The Detroit Lions received a B grade for their seven-player draft class in the 2026 NFL Draft. Analysis of each Lions pick is available from USA TODAY Sports.
Key points
Detroit Lions received a B grade for their draft class
Lions drafted seven players in the 2026 NFL Draft
Nate Davis provided the draft grades
USA TODAY Sports graded all 257 NFL draft picks
Detailed analysis available for Lions' picks
Detroit LionsNFL Draft 2026
NFL draft grades: USA TODAY Sports scores every Detroit Lions pick
What about each and every Lions pick? USA TODAY Sports' Jacob Camenkerand Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz graded all 257 NFL draft picks. What did they say about the Lions?
Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller (78) and offensive lineman Walker Parks (64) block during the third quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia Monday, September 5, 2022.
Ncaa Fb Clemson At Georgia Tech
Q&A
What grade did the Detroit Lions receive for their 2026 NFL Draft picks?
The Detroit Lions received a B grade for their seven-player draft class.
Who provided the NFL draft grades for the Detroit Lions?
USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis provided the NFL draft grades for the Detroit Lions.
How many players did the Detroit Lions draft in 2026?
The Detroit Lions drafted seven players in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Where can I find detailed analysis of each Detroit Lions draft pick?
Detailed analysis of each Detroit Lions draft pick can be found in the USA TODAY Sports coverage.
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 03: Blake Miller #78 and Mitchell Mayes #77 of the Clemson Tigers walk of the field following their win over North Carolina Tar Heels in the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium on December 03, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
Oct 12, 2024; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers offensive lineman Blake Miller (78) during the second half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Oct 19, 2024; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers offensive lineman Blake Miller (78) and teammates warm up prior to the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Alexander Hicks-Imagn Images
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Clemson Tigers offensive lineman Blake Miller (78) against the Texas Longhorns during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller (78) stretches during the football practice at the Allen N. Reeves Football Complex at Clemson University in Clemson, S.C. Monday, March 3, 2025.
Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller (78) during Spring Practice in Clemson, S.C. Monday, March 24, 2025.
Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller (78), middle and teammates during Clemson Tiger Walk, two hours before kickoff with Troy University, at Memorial Stadium in Clemson Saturday, August 31, 2025.
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) fades back to pass behind offensive linemen, from left, Blake Miller (78), offensive lineman Elijah Thurmon (52), Ryan Linthicum (53), Harris Sewell (55) and Collin Sadler (50) playing Troy during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, September 6, 2025.
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 06: Blake Miller #78 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates their 27-16 win against the Troy Trojans with Ryan Linthicum #53 of the Clemson Tigers at Memorial Stadium on September 06, 2025 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Katie Januck/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 22: Blake Miller #78 of the Clemson Tigers looks on at the fans before the game against the Furman Paladins at Memorial Stadium on November 22, 2025 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Katie DeVaney/Getty Images)
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney with offensive lineman Blake Miller (78) before kickoff with Furman University at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, SC, Saturday, November 22, 2025.
Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller (78) warms up during the Pinstipe Bowl practice in Clemson, S.C. Monday, Dec. 15, 2025.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 01: Blake Miller of the Clemson Tigers participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 01, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - MARCH 12: Blake Miller #78 of the Clemson Tigers talks to press during Pro Day at Allen N. Reeves Football Complex on March 12, 2026 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Katie DeVaney/Getty Images)
Detroit Lions first round draft Blake Miller, center, poses for a photo with his father Chris Miller, left, girlfriend Kylie Jicha, center left, and mother Karen Miller at his introductory press conference at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, April 24, 2026.
Detroit Lions first round draft Blake Miller, center, poses for a photo with his father Chris Miller, left, and mother Karen Miller at his introductory press conference at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, April 24, 2026.
Detroit Lions first round draft Blake Mille answers a question during his introductory press conference at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, April 24, 2026.
Detroit Lions first round draft Blake Mille answers a question during his introductory press conference at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, April 24, 2026.
Detroit Lions first round draft Blake Mille answers a question during his introductory press conference at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, April 24, 2026.
Detroit Lions first round draft Blake Mille answers a question during his introductory press conference at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, April 24, 2026.
Detroit Lions first round draft Blake Mille answers a question during his introductory press conference at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, April 24, 2026.
Detroit Lions first round draft Blake Mille answers a question during his introductory press conference at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, April 24, 2026.
From left, Detroit Lions first-round draft pick Blake Miller's girlfriend, Kylie Jicha, father Chris Miller, and mother Karen Miller watch Blake speak during the introductory press conference at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, April 24, 2026.
Detroit Lions first round draft Blake Miller walks off the podium after speaking at the introductory press conference at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, April 24, 2026.
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Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft pick Blake Miller photos over the years
Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller (78) and offensive lineman Walker Parks (64) block during the third quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia Monday, September 5, 2022.
Ncaa Fb Clemson At Georgia Tech
1 / 25
Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft pick Blake Miller photos over the years
Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller (78) and offensive lineman Walker Parks (64) block during the third quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia Monday, September 5, 2022.
Ncaa Fb Clemson At Georgia Tech
2 / 25
Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft pick Blake Miller photos over the years
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 03: Blake Miller #78 and Mitchell Mayes #77 of the Clemson Tigers walk of the field following their win over North Carolina Tar Heels in the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium on December 03, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
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Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft pick Blake Miller photos over the years
Oct 12, 2024; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers offensive lineman Blake Miller (78) during the second half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
4 / 25
Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft pick Blake Miller photos over the years
Oct 19, 2024; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers offensive lineman Blake Miller (78) and teammates warm up prior to the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Alexander Hicks-Imagn Images
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Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft pick Blake Miller photos over the years
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Clemson Tigers offensive lineman Blake Miller (78) against the Texas Longhorns during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft pick Blake Miller photos over the years
Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller (78) stretches during the football practice at the Allen N. Reeves Football Complex at Clemson University in Clemson, S.C. Monday, March 3, 2025.
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Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft pick Blake Miller photos over the years
Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller (78) during Spring Practice in Clemson, S.C. Monday, March 24, 2025.
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Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft pick Blake Miller photos over the years
Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller (78), middle and teammates during Clemson Tiger Walk, two hours before kickoff with Troy University, at Memorial Stadium in Clemson Saturday, August 31, 2025.
9 / 25
Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft pick Blake Miller photos over the years
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) fades back to pass behind offensive linemen, from left, Blake Miller (78), offensive lineman Elijah Thurmon (52), Ryan Linthicum (53), Harris Sewell (55) and Collin Sadler (50) playing Troy during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, September 6, 2025.
10 / 25
Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft pick Blake Miller photos over the years
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 06: Blake Miller #78 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates their 27-16 win against the Troy Trojans with Ryan Linthicum #53 of the Clemson Tigers at Memorial Stadium on September 06, 2025 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Katie Januck/Getty Images)
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Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft pick Blake Miller photos over the years
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 22: Blake Miller #78 of the Clemson Tigers looks on at the fans before the game against the Furman Paladins at Memorial Stadium on November 22, 2025 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Katie DeVaney/Getty Images)
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Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft pick Blake Miller photos over the years
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney with offensive lineman Blake Miller (78) before kickoff with Furman University at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, SC, Saturday, November 22, 2025.
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Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft pick Blake Miller photos over the years
Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller (78) warms up during the Pinstipe Bowl practice in Clemson, S.C. Monday, Dec. 15, 2025.
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Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft pick Blake Miller photos over the years
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 01: Blake Miller of the Clemson Tigers participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 01, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
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Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft pick Blake Miller photos over the years
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - MARCH 12: Blake Miller #78 of the Clemson Tigers talks to press during Pro Day at Allen N. Reeves Football Complex on March 12, 2026 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Katie DeVaney/Getty Images)
16 / 25
Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft pick Blake Miller photos over the years
Detroit Lions first round draft Blake Miller, center, poses for a photo with his father Chris Miller, left, girlfriend Kylie Jicha, center left, and mother Karen Miller at his introductory press conference at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, April 24, 2026.
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Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft pick Blake Miller photos over the years
Detroit Lions first round draft Blake Miller, center, poses for a photo with his father Chris Miller, left, and mother Karen Miller at his introductory press conference at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, April 24, 2026.
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Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft pick Blake Miller photos over the years
Detroit Lions first round draft Blake Mille answers a question during his introductory press conference at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, April 24, 2026.
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Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft pick Blake Miller photos over the years
Detroit Lions first round draft Blake Mille answers a question during his introductory press conference at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, April 24, 2026.
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Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft pick Blake Miller photos over the years
Detroit Lions first round draft Blake Mille answers a question during his introductory press conference at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, April 24, 2026.
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Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft pick Blake Miller photos over the years
Detroit Lions first round draft Blake Mille answers a question during his introductory press conference at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, April 24, 2026.
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Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft pick Blake Miller photos over the years
Detroit Lions first round draft Blake Mille answers a question during his introductory press conference at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, April 24, 2026.
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Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft pick Blake Miller photos over the years
Detroit Lions first round draft Blake Mille answers a question during his introductory press conference at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, April 24, 2026.
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Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft pick Blake Miller photos over the years
From left, Detroit Lions first-round draft pick Blake Miller's girlfriend, Kylie Jicha, father Chris Miller, and mother Karen Miller watch Blake speak during the introductory press conference at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, April 24, 2026.
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Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft pick Blake Miller photos over the years
Detroit Lions first round draft Blake Miller walks off the podium after speaking at the introductory press conference at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, April 24, 2026.
Grade: B
The Lions' need and desire to address the void at offensive tackle after Taylor Decker's release was obvious. Less clear, however, was just whom Brad Holmes would zero in on. Perhaps more people should have seen this one coming, though. Miller is experienced, astute and athletic with an optimal frame for handling NFL edge rushers. With the bulk of his experience coming at right tackle, however, this signals that Penei Sewell should be making the switch to the left side.
Well, Dan Campbell certainly has a type. Moore is ultra-physical and persistent, and he can be counted on to hold up against both the run and pass. But he might not be sufficiently dynamic to finish off plays in the backfield beyond clean-up work. This felt a bit high for him, especially in a trade-up scenario.
No. 118 overall: Jimmy Rolder, Michigan LB
Grade: B
The Lions keep building out their defense with Michigan picks, adding Rolder after taking Derrick Moore in the second. The linebacker came on strong in his lone year as a starter, establishing himself as a legit NFL prospect. He can make immediate contributions in stopping the run while growing his comfort zone in coverage.
No. 157 overall: Keith Abney II, Arizona State CB
Grade: A-
Abney was a great contested catch cornerback at Arizona and generated 21 pass defenses and five interceptions over his last two college seasons. His smaller size (5-10, 187 pounds) may make him a nickel back at the professional level, but the Lions can let him compete for playing time early in his NFL career.
Law never translated his considerable speed into consistent production at Alabama or Kentucky, but he's got legit pull-away ability. Detroit could tap into his explosiveness, particularly as a run-after-catch threat.
Gill-Howard is undersized at 6-1, 291 pounds, but showed off a good motor and explosiveness during his lone season at Texas Tech. He has some injury concerns after missing half of last season with an ankle injury, but it's easy to envision him becoming a solid rotational lineman in Detroit's defense.
The Lions are adding another late-round defensive tackle to the fold. West (6-1, 278 pounds) is small for an interior lineman but had 10 sacks over his four seasons at Tennessee. He was only a five-game starter, so his ceiling is probably as a rotational defensive lineman.
