Detroit Lions first round draft Blake Miller, center, poses for a photo with his father Chris Miller, left, and mother Karen Miller at his introductory press conference at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, April 24, 2026. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The Detroit Lions’ 2026 NFL draft class is in the books. After three days of patience, trades, and exciting moments, the Lions have come out with seven new players.While Lions don’t draft for immediate need, they certainly appeared to aggressively attack their needs in this draft. In the first round, the Lions grabbed their right tackle of the future and then snagged a high upside edge in the second round.
On Day 3, Detroit added more depth at linebacker, corner, slot receiver, and a pair of defensive linemen.Here’s a look at the team’s 2026 draft class, plus some analysis of each pick and our full coverage for the selections.Round 1, pick 17: Blake Miller, RT, ClemsonRound 2, pick 44: Derrick Moore, EDGE, MichiganRound 4, pick 118: Jimmy Rolder, LB, MichiganRound 5, pick 157: Keith Abney, CB, Arizona StateRound 5, pick 168: Kendrick Law, Slot WR, KentuckyRound 6, pick 205: Skyler Gill-Howard, DL, Texas A&MRound 7, pick 222: Tyre West, DL, TennesseeThis draft class recap is sponsored by the folks over at FanDuel Sportsbook, who have the Lions listed as +1800 to win this year’s Super Bowl, +850 to win the NFC Championship, and +150 to win the NFC North as the current favorites.Round 1, pick No. 17: Blake Miller, RT, ClemsonThe Lions have prioritized revamping their offensive line this offseason, and adding a starting offensive tackle in the first round could be the final piece to their offseason puzzle. Coach Dan Campbell has stated that the team is open to moving All-Pro Penei Sewell to left tackle if the right RT presents himself, and Miller would certainly meet those qualifications.While still just 22 years old, Miller has an impressive 54 starts at RT at Clemson and is arguably the most consistent and ready-to-play OT in this draft class.
His combination of size (6-foot-7, 318 pounds), toughness, athleticism (9.90 RAS), GRIT (6th-best player on our Grit Index), football intelligence, and leadership makes him a very appealing prospect for the Lions, but it’s his gritty demeanor that makes him a perfect fit. Miller simply doesn’t take shortcuts in his work ethic, as he is unwilling to let his team down. This is most clearly evidenced by the fact that he missed just one practice during his entire four years at Clemson (due to having wrist surgery) and was back on the field the following day.Related articles:Lions select Blake Miller, RT, ClemsonBlake Miller tops the Grit Index at OTErik Schlitt picks Blake Miller No. 17 in his only Mock Draft of 2026Why the Lions should select Blake MillerHow Blake Miller will impact the Lions roster Blake Miller scouting report, film breakdown: What the Detroit Lions are gettingBrad Holmes strongly considered trading up for Miller5 things to know about MillerPOD grades the selection of MillerLions fans deliver high grade for Miller pickNational grades for Lions’ 1st round pickTop online reactions from the Lions selecting MillerWATCH: Miller, family celebrate being selected by the LionsMiller spent draft night watching clips of Dan CampbellTRADE: Lions acquire pick No. 44 from the Jets for picks No. 50 and 128Round 2, pick 44: Derrick Moore, EDGE, MichiganMoore is a balanced edge rusher who sets a firm edge with his power and violence, and wins as a pass rusher mainly due to his effort.
Like Blake Miller, Moore has a very high developmental floor and should challenge DJ Wonnum for a starting role opposite Aidan Hutchinson from the moment he arrives in Allen Park. Related articles:Lions trade up, select Derrick MooreHow Derrick Moore impacts the LionsPOD’s grade of the selection of Derrick MooreNational analysts grade the selection of Moore5 things to know about Derrick MooreExploring value from the Lions’ trade up for MooreRound 4, pick 118: Jimmy Rolder, LB, MichiganWhile Rolder has limited starting experience, he is a technically sound linebacker with great instincts and reaction timing.
He’s an upside player who will immediately contribute on special teams, while being a legitimate contender for a starting WILL linebacker role. When you watch his film, you wouldn’t know he’s only started for one season, as he flows effortlessly to the football, can run with tight ends in coverage, and is a violent hitter.Related articles:Lions select Jimmy RolderHow Jimmy Rolder impacts the LionsPOD’s grade of the selection of Jimmy Rolder5 things to know about Jimmy RolderRound 5, pick 157: Keith Abney, CB/NB, Arizona StateWidely considered a Top 100 pick by national draft analysts, the Lions grab Abney in the fifth round, adding depth to their secondary.
With inside-out range, Abney has the skills to back up on the outside while also challenging to start in the slot. Highly competitive—he ranked in the