Lions NFL Draft Tracker: Every Pick, Trade and Instant Grade

The Detroit Lions are set to be on the clock.

The NFL Draft officially begins at 8 p.m. Thursday with the first-round. Rounds two and three will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, and the fourth through the seventh and final round will begin at Noon on Saturday.

Over the course of the seven rounds, the Lions will have the opportunity to bolster the talent on their roster. They are coming off a disappointing 2025 season in which they finished 9-8 and in last place in the NFC North.

Because the team had won the division each of the previous two years, the 2025 campaign was one that fell well short of expectations for the team. However, general manager Brad Holmes and company will be looking to steady the ship with a strong performance in the Draft.

Entering the Draft, the Lions' most clear need is at the offensive tackle position. They elected to cut ties with Taylor Decker, who had been the team's starting left tackle for a decade, and will need to replace the stability and production that he provided.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell has voiced confidence in the ability of All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell moving to the left side, so the team is not necessarily forced to pick specifically a left tackle.

Other needs the Lions currently have include the interior offensive line, defensive end and linebacker. The Lions have a total of nine picks at their disposal entering the Draft, but could add to or shorten that total depending on the moves Holmes makes.

Holmes is entering his fifth draft at the helm of the organization. His previous first-round picks include Sewell, Aidan Hutchinson and Jameson Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell, Terrion Arnold and Tyleik Williams.

The Lions have employed a best player available strategy under Holmes, meaning the team has never made a pick solely on need but rather targeting the top option available. They are also very thorough in their approach, targeting players who they believe are both talented enough and fit their identity.

Follow along all throughout the 2026 NFL Draft for live updates on the Lions' picks and trades, along with instant grades for every pick.

Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft selections

Round 1, pick 17 — Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

Miller started 54 games over four years in college and is known for being a high IQ player. The Lions were patient, electing not to trade up, and wound up landing a potential Day 1 starter to replace Taylor Decker. Grade: A-.

Round 2, pick 44 — Derrick Moore, DE, Michigan

The Lions traded two picks to move up six spots and get another former Wolverine to pair with Aidan Hutchinson. Moore waited his turn behind some talented players, improved every season and has a well-rounded skill set. He's not the flashiest player and doesn't boast elite upside, but fits Detroit's mold for what they want opposite of Hutchinson. Grade: B.

Round 4, pick 118 — Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan

Detroit has doubled up on former Wolverines, adding Rolder to their linebacking corps. He's an instinctive athlete, and though he wasn't a starter until his final year at Michigan, there's upside here. Rolder could also be an immediate impact player on special teams. Grade: B+

Round 5, pick 157 — Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State

Abney is considered undersized for the position at 5-foot-9, but has great man-coverage instincts and allowed a completion percentage of just 44 percent in his final season for the Sun Devils. He fits Detroit's style with his press coverage ability. He was graded as a Day 2 prospect by many analysts, and as a result the Lions may have found a steal. Grade: A

Round 5, pick 168 — Kendrick Law, WR, Kentucky

Detroit's first skill-position selection is Law, who spent most of his time in the slot. He's got plenty of short-area quickness, but has some work to do as a route-runner. Law is a big-play threat, but mostly after the catch as he wasn't asked to run many deep routes in college. He's a project, but the Lions have the depth to allow him to develop. Grade: C

Round 6, pick 205 — Skyler Gill-Howard, DT, Texas Tech

The Lions add some depth to their defensive interior, as Gill-Howard was a three-technique in Texas Tech's defense. He's undersized, but is another player who attacks with a fiesty edge. Early in his career, he'll most likely be a rotational player with the ability to work his way into a bigger role if he finds his niche. Grade: B

Round 7, pick 222 — Tyre West, EDGE, Tennessee

West was a rotational player for the duration of his career at Tennessee, starting just five games in four years. His production improved throughout his career, and he finished his senior year with four tackles and seven tackles for loss. He's twitchy and athletic, but time will tell whether he's able to carve out a consistent role. Grade: B-

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