If mock drafts are any indication, offensive tackles and edge rushers will come flying off the board next Thursday night. As many as seven players at each position are seen as possible first-round picks, which would seem to suit a team like the Lions with the No. 17 overall pick and long-term needs at both those spots.
"I always think, an offensive tackle or whatever you call the 'premium position' category, I don't think you can ever really have enough of them," Brad Holmes said Monday during his pre-draft press conference. "Those guys are hard to find, but you've got to make sure that you get the right one. But I think there's some good ones (in this draft). We'll just kind of see how it falls."
The top of the offensive tackle class is headlined by Miami's Francis Mauigoa and Utah's Spencer Fano, while Georgia's Monroe Freeling, Clemson's Blake Miller and Alabama's Kadyn Proctor are some of the most intriguing options after that.
The top of the edge rusher class is led by Ohio State's Arvell Reese and Texas Tech's David Bailey, with the Miami duo of Reuben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor drawing lots of buzz, along with the likes of Keldric Faulk of Auburn and Cassius Howell of Texas A&M.
But after signing edge D.J. Wonnum and offensive tackle Larry Borom in free agency, the Lions won't feel pressed to make an early move at either position. Holmes said he views both of those players as every-down starters, Borom likely at right tackle with Penei Sewell poised to flip to the left.
Do Lions view Larry Borom and DJ Wonnum as every-down starters?
Brad Holmes: “You’re talking about guys who have been starters in the NFL … they’re still young. We feel good about both of them, so we don’t feel like we *have* to supplement them.” pic.twitter.com/1K23N5CBpY
— 97.1 The Ticket: (@971theticketxyt) April 13, 2026
"I thought Borom put out good tape this year. I don't have a crystal ball, but the last thing I saw on tape, I do think that he’s got starter-level ability, and same as Wonnum," said Holmes. "You’re talking about guys that have been starters in the NFL. But just looking at where the trend is going, where the arrow is going, the last time (they played), they’re still young. We feel good about both of them, so we don’t feel like we have to supplement them."
The Lions are set to make their highest first-round pick since trading back from No. 6 and selecting Jahmyr Gibbs 12th overall in 2023. They also got Jack Campbell that year 18th overall, after which Holmes said that Gibbs and Campbell were two of a small group of players on whom the Lions had first-round grades in that draft.
Asked Monday how many players the Lions have graded as first-round talents in this draft, Holmes said, "We’re not there yet in terms of having an absolute count. We still have some more work to do this week, for sure."
"But we feel pretty good. I think we’ll still be able to get a good player. I do think that this draft is not too much different than what it’s been in the past, probably, couple years. But obviously we’re picking higher than we have been in the past, so hopefully it will put us in position to get a better player."
