NFL Draft grades roundup: Lions rank near middle of the pack

Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Clemson Tigers offensive lineman Blake Miller is selected by the Detroit Lions as the number 17 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images With the 2026 NFL Draft in the books, the grades are starting to pour in from all around the internet. And while it’s malpractice to grade a draft class without so much as seeing the players take the field for their respective teams, there is room to assess how well a team did in addressing their short-term and long-term needs with their selections.

And it’s hard to argue about the Lions filling their needs with their first two selections being an offensive tackle and an edge defender, respectively. Detroit was also able to add a replacement for Alex Anzalone’s vacated spot at WILL linebacker, and add more youth and flexibility in the secondary with their fourth selection in the fifth round. Here’s a look at how national analysts graded the early returns of the Detroit Lions’ 2026 draft class.

Sporting News (Vinnie Iyer): A- GM Brad Holmes was in the unique position of reloading for a contender instead of trying for a overhaul. Miller should take over at left tackle for Taylor Decker while Moore is the right Michigan man to put opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Abney was their later steal to ensure another solid haul.

NFL. com (Chad Reuter): A- Miller came out of Clemson as a solid, experienced tackle — then showed above-average athleticism at the NFL Scouting Combine, likely clinching his status as a top-25 pick. He meets Detroit’s need for a tackle after Taylor Decker ‘s exit.