Final Lions 2026 NFL Draft Class: The Lions go nearly all in on making sure their defense can compete for big things in 2026

The 2026 NFL Draft is officially in the books for the Detroit Lions. Now it’s time to go back and take a look at what the Lions’ final draft haul looks like. Here’s how they did: Lions’ final 2026 draft class Round 1, pick 17: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson The Lions get their new right […]

Mike Payton — Detroit Lions Beat Writer
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Michigan edge Derrick Moore (8) tackles Central Michigan quarterback Joe Labas (2) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.
Michigan edge Derrick Moore (8) tackles Central Michigan quarterback Joe Labas (2) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.

The 2026 NFL Draft is officially in the books for the Detroit Lions. Now it’s time to go back and take a look at what the Lions’ final draft haul looks like. Here’s how they did:

Lions’ final 2026 draft class

Round 1, pick 17: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

The Lions get their new right tackle, and this pretty much 100% confirms that Penei Sewell is moving to left tackle. The Lions say Miller will have to compete with Larry Borom for the job, but he should be able to win it in the end. A strong pick for the Lions.

Round 2, pick 44: Derrick Moore, Edge, Michigan

Moore always felt like a Lion since the Senior Bowl, where we watched him just bully offensive linemen. He does everything Detroit needs. He sets the edge in the run game, he gets pressure, and he gets home to the quarterback.

Round 4, pick 118: Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan

The Lions go out and get their potential Alex Anzalone replacement at Will linebacker, and they double-dip on Michigan players. He brings strong tackling (led Michigan in tackles in 2025), coverage ability, and pass rush ability. He can also be a solid hand on special teams.

Round 5, pick 157: Keith Abney, CB, Arizona State

The steal of the draft for the Lions. This guy was supposed to go in the second or third round. Somehow, he fell to the fifth. He can start for Detroit in 2026 in the slot corner position and make some noise.

Round 5, pick 168: Kendrick Law, WR, Kentucky

A pick made for the future instead of right now. Eventually, Law can be a gadget player on offense, and then a do-everything guy on special teams. He can be a return man and has a ton of experience as a gunner.

Round 6, pick 205: Skyler Gill-Howard, DT, Texas Tech

The Lions get themselves an athletic defensive tackle who can also play some linebacker and edge. The only real concern is the injury he suffered last October. But he did test well athletically at his pro day.

Round 7, pick 222: Tyre West, Edge, Tennessee

Another guy who has a lot of versatility on the defensive line. He can play edge, and he can jump inside and play some defensive tackle. West has real rotational ability.

  • Round 1, No. 17: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
  • Round 2, No. 44: Derrick Moore, Edge, Michigan
  • Round 4, No. 118: Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan
  • Round 5, No. 157: Keith Abney, CB, Arizona State
  • Round 5, No. 168: Kendrick Law, WR, Kentucky
  • Round 6, No. 205: Skyler Gill-Howard, DT, Texas Tech
  • Round 7, No. 222: Tyre West, Edge, Tennessee

Final Word

The Lions have a very productive draft on the defensive side of the ball. They walked out with multiple starters and some solid rotational depth. This draft seemed to fall exactly the way Brad Holmes and the Lions hoped it would.

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