Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft rumor and Intel roundup: What we’ve heard, who ‘they love’, who they’ve met with, and more

What a source recently told us about a potential first round pick and other rumors that are flying around about the Lions 2026 NFL Draft possibilities

Mike Payton — Detroit Lions Beat Writer
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Sep 23, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Tyler Booker (52) and Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) block against Mississippi at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama defeated Mississippi 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

The 2026 NFL Draft is next week, and we’ve got some rumors and Intel to go over for the Detroit Lions. Let’s talk about it.

What we’ve heard about the Lions

At this point, the Lions have been exceptionally quiet when it comes to what they’re doing in terms of basically everything, but AtoZ Sports knows the Lions like Auburn’s Kedric Faulk. This is something that makes a lot of sense when you look at how good Faulk is against the run. There are some concerns about his pass-rush ability. He was great in 2024, but not so good in 2025. We did a profile on him here.

It’s worth noting that liking a player or, in a later example we have here, loving a player, doesn’t mean that’s 100% the pick. But it’s worth talking about.

The rumors flying around elsewhere

NFL insider Daniel Jeremiah was on the Mina Kimes show doing a mock draft last week, and during the Lions’ pick, he talked about how he was told the Lions love Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor. This is a guy we certainly see as a fit. He’s our number three prospect on our Lions top 25 big board.

ESPN’s Matt Miller dropped draft Intel on all 32 teams last week, and here’s what he had to say for the Lions:

“The release of Taylor Decker prompted many to assume Detroit would go offensive tackle in Round 1, but like Eric (Lions beat writer Eric Woodyard), I’ve heard the Lions are equally high on filling their edge rusher need. With only two picks in the top 117, the Lions should be expected to go tackle and edge rusher with those selections.”

That makes a lot of sense with what we’ve all been assuming, and it makes sense on the Faulk front and the Procotor front.

Who have the Lions met with?

Top-30 visits

Top-30 visits are not the Lions having visits with the top 30 players on their board. They probably shouldn’t be called top-30s. What they are is each team gets 30 visits in which they can invite a player to Detroit, do medical checks, workouts, and interview

Formal Combine Meetings

Pro Day Meetings

Shrine Bowl

Hula Bowl

American Bowl

College Gridiron Showcase

HBCU Legacy Bowl

Dream Bowl

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