The NFL draft is always an exciting event, but the fun doesn't stop after one year. As soon as one draft ends, fans start looking ahead to the next. The 2026 NFL Draft is no exception, and speculation is already buzzing about who the Detroit Lions might pick. This early look isn't set in stone, but it gives fans a chance to start thinking about the team's future needs and how they might address them.

The college football season is just around the corner, kicking off in August. This is when fans can start watching and evaluating the players who might be on the Lions' radar. It's a fun way to stay engaged with the sport and get a head start on next year's draft excitement. It's also a chance to look back at last year's early mock drafts and see how accurate they were. Some predictions were spot on, while others missed the mark. It's all part of the fun and unpredictability of the draft process.

Looking at the 2026 NFL Draft predictions for the Detroit Lions, there are a few names that stand out. Matayo Uiagalelei, the younger brother of D. J. Uiagalelei, is one of them. This 6-foot-5, 270-pound pass rusher from Oregon has already made a significant impact. He recorded an impressive 10. 5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and even one interception last season. With key players like Jordan Burch, Jamaree Caldwell, and Derrick Harmon gone from the Ducks' defensive line, Uiagalelei is poised to take on a bigger role. The future of that defensive line looks bright with prospects like defensive tackle Bear Alexander and Uiagalelei leading the way.

Another name to watch is Cayden Green, a guard from Missouri. Controlling the line of scrimmage is crucial for the Lions, and Green could be a valuable addition. He's not on the same level as his former Missouri linemate Armand Membou, but he's a steady prospect who excels in both the pass and run game. The Lions might want to address their interior offensive line again after taking guard Tate Ratledge in the second round this year. Green could be a solid choice to help strengthen that position.

Kevin Concepcion, a wide receiver from Texas A&M, is another player to keep an eye on. He's set to join the SEC for the 2025 season, and if he can replicate his past success, he could be a first-round pick. The Lions might be looking to add more depth at the wide receiver position, especially if they can't re-sign Jameson Williams to a long-term deal. Concepcion could be a valuable addition to the roster.

Domani Jackson, a cornerback from Alabama, is also on the list. He transferred from USC and started all 13 games last season. He totaled 52 tackles with seven pass breakups and two interceptions. He was a five-star prospect coming out of high school. However, the Lions' secondary is already packed, and adding Jackson might mean kicking out players like Terrion Arnold, DJ Reed, or Ennis Rakestraw. It's a tough call, but it's something to consider as the draft approaches.

LT Overton, an edge-rusher from Alabama, is another name to watch. The Lions didn't use a Day 1 or 2 pick on an edge-rusher this year, despite it being one of their biggest needs. Overton could be a good fit for the team, with his tweener body-type allowing him to play as a hybrid edge defender/interior defensive lineman. He has the potential to be a well-rounded player at the next level. His development at Alabama has been impressive, and he ended the year as one of the top edge defenders in the nation.

Isaiah World, an offensive tackle from Oregon, is another player who could be a good fit for the Lions. After addressing their immediate interior offensive line need well in the 2025 draft, the Lions should be interested in his massive tackle as Taylor Decker’s successor. World comes from Penei Sewell’s former school, which adds an interesting dynamic to the potential pick. The team will need to start thinking about who can replace Taylor Decker after 2025, with the team having an out in his contract before 2026. If they decide to keep Decker around for the last two years of his deal, World can sit behind Decker and Sewell and absorb and learn for a year or two. The pick for cornerback Domani Jackson is possibly the worst one as the Lions secondary is already packed, and Jackson would possibly kick out Terrion Arnold, DJ Reed, or perhaps Ennis Rakestraw in the slot. The pick I liked the most was the offensive tackle, Isaiah World out of Oregon.

Overall, these early predictions are a fun way to get ready for the football season. They give fans a chance to start scouting who the Lions might take in next year's draft and think about what the roster could look like. It's all part of the excitement and anticipation that comes with the NFL draft process.

Early Glimpse into Detroit Lions' Future Picks

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