The Detroit Lions are no strangers to making bold moves on draft night, and the latest projection from NFL.com suggests General Manager Brad Holmes might be ready to strike again. In a new seven-round mock draft, the Lions are forecasted to trade up in the first round, showcasing the aggressive philosophy that has helped shape their roster.

Holmes has a proven track record of targeting his preferred players, most notably in 2022 when he traded up from pick 32 to 12 to select Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams. That willingness to be assertive could be on display once more.

In this mock scenario, the Lions package a 2026 fifth-round pick (No. 157) and a 2027 third-round selection to move up from pick 17 to 13. Their target? Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano. This move would address a critical need on the offensive line, especially with veteran tackle Taylor Decker's departure creating a potential opening. The selection of Fano could allow perennial All-Pro Penei Sewell to shift to the left side, solidifying the trenches for years to come.

Beyond the headline-grabbing trade, the mock draft has the Lions building a well-rounded class. In the second round (No. 50), they add pass-rushing talent by selecting Michigan EDGE Derrick Moore, immediately boosting their defensive front. The later rounds focus on depth, with picks like North Carolina cornerback Marcus Allen (6th round) and Texas A&M defensive tackle Albert Regis (7th round) adding competition and potential to the defense.

This projected haul directly tackles the team's most pressing needs—offensive line and edge rusher—while also adding developmental pieces across the roster. For a Lions team with championship aspirations, using the draft to fortify both lines is a classic and effective team-building strategy. It’s the kind of calculated aggression that keeps the Motor City running strong.