The 2026 NFL Draft is almost here, and the final wave of expert predictions is crashing in. We've sifted through a massive 72 mock drafts from the past week to bring Detroit Lions fans a clear, consolidated look at the prospects most frequently linked to their team. With the draft just days away, analysts are pulling out all the stops—from AI simulations to wild hypotheticals—but we've filtered out the noise to focus on the most credible projections.

The consensus points heavily toward fortifying the trenches, a philosophy deeply embedded in the Lions' identity. Leading the pack is Utah right tackle Spencer Fano, a popular pick among several prominent analysts. The logic echoes a successful past move: just as the Lions famously selected Penei Sewell despite pre-draft questions, Fano's potential to step in at right tackle—potentially allowing Sewell to shift left—makes him a compelling fit for their physical offensive line.

Another name generating buzz for the interior is Penn State guard Vega Ioane. Described as big, powerful, and mean, Ioane embodies the mauler mentality that has defined Detroit's dominant run game. Selecting him would be a direct investment in maintaining that brutal offensive identity for years to come.

Clemson's towering right tackle, Blake Miller, also appears on the radar, offering another high-upside option to bolster the offensive front. As the clock ticks down to draft night, the message from the experts is clear: expect the Lions to prioritize cornerstone players who can protect their franchise quarterback and pave the way for their explosive running backs, continuing to build this team from the inside out.