By: Jeremy T. Ballreich
Coming off a high-note victory in Chicago, the Detroit Lions (9-8) enter the 2026 offseason with clear momentum but a roster that requires a calculated “re-tool” to transition from a winning record to a championship contender.
General Manager Brad Holmes and Head Coach Dan Campbell hold the No. 17 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Based on the 2025 season’s finish and pending free agency, here are the Lions’ primary priorities.
1. The “DE2” Hunt: Finding Aidan’s Partner
The most glaring deficiency on defense remains the lack of a consistent pass-rushing threat opposite Aidan Hutchinson. While Al-Quadin Muhammad provided veteran stability in 2025, he is a pending 31-year-old free agent. The Lions need an explosive, young edge rusher to prevent teams from triple-teaming Hutchinson.
• Draft Targets: David Bailey (Texas Tech) or R Mason Thomas (Oklahoma). Both are projected in the mid-to-late first round and offer the speed-to-power transition Campbell covets.
• Free Agency: Keep an eye on high-end veterans like Joey Bosa or Trey Hendrickson if the Lions decide to “splurge” to capitalize on Goff’s window. Or, A.J. Empenessa or someone heading into a 2nd contract.
2. Future-Proofing the Offensive Line
The Lions’ identity is built on the “trench warfare” philosophy. However, the unit is aging. All-Pro Taylor Decker is 31 and mulling retirement, and the team is still feeling the ripple effects of Frank Ragnow’s retirement last year.
• Priority: Finding a “heir apparent” for Decker.
• Draft Targets: Caleb Lomu (Utah) or Kadyn Proctor (Alabama). Proctor is a “mountain of a man” who could provide a plug-and-play solution at either tackle or guard, ensuring Jared Goff stays as “poised and precise” as he was on Sunday.
• Possible Draftees at Center. Glasgow isn’t the answer:
• 1. B
C Logan Jones out of Iowa. Won the Rimington Award as best offensive linemen. If he isn’t available in the 2nd or Fourth.
• 2 C Parker Braiswell of Alabama to pair with Ratledge.
• 3 Jake Slaughter of Florida is another solid option.
3. Defensive Interior & Secondary Depth
While the Lions rank well in total defense, they slipped to 14th in rush defense this year. The middle of the line needs a “bruiser” to complement Alim McNeill, especially with D.J. Reader and Levi Onwuzurike heading into unrestricted free agency.
• Draft Target: Kayden McDonald (Ohio State), a premier run-stuffer who could immediately bolster the interior. Or DT Dontay Corleone (Cincinatti) 6’1″ 320 pound beast nicknamed the Godfather by teammmates.
• Secondary: With Brian Branch likely facing a long recovery from a late-season injury, a versatile defensive back like Sonny Styles Jr. (Ohio State) or Jermod McCoy (Tennessee) would provide insurance. Kendal Daniels the safety converted to linebacker because of tremendous size to go with his speed (6’5″ 245 pounds!). Jalon Kilgore of SC is another thumper with ball skills. Judge Collier is tall Slot CB/Safety who would be a great partner with Kilgore.
Pending Free Agent Snapshot
The Lions face a “precarious cap situation” with looming extensions for young stars like Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, and Jack Campbell. I think the only one safe is Jake Bates.
The Verdict
The 2026 Lions are a team that has found its soul but needs more “teeth” on defense. By using the No. 17 pick on a blue-chip Offensive Tackle or EDGE, Brad Holmes can ensure that the “Goffense” remains protected while giving the defense the playmaking help it needs to close out games more comfortably than a last-second field goal.
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