Detroit Lions Mailbag: What players the Lions didn’t draft could come back and haunt them?
What does the Lions’ future at quarterback look like? Are Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch expendable? We answer these questions and more
We’re two weeks past the 2026 NFL Draft now, and the Detroit Lions will soon be getting to their mandatory mini-camp. Let’s answer some questions.
How much change should be expected on offense with Drew Petzing?
I expect a pretty fair amount of change. Philosophically, the Lions will continue to be a run-first team. But I would expect a lot of new changes from running more 12 and 13 personnel to more gadget plays and more field stretching and deep shots. This thing should be designed to get guys into space to do damage and get some big plays done. The Lions have all the pieces to be high-powered and to add some new stuff.
What happened with a couple of players the Lions should have targeted?
I thought both players would be fits for the Lions as well. With Lawson, I know the Lions met with him formally at the NFL Combine, and he fit what they wanted to do, but Jimmy Rolder fits them a lot more. In the end, it made more sense to go that route. Lawson signed with the Eagles.
Corleone was definitely very high on my list, and the Lions met with him. But some health concerns scared every team away. He had blood clots in 2024, and while he was able to get back, I think teams might be worried that it might continue to be a problem. He remains unsigned. We’ll see if he gets a shot at some point.
What players the Lions didn’t draft could come back and haunt them?
Let me preface this by saying that I think the Lions had a very good draft this year. But of course, there are players I think they should have drafted. Here are a few of those guys:
- LB Kyle Louis: I just think this guy is going to be so good in the NFL in a hybrid linebacker/safety type role, and the Lions could have used him in that as well as at the Will. One of my favorite guys in this draft. He went to the Dolphins.
- RB Kaytron Allen: Hos comp is David Montgomery. It would have been like having Sonic and Knuckles back together again in time.
- RB Eli Heidenreich: I really liked Heidenreich’s Super-Back ability. For a team that loves offensive weapons, Heidenreich gave them a chance to have a guy who could be a running back, fullback, receiver, and tight end. It just made sense.
- Edge: Akheem Mesidor: Derrick Moore is a very good pick for this team, and Lions fans shouldn’t feel bad about it at all. But I did think Mesidor was more ready to go right now as opposed to Moore, who may be the better pass rusher, but still needs to work on his run defense. The Lions would have had to do it in the first round, and ultimately, Blake Miller was the better pick for them at that point.
Expectations for Ennis Rakestraw
This year should be treated as Rakestraw’s rookie year, because it basically is. He should be expected to make the 53-man roster without a problem. He won’t start in 2026, and that’s fine, but if he’s not getting meaningful snaps and being a key backup, then people can finally start throwing around the b word. Until then, let’s wait this one out.
Could the Lions let Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch walk after 2026?
At this point, I wouldn’t be shocked if both Branch and LaPorta got paid this offseason. Lions GM Brad Holmes said he did not see injuries as a reason not to pay them before the draft. With that said, I’m leaning more towards both of them getting paid either during training camp or mid-season. I can’t see either actually hitting the open market. Unless they both show major dropoffs due to those injuries during the 2026 season.
What are the long-term plans at quarterback?
Goff is the Lions quarterback for a while. At least until probably 2029. With that said, I think the Lions look to do what a bunch of teams are going to look to do next April and draft a quarterback in what is expected to be the deepest quarterback draft in years. Then yes, they take the Packers route and have that guy develop on the bench until it’s time to put him in.
That draft is crazy. Arch Manning, Jayden Maiava, Dante Moore, Julian Sayin, LaNorris Sellers, Trinidad Chambliss, John Mateer, and more. You could accidentally land a pretty decent QB next year.
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