ClutchPoints
The Detroit Lions had a rather disappointing season in 2025 after earning the NFC’s No. 1 seed in 2024. Detroit has fired offensive coordinator John Morton, preparing to add its fourth offensive coordinator since Dan Campbell was named head coach in 2021. And they are likely to make some hard decisions this offseason.
The Lions did not make the playoffs this year. As a result, they are turning their attention to the offseason and, more importantly, the 2026 NFL Draft. Detroit has 105 days to work through its scouting reports. Once April 23 comes around, they are on the clock with the 17th pick in the first round.
With the Lions preparing for the draft, ClutchPoints consulted PFF’s Mock Draft Simulator for a three-round mock. It’s important to note, as it pertains to this team, that Detroit does not own a third-round pick. They used their 2026 third to move up last year to select wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa in the third round.
With no further ado, let’s take a look at this early Lions mock draft.
One of the main questions hanging over the Lions this offseason is the future of Taylor Decker. The former Ohio State star has spent his entire career in the Motor City since going in the first round back in 2016. He has been one of the more consistent offensive linemen in the league during his career.
However, he has also battled injuries throughout his time with the Lions. And his game on Sunday against the Chicago Bears may have been his final time suiting up in the NFL. “I’m not willing to put my family through it. I’m not willing to be a distant father,” the Lions tackle said after Week 18, via The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy.
In this mock draft, the Lions elected to go with a tackle in the first round. Francis Mauigoa is one of the best-rated tackles in the 2026 NFL Draft. He is the second-highest rated tackle on PFF’s big board, and the 20th-ranked player overall.
The Miami product makes sense as he can be effective in the passing game as well as a run blocker. Detroit allowed quarterback Jared Goff to be sacked 38 times, the eighth-most amount of sacks a quarterback took in 2025. Moreover, Detroit’s run game was uncharacteristically inconsistent. Detroit went from 146.4 rushing yards per game in 2024 to 120.1 in 2025.
Mauigoa is a perfect fit at right tackle for this Lions team. It would give them one of the best young tackle duos in the league alongside Penei Sewell. The Hurricanes star could be a huge addition for Detroit in 2026.
As previously alluded to, Detroit’s offensive line was not its usual dominant self in 2025. The Lions have shown great pride in winning in the trenches on both sides of the ball. However, this was not on display in 2025,...
