The Detroit Lions enter the 2026 offseason at a critical juncture. After a disappointing 9-8 campaign that saw the team lose its offensive identity, general manager Brad Holmes faces mounting pressure to deliver a draft class capable of restoring the franchise's competitive edge. The departure of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and veteran center Frank Ragnow left visible scars on a unit that once dominated the trenches, forcing Detroit to reevaluate its core philosophy heading into the NFL Draft.
Using the Pro Football Focus mock draft simulator following the NFL Scouting Combine, we explore a potential seven-round blueprint that could help the Lions reclaim their physical brand of football. This simulation reveals three prospects who align with Detroit's traditional values while addressing critical roster deficiencies.
First Round: Building the Foundation with Ioane
The Lions' first selection addresses their most pressing need along the offensive interior. With the team committed to reestablishing a punishing ground attack, the front office would be wise to target a prospect who embodies their hard-nosed mentality.
Enter Ioane, a 6-foot-4, 320-pound mauler who dominated Big Ten competition with his rare combination of size and functional strength. This interior lineman prospect possesses the ideal physical profile for Detroit's scheme, demonstrating exceptional anchor ability in pass protection while consistently generating vertical movement in the run game. His tape shows a player who finishes blocks with authority and understands leverage principles at a high level.
What makes Ioane particularly appealing is his seamless fit within Detroit's existing infrastructure. Paired with second-year guard Tate Ratledge and All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell, this rookie could form the nucleus of a rebuilt offensive line that mirrors the unit's 2023 dominance. The coaching staff would likely install him as an immediate starter at guard or center, providing quarterback Jared Goff with the pocket stability that evaporated last season.
The selection represents more than just a talent infusion—it signals a return to the physical brand of football that defined Detroit's most successful stretches. In an NFC North division that features formidable defensive fronts in Chicago and Minnesota, winning the line of scrimmage becomes non-negotiable. Ioane's nasty demeanor and technical refinement make him the ideal candidate to spearhead that transformation.
Second Round: Adding Juice to the Pass Rush with Jacas
Detroit's edge rotation has lacked consistent disruption since the team moved on from several veteran contributors. The second-round target in this simulation offers a intriguing blend of power and intangibles that could unlock the defense's potential.
Hailing from Illinois, Jacas brings a unique pedigree to the table. As a former team captain, he demonstrated leadership qualities that align with head coach Dan Campbell's culture-first approach. His calling card isn't elite bend or lightning-quick first-step explosiveness—rather, it's overwhelming raw power that collapses pockets from the interior or edge alignment.
Jacas's extensive wrestling background deserves special attention. He credits his time on the mat for instilling discipline, accountability, and hand-fighting technique that translates directly to trench warfare. This mental toughness could accelerate his development while providing the coaching staff with a moldable piece of clay.
Detroit's pass-rush philosophy has historically prioritized pocket collapse over pure edge speed, making this power-based defender a schematic fit. His ability to convert speed to power and set a physical edge against the run would give defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn versatile deployment options. The primary question mark involves his ability to consistently set the edge and develop counter moves against NFL-caliber tackles.
If the Lions' developmental staff can refine his technique without sacrificing his aggressive mentality, this selection could yield a starter-caliber edge defender by his second season. The upside is tantalizing for a defense that finished middle-of-the-pack in pressure rate last season.
Third Round: Developing Depth at Tackle with Davis
The third-round investment addresses offensive tackle depth—a position that proved problematic when injuries struck last season. This developmental prospect from Illinois offers an interesting risk-reward profile that could pay dividends down the line.
A four-year starter in the Big Ten, Davis brings valuable experience against elite competition. His physical tools check the necessary boxes, with adequate length and foot quickness to mirror pass rushers. However, his technique remains inconsistent, particularly in his hand placement and balance against counter moves.
Scouts question how much of his collegiate success will translate to the professional level. While he flashed dominance against certain opponents, he also disappeared for stretches and struggled with power rushers who challenged his anchor. His most realistic NFL projection appears to be as a swing tackle capable of backing up both left and right positions.
For Detroit, this represents acceptable value in the third round. The Lions can afford to bring him along slowly while he refines his craft behind established veterans. If the coaching staff can unlock his potential, he might develop into a serviceable starter. More likely, he becomes a valuable depth piece who can spot-start in emergencies without sinking the offense.
The pick reflects smart roster construction—addressing a need without reaching for a higher-graded prospect. Lions fans should view this selection as a win if Davis becomes a reliable backup who contributes on special teams.
Synthesis: A Draft Plan with Clear Identity
This three-pick simulation provides Detroit with a coherent draft strategy that addresses both immediate and long-term needs. The first two selections inject physicality and attitude into both trenches, while the third adds necessary depth to a shallow position group.
The overarching theme centers on reclaiming Detroit's identity as a team that dominates the line of scrimmage. Each prospect brings a degree of nastiness and competitiveness that matches the organization's culture under Campbell and Holmes.
Success hinges on the coaching staff's ability to maximize each player's strengths while masking limitations. Ioane must adapt quickly to NFL speed. Jacas needs technical refinement to complement his power. Davis requires patience as he develops into a rotational piece.
If these prospects hit their respective ceilings, the Lions could field a more balanced roster capable of competing with the NFC's elite. The draft provides the raw materials—now it's up to the organization to shape them into championship contributors.