What do the Fans Feel the Lions Need?
Lions Fans Rank Positional Needs
Data for this article was provided by Lions fans, the 2026 Consensus Draft Big Board at nflmockdraftdatabase.com, the Top NFL Free Agents Rankings at walterfootball.com, and pff.com.
A few days back, I solicited a number of other Lions fans for their feelings on what the Lions need most. I asked them to rate each position on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the most needed positions. The results (seen above) were hardly surprising with the top 3 average needs coming out as center, offensive tackle, and defensive end. Since the fans largely all agreed on the needs, let’s take a peek at the top prospects in free agency and the NFL draft to try to find the best fit for the Lions.
Offensive Center
Top Free Agent: Tyler Linderbaum - Age 26 - Baltimore Ravens
Tyler Linderbaum would be a wonderful fit for the Detroit Lions, as he is one of the best centers in the league. His overall PFF grade was 80.2 for 2025, making him 5th out of 40 qualifying centers. He tends to be stronger in run blocking versus pass blocking, but at the end of the day he is just plain good. This all sounds great, but it will also come with a hefty price tag. I know that the Lions have not shied away from investing in the offensive line, and do a good job at staggering large cap hits, but he may be even too rich for the Lions blood.
Top Draft Prospect: Olaivavega Ioane - Age 22 - Penn State - Consensus Mock Pick: 22
(Please note the mock draft database does not qualify center as its own position, rather interior offensive line are all ranked together) I won’t deny, this is one of my favorite prospects for the same reason I liked Grey Zabel last year (now with the Broncos), versatility. I went over this in my first draft article: He can play up and down the line. Add Ratledge in with him and it seems like one of them will be able to settle in at center and find that chemistry with Goff. He is also described as “mauling” with a size of 6’4” 328lbs. The more I read, the more I like him. The Lions would be lucky to land such a strong player at pick 17.
Offensive Tackle
Top Free Agent: Rasheed Walker - Age 26 - Green Bay Packers
Rasheed Walker is an interesting prospect. His overall PFF grade was 64.6 for 2025, making him 52nd out of 89 qualifying OTs. For comparison an older injured Taylor Decker ranked 41st out of 89. He is a former 7th round pick, so he is certainly playing well for his draft position. However, I can’t help but feel that he would be a downgrade, meaning we almost certainly have to draft an offensive tackle.
Top Draft Prospect: Francis Mauigoa - Age 20 - University of Miami - Consensus Mock Pick: 3
Francis Mauigoa is a consensus top tackle for many reasons. As with any rookie he has room to improve, but he seems to be very NFL ready. Now pick 3 is very high for the Lions to be picking, but it is only January. Lots of things will change between now and then. The combine will happen, interviews will happen, players will rise and fall. Let’s also remember Brad Holmes is not afraid to trade up and get his guy. I’m not saying this is the perfect pick for the Lions, but I am saying that he is certainly a possibility to be lining up opposite Penei Sewell.
Defensive End
Top Free Agent: Trey Hendrickson - Age 31 - Cincinnati Bengals
I mean, I think we all know who Trey Hendrickson is. However if you don’t, let me assure you, he would be an amazing DE to have across from Hutch. I do have some concerns about his age, but given he had an overall PFF grade of 82.9 which ranked 13th out of 115 qualifying defensive ends, I can get past that. Sure doesn’t seem like he has lost a step. Now, my biggest concern comes down to the price tag. I’m not concerned about finding the money to pay him, rather that he is going to likely be looking for guaranteed money at his age. That could be a breaking point, as we don’t know when/if his play will fall off.
Top Draft Prospect: David Bailey - Age 22 - Texas Tech - Consensus Mock Pick: 7
(Please note the mock draft database does not qualify DE as its own position, rather EDGE players are all ranked together) While David Bailey certainly is a great player, and the Lions would find a way to work with him, I do not see him as a player the Lions would target. Why might you ask? He is considered a “Pass Rush Specialist”, while this doesn’t mean that he can’t set the edge and defend the run, it likely means those skills are either lesser, underdeveloped, or both. At 6’3” 250 he also is a little lighter than the end that the Lions are looking for to potentially replace AQM/Marcus Davenport. Again, all these things can be addressed, but when you’re talking about trading up to get him, I simply don’t think it is likely.
My Thoughts:
While I don’t have a crystal ball that magically can tell what players will be signed or drafted I have a couple thoughts based on Brad Holmes’ history. First, I think we will sign a journeyman OT (if Decker retires), and draft an OT in the first two rounds. The journeyman prevents you from having to force your hand, but also can be used in place of the recently retired Dan Skipper. I lean more towards us signing or trading for a new center, and restructuring Graham Glasgow to be a backup. For Defensive End, I think we will likely sign a big DE than can do what I said, rush the passer, but also set the edge, and defend the run. The DE may not be perfect, but I would bet they will be younger with upside, because working aside Hutch may be what helps that upside become realized.
Thanks again to everyone who responded to my survey for sharing your feelings on the Lion’s needs, and thanks again for reading. As always, let’s go Lions!