The Detroit Lions are making one thing crystal clear with their early 2026 mock draft strategy: second place is no longer acceptable. If this team has learned anything from their recent near-misses, it’s that defense wins championships—and they’re loading up for the long haul.
Think of Detroit’s latest mock draft like reinforcing a fortress. The offense is the shiny castle that dazzles from afar, but the defense? That’s the stone wall, the moat, the drawbridge—all critical to keeping the crown safe. And Brad Holmes is stacking bricks with laser focus.
First Pick, Big Statement: Deonte Lawson Bolsters the Barricade
With the 29th overall pick in the mock, the Lions go with Alabama linebacker Deonte Lawson, a tackling machine who has racked up nearly 200 total tackles over four seasons. NFL Draft Buzz ranks him as the No. 2 box linebacker heading into 2026.
He’s a heat-seeking missile in shoulder pads—exactly the kind of enforcer who can make offensive coordinators lose sleep. Pairing Lawson with Aidan Hutchinson, Jack Campbell, and Derrick Barnes creates a linebacker room that resembles a pack of wolves more than a group of defenders.
This move doesn’t just add talent—it sets a tone. Detroit isn’t just playing defense anymore; they’re imposing it.
Round Two: Anto Saka—Polishing a Raw Gem for the Pass Rush
At No. 61, the Lions snatch up Anto Saka from Northwestern. While Saka’s sack totals (3.5 in 2025) might not leap off the page, he’s the kind of raw talent you buy stock in before it explodes. He’s got burst, bend, and upside that a coaching staff like Detroit’s can mold like clay on a potter’s wheel.
Think of Saka as a spark plug—they may look small, but with the right timing and fuel, they ignite the entire engine. In Detroit’s system, he could be the jolt the pass rush needs when Hutchinson draws double teams.
Mid-Round Sleeper: Daylen Everette and the Quest for Secondary Stability
At pick 129, Holmes dips back into the SEC to snag Georgia cornerback Daylen Everette, a player who’s drawn comparisons to NFL names like Greg Newsome II and Buffalo’s Maxwell Hairston. Everette is the classic high-ceiling project—strong in man coverage, not afraid to hit, and coming off a season where he logged 3 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles.
But like a sports car with a powerful engine and touchy steering, he needs refinement. With Detroit’s secondary still rounding into form, Everette provides depth and a developmental path to becoming a starter.
One Theme, One Message: They’re Building a Finish Line Defense
The Lions’ 2026 mock isn’t about flash—it’s about firepower where it matters most. With just four picks in five rounds thanks to earlier trades, Detroit is choosing to double down on defense. It’s as if they’re saying: “We’ve built the house—we just need a lock on the door.”
For a franchise on the verge of something historic, this kind of draft philosophy makes sense. The message from Allen Park is simple: no more excuses, no more collapses, no more falling short.
This draft is a promise—to the fans, the locker room, and the league. The Lions aren’t just chasing greatness anymore. They’re building it, brick by defensive brick.