What is the dream scenario for the Lions in Round 1?

TL;DR

The Detroit Lions are preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft, where GM Brad Holmes aims to acquire two or three starting players. A dream scenario involves trading down to select Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller, though it remains uncertain if this will be feasible.

Key points

Lions GM Brad Holmes aims to acquire starting players in the draft
Dream scenario includes trading down for Clemson's Blake Miller
Less draft capital than usual complicates Lions' strategy

Blake MillerDetroit Lions

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 24: Brad Holmes of the Detroit Lions speaks during a press conference at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine on February 24, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images We’re now just two sleeps away from the 2026 NFL Draft, a pivotal event for the Detroit Lions. With their budget tightening and Super Bowl window arguably shrinking, Lions general manager Brad Holmes must use this upcoming weekend to acquire at least two or three starting players who will give this team production and great value over the next four years. Holmes is dealing with less draft capital than he’s accustomed to having, but given his reputation as a very good college evaluator, and his propensity for moving all around the draft, he’ll have more than enough opportunities to improve this roster significantly. We have no idea how the draft will play out, and with so little information to go on with the Lions, we can only guess and dream of what they may do. So today’s Question of the Day is:

What is the dream scenario for the Lions in Round 1?

**My answer:** We tackled this topic a bit on the PODcast a few weeks ago, but after Monday’s episode—in which we made three dueling Lions mock drafts—I realized what my true dream scenario is: Trading down and acquiring Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller. Now, a reminder, this is a *dream* scenario. I have no idea what the NFL’s opinion of Miller is, but some are speculating that front offices are higher on Miller than the media is. On Wide Left’s consensus big board—which combines data from 110 media analysts—Miller ranks just 32nd in among this year’s class. If the NFL opinion of Miller matches that, Detroit could move down a considerable amount and still get what I believe to be an immediate starting left tackle. Earlier , and even a move 5-8 spots could net the Lions an extra third-round pick, something they could desperately use after throwing both of their previous third-round picks away in last year’s aggressive trade up for . A trade down 10+ spots could give them a bounty. Again, this is a dream scenario. Not only is it unclear if Miller would be available 10 spots later, but it’s even less clear if there would be a team willing to jump that far up in the draft to give the Lions the pick bounty they could so desperately use. What is your dream scenario? An elite prospect falling to Detroit? The Lions getting aggressive and landing the OT/EDGE that could put them over the top? Share your dreams—even if they’re ridiculous—in the comment section below.

Q&A

What is the Lions' strategy for the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Lions aim to acquire two or three starting players to enhance their roster, focusing on maximizing their draft capital despite having less than usual.

Who is Blake Miller and why is he a target for the Lions?

Blake Miller is a Clemson offensive tackle considered a potential immediate starter, and the Lions may trade down to select him if NFL teams value him higher than media rankings suggest.

What could the Lions gain from trading down in the draft?

Trading down could provide the Lions with additional picks, including a potential extra third-round pick, which they need after previous trades depleted their draft capital.