Next Stop: NFL Draft
The Bears are coming to town, and regardless of the outcome, we will be headed into the NFL Draft. With this season already fading into the rear-view mirror (and the playoffs out of reach) we should focus on the next stop, draft season! I think it’s important for Lions fans to take a breath, and remember that while Brad Holmes is not perfect, he is one of the best GMs in the league. Let’s focus on fixing the roster issues, and getting back on track towards a championship.
For this post, I am going review what picks the Lions have, and then tell you (based on the consensus big board at https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/big-boards/2026/consensus-big-board-2026) and talk about who I would like to see drafted in the first three rounds. Let’s get into it!
Currently (per nfldraftbuzz.com) the Lions are expected to have the following picks:
Round One - Pick 17
Round Two - Pick 49
Round Four - Pick 117
Round Four - Pick 135
Round Five - Pick 156
Round Six - Pick 187
Round Six - Pick 209
Round Seven - Pick 221
So, we have ammunition to make picks this year. Furthermore, if we know anything about the NFL draft, it is that Brad Holmes will not be afraid to move to get his guy (for better or worse). Alright, let’s get at it!
Round One - Pick 17
Olaivavega Ioane - Interior Offensive Line: Penn State
Nflmockdraftdatabase.com describes this player as “Consistent”, “Mauling”, and “Versatile”, they also point out that he can play every position up and down the line (hence the versatile). This sounds exactly like a Brad Holmes offensive lineman. While guard is his main position, this player gives us two chances at center: Olaivavega and Ratledge. Add in Miles Frazier, Christian Mahogany, and perhaps Gionvanni Manu and we are certainly shoring up our offensive line.
Round Two - Pick 45
Isaiah World - Offensive Tackle: Oregon
Nflmockdraftdatabase.com describes this player as “a blend of athleticism, power, and ideal size”. He is also a pure Tackle. While I like a lot of options we have if Taylor Decker retires (Frazier, Manu), I would like to have a young pure tackle in house. I am a sucker for athleticism and can’t wait to see how this young man tests.
Round 3 - Pick 117
Kelley Jones - Cornerback: Mississippi State
So to be quite honest, I don’t know a ton about this guy. But what I know from briefly watching highlights is that he is tall (6’ 4”), he can drape himself on receivers, and seems to be capable in man and zone coverages. I am a sucker for tall corners, and it is something we sorely lack on the Lions.
Let’s Wrap!
In all honesty I don’t know a ton about this draft class yet. I am nowhere near a draft analyst either. However, I know what positions we are in need of, and I know (more-or-less) what the Lions seem to like. As we prepare to welcome Commissioner Goodell for his yearly boo-fest, start checking out who is out there, and think about where they could fit on the Lions. The draft will be upon us sooner than it seems!