On Thursday, we learned that the Detroit Lions are doing their homework on free agency offensive tackles. That changes things quite a bit since tackle was expected to be the big thing the Lions would do in the 2026 NFL Draft.

With that in mind, we’re going to go about this mock draft as if the Lions signed both a starting tackle and a starting center in free agency. Let’s jump into it.

Trade up with the Cardinals

Since the Lions have already solved their two biggest problems, they can basically go into this thing doing whatever they want. With that in mind, they’re moving up to the third pick in the draft, and they’re going to grab one of the best players in the class. Here’s what the deal looks like:

Lions get: 3rd pick
Cardinals get: 17th and 50th picks in the 2026 NFL Draft and a 2027 second-round and third-round pick

3rd pick: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech

The best edge rusher in the entire class comes to Detroit. 81 pressures and 15 sacks in 2025 and 40 run stops. This is giant for the Lions and changes their defensive line overnight. A team that was top five in sacks in 2025 turns into a team that could lead the league in sacks in 2026. The Lions have to give up a lot to make it happen, but it’s worth it. He’s plug and play.

118th pick: Kyle Louis, LB, Pitt

Going defense again, this time to replace Alex Anzalone, who is expected to be on the move in March. Louis is one of the best linebackers in this draft, if you ask me. He can pass rush, he can be solid in coverage, and he’s a ball hawk. He fits exactly into the role that Anzalone was in.

155th pick: Albert Regis, DT, Texas A&M

With DJ Reader likely leaving and Roy Lopez’s status up in the air, the Lions could use some more help on the interior defensive line. They’re not getting a big pass rusher here, but they are getting one of the better run defenders in the country in 2025.

180th pick: Dallen Bentley, TE, Utah

The Lions get one of the most athletic tight ends in the draft and guy who can block and go out and make a play in the receiving game as well. With Drew Petzing’s offense adding some extra tight end flair that brings 12 and 13 personnel, this makes a lot of sense.

• 187th pick: Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State
• 204th pick: Ceyair Wright, CB, Nebraska
• 222nd pick: Eli Heidenreich, FB, Navy