The Detroit Lions Draft Grade reflects a franchise focused on strengthening the trenches while positioning itself for a return to playoff contention in 2026. After a disappointing 9-8 season, Detroit used the NFL Draft to address key needs on both sides of the ball and enters training camp as one of the favorites to win the NFC North.
What GRADE would you give the Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft Class?
17th: OT Blake Miller
44th: DE Derrick Moore
117th: LB Jimmy Rolder
157th: CB Keith Abney
168th: WR Kendrick Law
205th: DT Skyler Gill-Howard
222nd: DT Tyre West#OnePride pic.twitter.com/3EIToVZcGA— Crunch Time Sports (@officialctpod) April 25, 2026
Round 1 (No. 17) Blake Miller – OT, Clemson — Grade: C
Round 2 (No. 44) Derrick Moore – EDGE, Michigan — Grade: A-
Round 4 (No. 118) Jimmy Rolder – LB, Michigan — Grade: B+
Round 5 (No. 157) Keith Abney II – CB, Arizona State — Grade: A-
Round 5 (No. 168) Kendrick Law – WR, Kentucky — Grade: B+
Round 6 (No. 205) Skyler Gill-Howard – DL, Texas Tech — Grade: B+
Round 7 (No. 222) Tyre West – DL, Tennessee — Grade: B+
DET Lions Overall Draft Grade: B
Detroit entered the draft with a clear objective: reinforce the offensive line while adding depth to a defense that struggled with injuries throughout the 2025 season. Detroit accomplished both goals. The selection of Blake Miller may not have been the highest-rated value pick on the board, but it fills an important need and allows the organization to continue its long-term offensive line plans. Miller’s experience at right tackle should allow him to compete for playing time immediately.
The Detroit Lions found better value on Day 2 when they traded up for Michigan edge rusher Derrick Moore. Many evaluators viewed Moore as one of the best defensive prospects available at that stage of the draft. Detroit continued adding defensive help with linebacker Jimmy Rolder, cornerback Keith Abney II, and defensive linemen Skyler Gill-Howard and Tyre West. While the overall draft may not have featured a headline-grabbing selection, the Lions addressed multiple needs and improved roster depth across several positions.
NFL Rookie Minicamp Results
Lions Pride took a unique approach to rookie development this offseason. Unlike every other NFL team, Detroit completely eliminated its traditional rookie minicamp. Head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes decided the risks associated with non-padded rookie practices outweighed the benefits after reviewing previous years.
Instead, rookies reported directly into a structured development program before joining veteran players during Organized Team Activities. As a result, the first meaningful evaluations of Detroit’s draft class came during OTA practices.
Early reports have been extremely positive regarding Derrick Moore. The former Michigan standout has generated considerable buzz while working opposite All-Pro edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. Coaches believe Moore could become an immediate contributor within Detroit’s pass-rush rotation. Meanwhile, first-round tackle Blake Miller has received extensive reps as the Lions evaluate his readiness for a starting role.
Unfortunately, not all the news has been positive. Fifth-round wide receiver Kendrick Law suffered a torn ACL during spring workouts and is expected to miss the entire 2026 season, creating an early setback for one of Detroit’s developmental offensive prospects.
A Tiger joins the pride.
Blake Miller, welcome to the Detroit @Lions!#ALLIN | #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/Hok0b2D5gH
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) April 24, 2026
Detroit Lions Updated 2026 Win Total Projection
The Lions enter the 2026 season with a projected win total of 10.5 victories. Sportsbooks and analytical models largely agree that Detroit is positioned for a bounce-back season after narrowly missing the playoffs last year.
Sure, the Chicago Bears are also on the rise. However, one of the biggest reasons for Lions optimism is schedule strength. Because Detroit finished fourth in the NFC North during 2025, the Lions benefit from the easiest projected schedule in the NFL. That scheduling advantage has contributed heavily to projections ranging from 12 to 13 wins from several analysts and media outlets.
The roster also appears healthier and more stable entering training camp. Injuries devastated Detroit’s secondary last season, and many projection models expect positive regression in that area. The addition of Blake Miller strengthens the offensive line, while the acquisition of Isiah Pacheco helps offset the departure of David Montgomery.
ESPN analyst Mike Clay projects Detroit for more than 12 wins, while the Football Power Index gives the Lions one of the highest playoff probabilities in the NFC. If the defense remains healthy and the young pass rush develops as expected, Detroit has a legitimate opportunity to reclaim the NFC North crown.
“The #Lions have by far the best odds to go from worst to first for three main reasons: schedule, injuries, and they weren’t really that bad last season.” – @ASchatzNFL, @ESPN pic.twitter.com/jeXUm0g8wj
— Lions Nation Unite™ (@LionsNationU) June 6, 2026
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