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Brad Holmes pushed back on Lions fans who think their title window is closed.
The day has officially arrived, and for most Detroit Lions fans, it would normally represent the pinnacle of the club’s year. But now, thanks to a pair of recent postseason appearances, those expectations are naturally higher, and anticipation continues to build as to what the plan could be.
Thursday night is the opener of the 2026 NFL Draft, and it will be held in Pittsburgh, home of the Steelers. The Detroit Lions, who are still feeling some of the sting of having missed the playoffs for the first time since 2023, enter the fold holding the 17th overall selection, as part of their nine overall selections.
But what are the chances that the Lions decide to make a major move involving one of their early selections?
Could The Detroit Lions Make A Trade At The 2026 NFL Draft?
According to a new report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, he’s been told by an anonymous team executive that the Lions have been calling around regarding the potential of a trade.
“One team exec told me that Detroit has called around for a potential trade,” Fowler wrote. “Though these could be feeler calls, it’s worth noting that an offensive tackle run could happen early, with four possibly going in the top 14. And Detroit has an obvious need at one of the tackle spots.”
Lions GM Brad Holmes, who will ultimately be making the impactful selection (if they use it), said they intend on getting a good player.
“I still think we’ll be able to get a good player,” Holmes said of the No. 17 overall pick. “I do think that this draft is not too much different than what it’s been in the last probably couple of years. Obviously, we’re picking higher than we have in the past, so hopefully that will put us in position to get a better player.”
“It was really more in the past, where I’ve gotten – for our process, it’s a lot of time that you miss,” Holmes said. “So, by the time that you get back, I’m kind of in a make-up mode because of all the time that you missed for our process.
“So, that’s why I kind of just said, look, in order for me to try to kind of avoid being in that make-up mode – because now you hop into draft meetings with the scouts, and it keeps rolling, but you’ve missed a good chunk of time for us. So, that’s what went into it this year.”
The Lions Hold Multiple Picks In The Upcoming 2026 NFL Draft
Here are Detroit’s current picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins officially on Thursday evening:
- Round 1, Pick 17
- Round 2, Pick 18 (No. 50 overall)
- Round 4, Pick 18 (118)
- Round 4, Pick 28 (128) – from Texans
- Round 5, Pick 17 (157)
- Round 5, Pick 41 (181) – compensatory selection
- Round 6, Pick 24 (205) – from Jaguars
- Round 6, Pick 32 (213) – from Seahawks through Jaguars
- Round 7, Pick 6 (222) – from Browns
Last year, with the 28th overall selection, the Lions went with help on the defensive side of the ball, selecting defensive tackle Tyleik Williams out of Ohio State. They then selected OG Tate Ratledge out of Georgia in the second round with the 57th overall pick.
Michael Whitaker Michael Whitaker is a sports journalist based in metro Detroit with nearly a full decade of experience with publications like Clutch Points and The Hockey News. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from Eastern Michigan University. More about Michael Whitaker
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