The Detroit Lions are hanging on by a thread right now. It’s a pretty solid thread, but a thread nonetheless. We’ve learned so much about this team in the last few weeks.

So much so that it makes it easy to figure out what the Lions’ draft class could look like in April. Here’s what we think:

Lions 7-Round 2026 NFL mock draft

17th pick: Kaydn Proctor, OT, Alabama

We don’t know what Taylor Decker will do, but if the word “retirement” is coming off of his lips, the Lions need to find their next left tackle, and they don’t have to stray far away from the school they love picking from. The school Brad Holmes went to again this season.

Having Kaydn Proctor is like having Penei Sewell on both sides of the line. Proctor is not only a good left tackle, but he is also an athlete in every sense of the word. If you want a guy downfield run blocking and keeping up with Jahmyr Gibbs, it’s this guy. He just fits so well.

49th pick, Jake Slaughter, C, Florida

I know the Lions have discussed moving Tate Ratledge to center, but they should reconsider that, in my opinion. The Lions have shown promise on the interior with Ratledge, Christian Mahogany, and Miles Frazier.

They might even find a way just to have those three guys as their interior moving forward. But I think going to get a career center that’s played well in the SEC is the way to go. Jake Slaughter is that guy. Plus, his name is Slaughter, you guys. It just fits.

117th pick: Boubacar Traore, Edge, Notre Dame

What can I say? I’m high on this kid, and that’s why I keep mocking him to the Lions. That and because the Lions keep sending scouts to Notre Dame.

Traore finished the season with 31 pressures and 10 sacks. He could be the missing link opposite Aidan Hutchinson, and he has some of the athletic makeup to match. I just see him as a better option to win one-on-ones than Al Quadin Muhammad. You still have to hold onto AQM, though.

156th pick: Keon Saab, S, Alabama

Look, it’s not that I think Kerby Joseph’s career is over like so many on the internet do right now, despite knowing next to nothing about the injury.

It’s that the team needs better depth at safety. If Brian Branch misses a decent amount of next season, this team needs some help. The former Michigan Wolverine-turned-Alabama starter is just what the doctor ordered for solid depth.

195th pick: Christian Gray, CB, Notre Dame

While the Lions have got a fair amount of production out of their depth guys this year, cornerback is the position you just can’t have too much of.

Gray could be a starter in the NFL after some development, and he can also provide you with solid depth while you wait for that possibility to happen.

196th pick: Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia

I saw the opportunity to trade up and took it. I sent the Vikings the 206th, 230th, and 255th picks to move up to 196th and find a really solid tight end who can help the Lions get in on this three-tight-end set craze that’s happening right now and maybe even replace Brock Wright.

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