DETROIT — The pain of a 9-8 finish in 2025 still lingers in Allen Park. The Detroit Lions crashed out before the playoffs even started, failing to match the explosive hype that surrounded the franchise. Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell spent free agency aggressively plugging holes, bringing back veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and adding tight end Tyler Conklin. But the real foundation gets built in late April. This seven-round Lions 2026 mock draft breaks down exactly how Detroit can load up on speed, sheer power, and high-upside developmental talent to reclaim the NFC North.
Expectations pointed toward a left tackle or an edge rusher. Detroit flips the script. Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. simply have not produced the required results on the outside. The secondary leaks yardage, and Aaron Glenn needs a true boundary enforcer. Enter Jermod McCoy.
McCoy brings explosive recovery speed and fluid hips. He flashes elite ballhawk instincts, grabbing six interceptions across his 2023 and 2024 campaigns. The massive risk? He missed the entire 2025 season with a torn ACL suffered in January 2025. He skipped agility drills at the NFL Combine. Fans might hold their breath on draft night, but if McCoy regains his 2024 form, he transforms this defense overnight. You could almost feel the tension in the room if Roger Goodell reads his name, but the upside justifies the gamble.
Detroit watches Gabe Jacas and Jacob Rodriguez fly off the board just picks prior. They pivot to pure interior power. Chase Bisontis immediately jumps into a physical battle with Christian Mahogany and Juice Scruggs for the starting left guard spot. Bisontis moves defensive tackles against their will in the run game, though speed rushers occasionally expose his pass protection.
Selecting a guard over a tackle raises eyebrows. However, fortifying the interior keeps Jared Goff upright. The Lions prioritize a clean pocket above all else, ensuring their run-heavy scheme dominates the point of attack.
Teddy Bridgewater turns 34 this November. He provides excellent short-term security behind Goff, but the Lions need a long-term contingency plan. Drew Allar brings a 6-foot-5 frame and immense arm strength to Detroit. His college production dipped when the Nittany Lions asked him to carry the offense, but he thrived under a conservative, run-first approach. Ben Johnson’s playbook relies on a dominant ground game and play-action, creating the perfect incubator for Allar to rediscover his sophomore magic.
Brad Holmes loves a specific receiver profile. Reggie Virgil matches it perfectly. He started at Miami (OH) before transferring to Texas Tech, mirroring Isaac TeSlaa’s journey. Detroit already scheduled a meeting with Virgil at the Texas Tech pro day on March 26. He slides right into the WR4 role and brings instant value as a special teams gunner.
“I’m feeling good now. I’m ready to play again, to be honest with you. Give me some more training time and do it all at my pro day.”
— Jermod McCoy, Tennessee CB (on his ACL recovery)
Detroit cannot afford another September slump. The NFC North evolved into a brutal gauntlet. Green Bay and Chicago possess dangerous young cores. If McCoy secures the boundary and Bisontis dominates the trenches, the Lions immediately shift back into true Super Bowl contention. This draft prioritizes high-ceiling physical traits over safe floors. Hitting on Curry and Allar in the middle rounds extends Detroit’s contention window for another five years. The roster boasts established stars; now, they just need the precise developmental talent to execute the final vision.
