will linebacker spots. They also met with Texas A&M’s Tauren York and Alabama’s Deontae Lawson about the Mike and Wills spots, too. So if one thing is clear, the Lions are doing their due diligence at linebacker.
Dontay Corleone would be perfect for the Lions
With DJ Reader likely to hit free agency and Alim McNeill’s play in flux, the Lions would be wise to grab a guy who is a pass-rushing nose tackle. You don’t see a ton of them. This dude is a monster of a man, and he knows it.
Coreleone’s average Draft position on our A to Z Sports big board is 78th. So this would be a good trade-down candidate if the Lions wanted to find a way to get a third-round pick.
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Detroit Lions NFL Draft Prospect Meeting Tracker: 2026 NFL Combine, Senior Bowl, Shrine Bowl and more
Keeping track of every reported meeting the Lions have a head of the draft
