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Will the Lions make a 3rd-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?
TL;DR
The Detroit Lions currently lack a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, with their next selection after the 50th overall pick being 118th. However, general manager Brad Holmes has a history of trading to acquire additional picks, suggesting the situation could change.
Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Detroit Lions currently have a huge gap in their picks for the 2026 NFL Draft. After the 50th overall pick, the Lions will have to wait until Pick 118 until they’re on the clock again. That’s essentially two full rounds of draft picks that Lions general manager Brad Holmes and company will have to watch come off the board one-by-one.
Of course, it doesn’t have to stay that way. Holmes has not been shy about moving in the draft, particularly in those middle rounds. As we saw last year, the Lions moved from the bottom of the third round to nearly the top to get Isaac TeSlaa. The year before that, they used future draft capital to move into the fourth round for Giovanni Manu. In 2023, Holmes packaged some picks to acquire another third-round pick to draft Brodric Martin.
So while the Lions currently don’t have a third-round pick, that could change in a hurry. So today’s Question of the Day is:
Do you think the Lions will make a third-round pick in 2026?
My answer: I do.
The Lions are in a position where they need contributing players that are on young, cheap rookie deals. We saw in free agency just how restricting the Lions’ current financial situation is because of their expensive core of franchise players. With only two top-100 picks this year to help balance that budget, I would expect Holmes to figure out a way he can add to those assets.
He could do it a couple of ways. One, he could trade down from the 17th overall spot 6-10 spots and potentially gain a third-round pick in return. Or, he could do what he’s often done in the past and package Day 3 or 2027 picks to get back into the third round this year. I’d prefer the former strategy, but Holmes has certainly shown he’s more willing to do the latter.
Do you think Holmes finds a way to pick up a third-round pick in 2026? How do you think he’ll do it? Share your thoughts in the comment section at the bottom of the page.
Q&A
Why don't the Detroit Lions have a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Lions do not have a third-round pick due to previous trades and their current draft position, which leaves a significant gap after their 50th overall selection.
How has Brad Holmes previously acquired additional draft picks for the Lions?
Brad Holmes has a track record of trading up in the draft, including moving from the bottom of the third round to the top for Isaac TeSlaa and using future capital to acquire a fourth-round pick for Giovanni Manu.
What are the implications of the Lions' draft strategy for the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Lions' lack of a third-round pick could impact their ability to address key roster needs, but their willingness to trade may allow them to secure additional picks before the draft concludes.