Detroit Lions: 2026 NFL Draft Preview
How They Got Here
The 2024 Lions were dominant until the NFC Championship Game collapse against Washington (45-31 loss). The 2025 season was supposed to be the year they finished the job, but everything went wrong. St. Brown suffered a broken collarbone in Week 3 and missed 8 games. Aidan Hutchinson's broken leg from 2024 didn't fully heal, limiting him to 11 games. Jared Goff regressed slightly (25 TDs, 12 INTs, 91.2 rating) without his top target. The defense, dominant in 2024 (5th in points allowed), slipped to 14th. Detroit finished 9-8, won a wild card spot, then lost to Minnesota 27-24 in a rematch of their Week 18 matchup. Dan Campbell remains, but coordinator Ben Johnson left for Jacksonville.
Team Needs
Detroit picks at #17 after falling short of Super Bowl expectations with a 9-8 record and a wild card loss to the Vikings. The hangover from their 2024 NFC Championship collapse was real — key injuries (Amon-Ra St. Brown's broken collarbone, Aidan Hutchinson's leg) and defensive regression led to an inconsistent season. But the core is still intact, and the Lions remain NFC contenders. This pick should add depth to a roster that's closer to a championship than most.
Draft Outlook
The Lions need to reload rather than rebuild. The secondary lost depth, the edge rush needs another weapon to complement Hutchinson (when healthy), and the running back room is aging (David Montgomery is 29). Avieon Terrell (CB) would add the physical corner presence they've lacked. Cashius Howell (EDGE) provides pass rush depth. Ollie Gordon II (RB) gives them a young back to eventually take over. The Lions have historically drafted well in this range — expect them to find a contributor.
Top Prospect Fits
1. Avieon Terrell
A talented technician with 31 career starts, 8 forced fumbles, and 3 INTs. At 6-0, 190 lbs, Terrell's Devon Witherspoon-style physicality fits Detroit's aggressive defensive identity. He's a willing tackler who presses well and recovers quickly. The Lions value corners who can play in the box — Terrell does exactly that. Odds: +175 to go #17 (favorite).
2. Cashius Howell
A speed-rushing freak with dip-and-rip moves and tenacious effort. At 6-3, 250 lbs, Howell's motor never stops. He'd provide quality pass rush depth for a defense that thrives on rotation and can spell Hutchinson on passing downs. His ceiling is starter-level if developed properly. Odds: +200 to go #17.
3. Ollie Gordon II
The 2023 Doak Walker winner who rushed for 1,732 yards and 21 TDs as a sophomore before returning for 2025 (1,289 yards, 14 TDs). At 6-1, 225 lbs, Gordon is a bruising, three-down back who can handle a featured role. Montgomery is 29, and Detroit needs to think about the future. Odds: +275 to go #17.
4. Christen Miller
A two-gap DT with a nonstop motor. At 6-3, 305 lbs, Miller's block deconstruction and effort give Detroit interior flexibility. He'd rotate with their existing pieces and provide depth for a team that values defensive line rotation. Odds: +350 to go #17.
Draft Strategy
The Lions are still a championship-caliber roster — they just need health and depth. This pick should add a quality starter or rotational piece, not a project. Terrell or Howell fits the defensive philosophy; Gordon addresses the long-term RB question. Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes have built one of the best rosters in football through smart drafting. Trust their process. The Super Bowl window is wide open.
Betting Analysis
The #17 pick is fairly open. Avieon Terrell leads at +175 as the CB option. Cashius Howell (+200) is the edge rusher play. Ollie Gordon II (+275) addresses the RB need. The Lions are +150 to draft a defensive player in Round 1, though they're flexible enough to go offense. Terrell at +175 makes sense — physical corners who can tackle are exactly what Detroit values. Howell at +200 offers edge rush depth for a team that relies heavily on Hutchinson. The Lions are unlikely to trade up (-300 to stay at #17) — they trust their board and take value.
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