Pride of Detroit
Looking at 2026 NFL mock drafts early to see who you might need to keep your eye in this fall.
Now that the 2025 NFL Draft is over, the focus can transition to the 2026 NFL Draft, right? Oh yeah, a whole season must be played before we can get there. While that will be entertaining, it is fun to take a peek at what next year’s draft could look like.
Sure, these things aren’t as accurate as the mock drafts in March, but it’s a chance for people to prepare for the future. When the college football season kicks off in August, fans can watch and listen to how these players are doing and whether these early mocks will be accurate or not. They are also fun to review a year from now to see how bad (or scary good) these can be.
Looking back at the early mock drafts from last year, the players and needs weren’t too far off:
Of those picks, only Carter and Jackson were first-round picks, but Carter went much higher, up to number three to the New York Giants. Burks didn’t declare for the draft, and the others were taken in the second or third round, falling further than the projections had them.
So, let’s take an early look at these 2026 NFL Draft predictions for the Detroit Lions.
Pick 28: Oregon EDGE Matayo Uiagalelei
The younger brother of D.J. Uiagalelei has been impactful since arriving in Eugene. The 6-foot-5, 270-pound pass rusher recorded 10.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and even one interception last season alone. Jordan Burch, Jamaree Caldwell and Derrick Harmon are gone from that Ducks defensive line. The future lies in the hands of talented prospects like defensive tackle Bear Alexander and Uiagalelei.
Pick 28: Missouri G Cayden Green
Controlling the line of scrimmage will always be paramount for Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes, and Detroit could again address its interior offensive line after taking guard Tate Ratledge in the second round this year. Green isn’t on the same level as his former Missouri linemate Armand Membou, but he’s an ascendant prospect who’s steady in both the pass and run game.
Pick 28: Texas A&M WR Kevin Concepcion
A move from NC State to Texas A&M puts Concepcion in the heat of the SEC for the 2025 season. If he can replicate his success from previous years, he’s definitely on the board to be a first-round pick.
Pick 32: Alabama CB Domani Jackson
Jackson transferred from USC and started all 13 games last season at Alabama. He totaled 52 tackles with seven pass breakups and two interceptions. He was a five-star prospect coming...
