Which positions could the Lions unexpectedly draft in the first round?

Detroit Lions executive vice president and general manager Brad Holmes speaks during media availability at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Detroit Lions need help at offensive tackle and defensive end. This has become a fact over the recent weeks in the leadup to the 2026 NFL Draft. As mock drafts have predicted for months, one of these two positions are reasonable targets for Detroit in the first round, and there should be an ample number of prospects available to them at pick 17.

However, what if the Lions zig when everyone else zags? Going against expectations has, funnily enough, been the expectation for general manager Brad Holmes. He has made bold selections on each day of the draft, many turning out well, some turning out not so well. In a draft where the choices seem obvious, there is a chance that Detroit makes a shocking, albeit justifiable, selection.

Today’s Question of the Day is:

Which positions could the Detroit Lions unexpectedly draft in the first round?

My answer: Safety.

The Lions have rarely drafted for immediate need, and if “their guys” are no longer available by the time the 17th (or later) pick rolls around, I could see them targeting insurance at safety.

Although the current safety room is fairly stocked on paper—Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch, Christian Izien, Thomas Harper, Avonte Maddox, Chuck Clark, Dan Jackson, and Loren Strickland makes eight—the future is very much a question mark. Of the eight safeties, only four are signed beyond 2026: Joseph, Branch, Harper, and Jackson. Joseph and Branch each face significant uncertainty regarding their health, with Joseph potentially battling a long-term knee condition and Branch coming off an often devastating Achilles tear. Jackson, meanwhile, spent his entire rookie season on injured reserve—even then, he was a mere seventh-round selection last year.

Caleb Downs would be a player I’d feel comfortable trading up for if he slides beyond pick 10, though a slide would purely be due to positional value, not a lack of talent from the Ohio State safety. As for players that could feasibly be on the board at 17, Dillon Thieneman of Oregon or Emmanuel McNeil-Warren of Toledo could be tempting targets for Detroit. Both players have the skillset to play either safety spot in the Lions defense, and it could be a toss-up which player Detroit prefers.

Taking a safety in the first round would certainly upset many in the Lions community, as the need for offensive tackle or defensive end appear to far outweigh the need at safety. However, it is worth remembering that the Lions have historically tried to set themselves up pre-draft to select based on talent, not outright need. There is a chance that the Lions stick with Larry Borom or DJ Wonnum as starters. They would not pass on a player higher on their board simply because of position.

Do I think Thieneman or McNeil-Warren will be high on Detroit’s wishlist, above first-round tackle prospects? I am not sure. However, if the Lions do indeed draft a safety, it will be telling about how they feel about the rest of the 2026 draft class and their current roster.