The Detroit Lions entered the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23 with nine picks over the three-day draft.
On the final day of the draft Saturday, the Lions kept it tight again by selecting their second University of Michigan player in linebacker Jimmy Rolder in the fourth round. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranks Rolder (6-2, 238) as the 11th-best linebacker.
In the fifth round, the added Arizona State cornerback Keith Abney II. He was the top-rated remaining player on Brugler’s board. He is Brugler’s ninth-rated corner and was projected as a second- or third-round pick.
Detroit began Day 2 with the 50th pick in the second round, but gave the Jets that pick and No. 128 in the fourth round to move up to No. 44. The Lions stayed close to home by selecting Michigan edge rusher Derrick Moore on Friday.
The Lions were looking for pass-rushing help opposite Aidan Hutchinson and hope they’ve found a force who they didn’t need to travel far to scout.
Moore was the 14th-rated edge rusher, according to The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, who projected Moore to be taken in the third round.
The Lions came into Round 1 with multiple needs, including offensive line and they addressed the position with the addition of Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller. The Athletic’s draft expert Dane Brugler ranked Miller has his 29th overall best player in “The Beast.”
On Day 2, the Lions have just one pick at No. 50 overall in the second round. What will they do?
Keep coming back here throughout the draft for grades and analysis of each Lions pick.
Round 1
No. 17: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
How he fits
The fit between Miller and the Lions is a strong one, for a number of reasons. The Lions released offensive tackle Taylor Decker ahead of free agency, and it signaled a need for a tackle. And while the team signed Larry Borom to a one-year deal, his starting spot was never guaranteed. It made offensive tackle a natural need, one that many assumed would be filled in the draft. At the combine in February, Miller told a story about delaying wrist surgery so he could participate in spring practice with his teammates at Clemson. It was evident then that he fits this organization like a glove. He checks off every box and adds to a revamped offensive line in Detroit. — Pouncy
Dane Brugler’s analysis
Miller has an upright play style that could lead to issues vs. NFL competition, but he has the type of profile (physical traits, football IQ, competitive toughness) that teams will bet on every time. He should compete for a starting right tackle role as a rookie.
Scott Dochterman’s grade: B+
Detroit needed an offensive tackle to replace stalwart Taylor Decker, and Miller looks like a strong successor. Miller (6-6 ¾, 317) started 54 games along the offensive line for the Tigers, 52 of which came at right tackle. That seems to indicate Detroit will move Penei Sowell to left tackle and start Miller on the right side.
Miller, who was a two-time first-team All-ACC selection, does have left tackle dimensions (34 ¼ arms, 83 7/8 wingspan) but it would be a tough flip in year one. I’m intrigued by why the Lions picked Miller over Caleb Lomu and Monroe Freeling because they’re all considered in the same pool of candidates.
Colton Pouncy’s analysis
How Blake Miller’s wrist injury proved he was a perfect fit for the Lions
Detroit Lions select Clemson OT Blake Miller with the No. 17 pick in 2026 NFL Draft
Round 2
No. 44 (from Jets): Derrick Moore, DE, Michigan
Dane Brugler’s analysis
Moore is a well-rounded player with a feel for what he’s doing in both the run game and as a pass rusher. I like his floor more than his ceiling, but the tools are there for him to become an NFL starter.
Nick Baumgardner’s grade: A
Detroit moves up six spots, jumping Derrick Moore’s former college DC in Jesse Minter to snag the explosive, long-armed edge rusher from Michigan. This pick makes so much sense, as Moore will add juice to a defensive front that needed someone to win one-on-ones opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
Colton Pouncy’s analysis
Detroit Lions select Michigan edge rusher Derrick Moore with 44th of 2026 NFL Draft
Round 3
No picks
Round 4
No. 118: Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan
Dane Brugler’s analysis
Rolder needs to iron out his overaggressive tendencies, but he plays with ascending instincts and the reactive athleticism to make plays in the NFL. If healthy, he will be an immediate contributor on special teams and offer the potential to become a weakside starter.
Colton Pouncy’s analysis
Rolder becomes the second Michigan product selected by the Lions in this draft, joining Moore. He projects as an immediate contributor on special teams, and with continued development, he could earn eventually snaps as a weakside linebacker.
Round 5
No. 157: Keith Abney, CB, Arizona State
Dane Brugler’s analysis
Abney has wild tendencies and can put himself in tough situations, but athletic instincts and competitive fire (in all areas) are exciting trademarks of his game. He has the makings of an NFL starter with inside-outside upside.
No. 181 (compensatory)
Round 6
No. 205 (from Jaguars)
No. 213 (from Seahawks through Jaguars)
Round 7
No. 222 (from Browns)
