So many choices, but so few assets.
That is the unfortunate nature of the Detroit Lions entering the 2026 offseason. They have a need for starters across multiple positions, but with limited cap space to maneuver with and limited draft capital to spend, the team will have to be cautious with their approach in the coming months. The Lions will stem the bleeding in free agency, but this could be the first NFL Draft in awhile where the Lions are forced to take an immediate starter. There are only so many ways to add to a roster, and a first-round pick is arguably a team’s greatest asset.
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At the moment, the Lions hold the 17th-overall selection in the draft, though whether Detroit stays put at that pick is a mystery. What is an equally perplexing mystery is how the Lions could spend that first-round pick.
Today’s Question of the Day is:
Which positions are realistic first-round options for the Detroit Lions?
My answer: Offensive line, defensive end, linebacker, cornerback, and safety.
Firstly, there are some positions we can quickly write off. While the Lions might look to acquire a developmental quarterback, selecting one in the first round—especially in a weak class—would be an egregious misuse of draft capital. The same logic could be applied to running back, even with David Montgomery getting shipped out of town. A tight end like Kenyon Sadiq would be an electric pairing with Sam LaPorta, but it would be a gluttonous pick for a team with bigger needs. On a similar note, I don’t see wide receiver as a top priority for the Lions after having just drafted Isaac TeSlaa to go with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.
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On defense, the only position that would truly surprise me would be defensive tackle. The Lions selected Tyleik Williams for a reason last season, and with DJ Reader likely departing in free agency, Williams seems primed for a starting role. Unless they were to draft a defensive lineman in the mold of Levi Onwuzurike with inside/outside potential—not a strength of this draft class—I think the Lions avoid an early defensive tackle. It may be as simple as re-signing Roy Lopez and calling it a day.
The Lions’ first player selected on offense will almost certainly be along the offensive line. Detroit was already in the market for help at tackle, guard, and center, a need that has only grown following the release of Graham Glasgow and release request from Taylor Decker. An offensive tackle to pair with Penei Sewell is a must-have barring a significant free agent signing. As for the interior, the only known fact is that Tate Ratledge will start somewhere. The other two spots are up for grabs, and how Detroit attacks free agency and the draft will shape where Ratledge ends up. As of this writing, the center class is looking somewhat weak, but given the rampant openings at center across the league, it would not surprise me to see one go earlier than expected.
The defensive options are nearly endless for the Lions. Defensive end is an obvious hole, given the failure that was the Marcus Davenport signing and a lack of a reliable all-down end. Al-Quadin Muhammad had a good season in 2025, but as a dedicated pass rusher, re-signing him would only be part of the solution, not the solution outright. Could this be the year that Detroit finally addresses the weakness across from Aidan Hutchinson?
Drafting yet another first-round linebacker is not a decision I love, but it is certainly in the cards for Detroit. With Alex Anzalone likely to depart in free agency, the Lions, a team that used three linebacker sets at incredibly high rates, could very well target a starter to replace him. It also gives the Lions some insurance in the event that Derrick Barnes has another sub-par season—Detroit would save over $5 million by cutting him next season, an easy decision if his play does not improve.
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Cornerback and safety are two positions with significant questions, which leaves us in the dark. In theory, the Lions have their starters: D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold at cornerback and Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch at safety. Sprinkle in Ennis Rakestraw and Thomas Harper, and those could be Detroit’s top six defensive backs. However, it is very unlikely to play out that way.
Reed and Arnold both yo-yoed between injury and bad play last season. Even if nothing arises with Arnold’s legal situation, 2026 could be his last season to prove himself on the field. As a team that likes to draft for future need, the Lions could very well target a cornerback early. Rakestraw, meanwhile, has hardly played across his first two seasons due to injuries. Detroit would be taking a massive risk by expecting him to start in 2026.
At safety, injuries cloud the futures of Joseph and Branch. How severe is Joseph’s knee condition, and is it a legitimate threat to his career? Not only is there a question about when Branch will return from his Achilles injury, but whether he will return to form—a similar injury derailed the career of Tracy Walker. Harper was good in relief last season, but the Lions would be putting a lot on a player they acquired off waivers. With a number of safety/nickelback hybrids in the draft, Detroit could address depth at both positions of need with one player, giving them flexibility to round out the roster.
As you can tell from the paragraphs above, the Detroit Lions have a lot of options with their first round pick. The Lions will undoubtedly add to their roster before the draft, be it via free agency or a trade, so the level of need at each position will fluctuate in the lead up to the draft. That being said, it also shows that this is a draft where Detroit needs to select an impact player from the get-go—they have too many holes to draft projects or depth for the future.
Oh, and before you ask: kicker and punter are not viable first round options. We are not the Oakland Raiders.
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