The Detroit Lions, after a disappointing 9-8 season in 2025, are focused on improving for the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite adding 16 players, there are doubts about their big-name acquisitions and the need for a starting-caliber offensive tackle following Taylor Decker's release.
After going 15-2 in 2024, the Detroit Lions felt like they were on a good path heading into the 2025 season. Yet, they instead got hit with a reminder that nothing is guaranteed from one year to the next, as they went just 9-8 and actually missed the playoffs altogether.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell have been determined to make sure Detroit wonât be sitting at home when the 2026 postseason begins. While the Lions have been active in free agency, adding 16 players to the roster, some would argue that Detroit hasnât made many, if any, big-name additions.
Lions rumors have often focused on adding another impact pass-rusher to play opposite of Aidan Hutchinson. The Lions responded by signing DJ Wonnum to a one-year, $3 million contract. He recorded three sacks last season.
Since starting left tackle Taylor Decker requested and was granted his release from the team, skeptics have strongly believed that the Lions need to add another starting-caliber offensive tackle, potentially even with their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Meanwhile, Holmes, the Lionsâ GM, believes that by signing 27-year-old tackle Larry Borom to a one-year contract worth $5 million, tackle is no longer an urgent need. Borum started 11 games for a Dolphins team that won seven games in 2025 and graded 64th among 89 tackles analyzed by Pro Football Focus.
Despite Detroitâs signings, NFL Draft analysts are still commonly projecting the Lions to select a pass-rusher or an offensive tackle who can replace right tackle Penei Sewell, who is expected to flip to the left side after Deckerâs departure. But the Lionsâ GM doesnât believe the team needs to be pressured into addressing either position with the 17th overall pick in the first round.
âYouâre talking about guys that have been starters in the NFL,â Holmes said, via Benjamin Raven of MLive.com. âBut just kind of look at where the trend is going, where the arrow is going the last time, theyâre still young. But we feel good about both of them, so we donât feel like itâs, you know, we have to supplement them if it doesnât work out.â
In other words, the Lions may not feel like they must select a tackle or pass-rusher with their first-round pick, but that doesnât mean both positions wonât still be in play with one of their other eight selections. That may include at No. 50, which is the only other selection the Lions have in the first 117 picks.
Related: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Trades Take Over First Round of NFL Draft
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