Pride of Detroit
With the Detroit Lions’ 2025 season coming to a close, it’s time to reintroduce our 2026 Mock Draft series. If you’re not familiar with how this series operates, each week we collect data from the latest mock drafts published over the last seven days and compile them (with links to the original pieces) in one easy-to-access article. In addition to providing Lions fans with the names of prospects being paired with Detroit, we also offer commentary that highlights trends, player fits, and the team’s overall philosophy.
Essentially, this series is designed to be a relaxed way to familiarize readers with the upcoming NFL Draft class, without getting too deep into the weeds of prospect scouting. So, don’t get too caught up pondering which mock drafter is correct, and instead, use this exercise as a tool to familiarize yourself with some of the prospects that may or may not fit what the Lions are looking for.
In this initial kickoff to the series, we explored 28 mock drafts, and the split was nearly even between players chosen from the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Offensive tackle saw the most projections with 11, guard saw two, and three players were projected at defensive tackle, with five edge rushers and seven cornerbacks rounding out the week.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at which NFL Draft prospects are being mocked to the Lions (who hold the No. 17 overall pick) this week.
Francis Mauigoa, RT, Miami (6-foot-6, 325)
Source: Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz (USA Today), Curt Popejoy (DraftWire), Jeff Ratcliffe (FTN Fantasy), Nicholas Rome (Saturday Blitz)
“Solid to the core in pass protection and a true punisher in the run game, Mauigoa will up the physicality of whatever front he joins. That’s something that Dan Campbell would covet as he tries to re-establish Detroit’s ability to set the tone up front with a stronger interior.” — Middlehurst-Schwartz
Spencer Fano, RT, Utah (6-foot-5, 300)
Source: Daniel Flick (Sports Illustrated), Paul Banks (The Sports Bank)
“Lions left tackle Taylor Decker is contemplating retirement, and while Detroit could—and still may—decide to move right tackle Penei Sewell back to the left side, where he played in college, there’s still a starting spot to fill on the offensive line. The 6′ 6″, 308-pound Fano has experience playing both tackle spots. He has quick feet to mirror speed rushers and handle counters, and he’s effective pulling and climbing as a run blocker.” — Flick
Kadyn Procter, LT, Alabama (6-foot-7, 360)
Source: Nick Baumgardner (The Athletic), Ayrton Ostly (USA Today), Cody Williams (Fansided)
“The Lions could have needs nearly across the board on the offensive line, especially with left tackle Taylor Decker and interior lineman Graham Glasgow pondering their futures. Proctor is still more sizzle than steak, but the potential — like his 6-foot-7, 360-pound frame — is enormous.” — Baumgardner
Ioane Vega, LG, Penn State (6-foot-4, 335)
Source: Mark Schofield (SB Nation), Nate Tice and Charles McDonald (Yahoo Sports)
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