NFL.com shares 'ideal' top two Detroit Lions draft picks
NFL.com shared its ideal top two picks for the Detroit Lions.
After an NFL free agency cycle that's been largely without splashes and defined by a series of cheap, short-term deals , the Detroit Lions really need to make the 2026 NFL draft count. With young stars Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, Brian Branch and Sam LaPorta all in the mix to receive long-term, lucrative extensions, it makes sense why Detroit didn't go crazy in NFL free agency. But, again, that means the Lions need to hit in this 2026 NFL draft, especially with their two top-50 draft picks.
NFL. com's Eric Edholm shared his ideal top two picks for each team in the 2026 NFL draft. Here's what Edholm has as the Lions' ideal top two picks: Detroit Lions' ideal top two 2026 NFL draft picks Round 1: No.
17 overall: Georgia OT Monroe Freeling Round 2: No. 50 overall: Illinois EDGE Gabe Jacas These two picks would address the Lions' two biggest needs heading into the 2026 NFL draft with Detroit's first two selections. Here's what Edholm wrote about why these are the ideal top two picks for Detroit: I keep hearing that Freeling could go as high as the top 10, but this is how the table was set, and the Lions might gobble him up if he’s there.
The release of Taylor Decker leaves a big hole that’s currently set to be filled by Larry Borom , which is not enough. Jacas is a high-energy tone-setter who’s regarded as a great leader and locker-room presence. Both are traits the Lions look for, and they’re always hunting quality edge help.