The 2026 NFL Draft is upon us, but before the Las Vegas Raiders are on the clock, let’s evaluate the Detroit Lions’ biggest needs heading into draft weekend.
While Lions general manager Brad Holmes insists the team adheres to the “best player available” strategy over filling needs, there’s a limit to that strategy. Roster construction is about building for the short and long term, and that means taking into account not just what the depth chart looks like right now, but what it may look like in 2027 and beyond.
With that in mind, here are the Lions’ top seven needs based on my own assessment.
Players under contract: Penei Sewell (signed through 2029), Larry Borom (2026), Giovanni Manu (2027), Devin Cochran (2026)
The Lions insist they’d be comfortable with Larry Borom as the starting right tackle in 2026, but consider me a little more skeptical. If the Lions are serious about improving the offensive line from last year’s disappointment, there needs to be a better answer at the starting position, both in the short term and long term. Additionally, being one injury away from starting Giovanni Manu is not the greatest place to be, unless the third-year player takes a big step in 2026.
Offensive tackle—left or right—should be the team’s biggest priority after spending just $5 million on Taylor Decker’s replacement.
Players under contract: Aidan Hutchinson (2030), DJ Wonnum (2026), Payton Turner (2026), Tyler Lacy (2026), Ahmed Hassanein (2026)
Much like Borom, the Lions say they’re confident in DJ Wonnum playing starting-level snaps in 2026. But, again, this is a limited, stopgap solution to a long-term problem. On top of that, Detroit is very limited in their depth. While Levi Onwuzurike is likely to provide some production on the edge, Payton Turner has played in just 31 games in five years, Tyler Lacy splits limited time between the interior and edge, and Ahmed Hassanein remains a completely unknown.
The Lions don’t just need a starter at edge; they need depth and reserves to help protect the roster in case of injury.
Players under contract: Jack Campbell (2026 – team holds a 5th year option), Derrick Barnes (2027), Malcolm Rodriguez (2026), Trevor Nowaske (2026), Damone Clark (2026)
When the Lions established their 90-man roster following the 2025 NFL Draft, they rostered 10 linebackers. As of right now, they have half of that. And while they could very well re-sign players like Zach Cunningham and Ezekiel Turner, the truth of the matter is that they have yet to find a replacement for Alex Anzalone. They’ve only added Damone Clark, and he’s probably closer to a replacement for Grant Stuard.
Looking into the future, while Campbell is a lock to receive an extension, no one else is guaranteed to be on the team in 2027. Only Barnes is under contract for that season, but if he doesn’t take a step this year, Detroit could move on before his $6.145 million 2027 option bonus kicks in.
So Detroit could both use a starting-capable talent in the draft and some serious long-term depth.
Players under contract: Sam LaPorta (2026), Brock Wright (2026), Tyler Conklin (2026), Zach Horton (2026), Thomas Gordon (2026)
Detroit is probably in an okay position for 2026 with LaPorta, Wright, and Conklin. There’s certainly some unknown with LaPorta and Wright finishing the season on injured reserve, but as of now, there’s no indication it could threaten time in 2026. It’s a relatively thin room, and they could stand to benefit from more competition, but the need here is really more long-term.
LaPorta seems destined for an extension, but Wright and Conklin could be gone in 2027. Detroit could use another well-balanced tight end, although this year’s draft class isn’t exactly chock-full of them.
Players under contract: Tyleik Williams (2028), Alim McNeill (2028), Chris Smith (2026)
The departure of Roy Lopez—and potentially DJ Reader—should be partially offset by a healthy Alim McNeill and some Year 2 growth from Tyleik Williams. Still, it’s a bit surprising the Lions didn’t add a run-stuffer on the defensive line this free agency.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Lions add some Day 3 talent along the interior defensive line to ensure that their stop-the-run-first identity remains intact along the interior.
Players under contract: D.J. Reed (2027), Terrion Arnold (2027), Rock Ya-Sin (2026), Roger McCreary (2026), Ennis Rakestraw (2027), Khalil Dorsey (2026), Nick Whiteside (2026)