Discussing the upcoming NFL Draft, and what the Detroit Lions plan to do during it, has become rote.
They have extremely obvious needs to fill with their 17th overall pick, but general manager Brad Holmes just told reporters that he still likes to take a "best player available" approach to the entire operation. The best player at that position in the first round will not, most likely, be an offensive tackle or even a pass rusher. That's a little concerning.
But, if the Lions do decide to actually do the right thing and take a player who fills a need, they can really kill it at this draft. That goes for their later picks, as well, despite not even having a 3rd-rounder.
Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski recently listed all the prospects that could potentially see their stock fall ahead of next week, three of which could directly benefit the Lions at two positions of need: edge, and defensive tackle. Sobleski wrote that Peter Woods, Akheem Mesidor, and Kayden McDonald could all slip into Day 2.
Lions could end up winners if these prospects fall
While Woods or even McDonald may not be on the radars of Lions fans headed into the draft, defensive tackle is going to be a huge need. DJ Reader is taking meetings with other teams, and Detroit already lost Roy Lopez. Tyleik Williams is going to be expected to step up in a huge way in 2026, while Alim McNeil and Levi Onwuzurike are expected to bounce back from injury woes.
That leaves some room for competition at that position, which could make Woods or McDonald enticing picks for Holmes. He hasn't shown hesitation with selecting defensive tackles high in the draft before, with Williams the most recent example of this. And, either would be worth a swing at 50th overall if Detroit's satisfied their biggest need at tackle and/or pass rusher.
READ MORE: Brad Holmes just made Lions fans collectively groan with latest pre-draft comment
As for Mesidor, the Lions might be enticed by the fact that his age could call for a cheaper deal down the road. Sobleski wrote of Mesidor as a risky pick:
"Mesidor is already 25 years old. He'll turn 30 shortly after testing free agency for the first time (based on playing out his entire rookie contract, plus the fifth-year option). Still, he will provide instant pass rush, which makes his age a little easier to swallow. Medical checks are dicey, though. Mesidor required surgery on both feet in 2023 after suffering torn ligaments. He's played in 28 games since that campaign and performed at a high level. The concern is whether his age combined with previous foot problems create a short shelf-life to his career."
Could he be worth a swing at 50th overall or a trade back late into the 2nd round if he's still available? If Detroit wants to invest in a premier tackle at 17th overall, he's a (cheap) option they should consider.
Add us as a preferred source on Google