Detroit Lions Mailbag: What the Lions have to give up to close the gap in the 2026 NFL Draft
The Lions have a huge game between the 50th and 118th picks. Here’s what they would have to do to close that gap
Free agency is pretty much over, and now it’s time to start thinking about the 2026 NFL Draft. Let’s start with a question about free agency.
How do I feel about free agency?
If we’re talking about just free agency, I like what the Lions did in terms of getting good players who can start or give high-level depth at a value. That’s a big deal. But I do have some concerns about the things that they didn’t do. The Lions really could have used a veteran edge rusher. Maybe they still sign that guy.
But that concern does not at all mean that I think this team is suddenly mediocre or will miss the playoffs. This is still a very good team full of All-Pros and Pro Bowlers. They didn’t lose any of those guys. The offense is super deep and really just needs a solid tackle. The defense just needs a couple of pieces.
How much impact will the Lions’ new coaches have in 2025?
Drew Petzing will be heading up the offense, but what I think you’re asking about is the coaches who aren’t the head coach, OC, and DC. Those guys will all bring something to the table.
Mike Kafka is going to play a big role in making sure this passing game can stay on track, like they have in the past few years. He can bring some new ideas to the fold as well, and Dan Skipper can help grow the young offensive linemen this team has.
Jim O’Neil is not new to the Lions, but he did take a promotion this offseason and is the Lions’ new assistant head coach. I’m intrigued to see how he puts his fingerprints on the Lions defense and if that leads to teams being interested in him being a DC in the future.
What would Brad Holmes have to give up to get into the third round?
There are really two ways to get there. You can trade down in the first round like the Cowboys did with the Lions in 2024. Dallas got one of the Lions’ third-round picks out of that trade. If the Lions want to trade up to get back into the third round, it’s going to take the 118th pick, another higher pick, and something from next year’s draft. Probably a third-rounder. We know the Lions wouldn’t hate that. They’ve done that sort of thing before.
Can Petzing make Jackson Meeks a tight end?
The Lions fooled around with that idea a bit last year. But I’m not so sure they do it this year. At least heavily. They’re pretty deep at tight end with Sam LaPorta, Tyler Conklin, Brock Wright, Zach Horton, and Thomas Gordon. They just might not have any time to try that. Plus, Meeks would really need to bulk up a little more to be able to play the position.
Which injured young player from 2025 will have the biggest impact in 2026?
If I had to put my money on any of these guys, it would be Ahmed Hassanein and Ennis Rakestraw. But with more of the money leaning towards Hassanein. I do believe he has a lot of pass-rush juice, and the Lions see him as someone who can be a specialist in that department. I’m not saying he’s a starter at this time, but he can absolutely make the 53-man roster, and he can make an impact in the rotation.
What projected UDFA’s can make an impact?
There are a few guys I like. Fresno State CB Al’Zillion Hamilton is someone who is a lot like Morcie Norris was before the bad injury last summer. He can play pretty much anywhere in the secondary. Georgia Tech QB Haynes King could be a Taysom Hill type for Detroit, and Michigan State edge rusher Quindarius Dunningan can bring some run defense help. Those are just a few who come to mind.
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