With April now here, the Detroit Lions are starting to think about what comes next in terms of assembling their 2026 squad. Not surprise, mock draft season has begun.
While many mocks have been unclear from Detroit’s standpoint, there are a few that would be a dream come true for the Lions. Mel Kiper, Matt Miller, Jordan Reid, and Field Yates of ESPN presented their most recent draft forecast in this manner.
The mock had three rounds, but the Lions only have selections in the first two, thus they will have to move fast to satisfy their greatest needs on both sides of the ball. Fortunately, there is a clear plan for accomplishing this.
In the second round of the draft, the website predicts that the Lions will pick Michigan defensive lineman Jaishawn Barham with the 50th pick. As the writeup states, Barham has just moved to edge rusher, which the club sorely need.
Detroit hits the road to find a quick defender who is still progressing after switching from linebacker to full-time edge rusher. Barham could help to fill the void opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
Adding Barham in the second round would be among the greatest contributions the Lions could make to their defensive line, as he recorded 98 total tackles and five sacks for the Wolverines in the previous two seasons.
Notably, Brad Holmes hasn’t focused a lineman early in the draft since drafting Hutchinson in 2022, so acquiring one with a great upside so early would be a huge move for the front office.
Mock draft also gives Lions a great option at offensive tackle.
Detroit’s expected first-round selection may be lost in the defensive improvement of this mock. Most observers believe the Lions will be looking for an offensive lineman early in the draft, and ESPN predicts the club will select a decent one right away.
Georgia’s Monroe Freeling, an offensive lineman many expect to have a successful NFL career, was chosen with the 17th overall choice. As the description states, the Lions desperately need a young tackle, and Freeling’s mobility might help him have a very good NFL career.
Regardless of which side Penei Sewell plays next season, the Lions need a long-term solution at the other offensive tackle position. Freeling only played 18 games in college, but he is tall and fast, with a high ceiling.
Detroit is fortunate to have Sewell as an anchor up front, and his presence would allow a player like Freeling to develop at his own speed throughout the year, much like guard Tate Ratledge did during the 2025 season. It would be an excellent situation for the Lions, since it would involve numerous young linemen alongside experienced veterans in their prime.
If the Lions could acquire an offensive tackle and a pass rusher in the first two rounds, the rest of their draft would be set up in an ideal manner. Detroit may easily list off their requirements and decide which players to plug into other defensive positions to increase the roster’s depth.
This mock is arguably one of the greatest draft forecasts Lions supporters will see, and it’s not just because Barham played for the Wolverines. Without the use of a third-round pick, Detroit would improve in two critical areas right away.
