NFL draft grades: ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. assesses Detroit Lions picks

With its NFL draft class complete and after adding undrafted free agent signings , the Detroit Lions can begin to turn their full attention toward its offseason workout dates . The Lions ' OTA offseason workouts are set for May 27-29, June 2-4 and June 9-11. Then, Detroit has its mandatory minicamp on June 16-17 before training camp opens shortly thereafter.

In the meantime, folks nationally are sounding off on team's finalized draft classes. That includes longtime ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. , who gave the Lions' seven-player NFL draft class a B letter grade .

Kiper listed offensive tackle, guard, edge rusher, cornerback and safety as the Lions' top needs entering the draft. The Lions addressed its perceived top need straight away with its No. 17 overall selection, Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller.

Here's what Kiper had to say about the Lions' decision to draft Miller: Taylor Decker requesting his release threw a small wrench into the Lions' offseason. It was already a critical offseason after Detroit missed the playoffs in 2025, but there was suddenly a huge hole at left tackle, adding to the overall protection issues. The Lions were 31st in pass block win rate last season at 55.