Top 5 hidden gems for the Detroit Lions in the 2026 NFL Draft that the Lions can steal
The Lions can find their next big steal with one of these five hidden gems in the 2026 NFL Draft
The 2026 NFL Draft is just days away, and all the focus for the Detroit Lions is rightly on what they’re going to do during the first two days of the draft.
But there are always hidden gems on day three who can do big things for the Lions. Think Amon-Ra St. Brown, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, Christian Mahogany, and Miles Frazier. Those guys were hidden gems.
We’ve got five guys the Lions could score on day three who could be huge for them.
Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati
Corleone was once being mocked in the second round of this draft. But the fear surrounding the blood clots he was diagnosed with in 2024 is scaring some teams away. Even though he’s recovered and has been healthy. If the Lions get him in the sixth round, where he’s being mocked now, it could be a major steal if his health is truly where it appears to be now. He’s also met with the Lions and spoke highly of them.
Travis Burke, OT, Memphis
While he’s starting to make it on a lot of radars now, Burke is still a guy who is expected to go later in the draft. He has a fourth-round grade right now. The 6-foot-8 tackle has Dan Skipper’s size with the potential to play like Taylor Decker. He could be a great swing tackle during his rookie year and move into the starting right tackle spot in 2027. Plus, the possibility of not having to use your first round pick on the tackle opens things up for an edge, cornerback, or maybe a guard.
Mikail Kamara, Edge, Indiana
It’s strange to me to see Kamara have a fifth-round grade. He’s a guy who would really fit the Lions culture, for one, but he can also set the edge nicely. The thing the Lions would love a lot is that he brings the kind of pressure that either he can capitalize on or his teammates can. Just watch the film. His interior defensive line-mates might owe him some money after they get drafted.
Jadon Canady, CB, Oregon
The Lions are going to need some help at slot corner, even if Roger McCreary is their starter there. Canady is the best true slot corner in this draft, and he’s not getting picked till the fourth round, assuming nobody else falls in love with him and picks him in the third. Canady can compete with McCreary right away.
Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan
Rolder is a sneaky good linebacker who wowed everyone at Michigan last year. The concern is that in four years, he was only a starter in that final season. But he could realistically fill in Alex Anzalone’s role in 2025. He can pass rush, he stops the run, and he can cover. Not bad for a guy projected to go in the fourth or fifth round.
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