Note: Owen Heinecke, who Dane Brugler mocked to the Lions in the sixth round, was granted an injunction to play another season of college football
Mock drafts for the season are starting to wrap up as we are less than a week away from the start of the 2026 NFL draft in Pittsburgh. Most mock drafts will be a couple of rounds, but Dane Brugler of The Athletic always goes the distance after he releases his draft guide, properly titled “The Beast.”
Brugler projected all 257 picks and all seven rounds and we’ll take a quick look at those picks here, with his analysis for the Lions’ top pick at No. 17 overall and his one-liner takeaways for each player after.
First Round, No. 17: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Dane’s pick analysis:
Though he’s inexperienced in areas, Freeling is an ascending player with above-average size and athletic traits. The Lions have short-term options opposite Penei Sewell, but Freeling has the talent to earn his way onto the field at some point during his rookie season.
Dane’s takeaway on Freeling:
Freeling is still very young in several areas, but the future looks bright — his athletic toolbox and technical confidence continue to develop with each rep (he’s similar in ways to Kolton Miller as a prospect). Although bumps in the road should be expected, Freeling can secure a starting job as an NFL rookie.
Second Round, No. 50: D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
Dane’s takeaway:
Ponds is undersized (which will be a deal-breaker for some), but he compensates with top-tier speed, instincts and competitive toughness that is ingrained in his DNA. His play style makes it hard to bet against him becoming an inside-outside NFL starter.
Fourth Round, No. 118: Jakobe Thomas, S, Miami
Dane’s takeaway:
Thomas is a passionate competitor, which can lead to missteps but will also put him in position to play fast and make plays. He has the floor of a special-teamer and the potential to earn a starting role.
Fourth Round, No. 128: Caden Curry, EDGE, Ohio State
Dane’s takeaway:
Curry is a sawed-off, face-up pass rusher with a basic approach, but he plays alert and physical, and affects the game with his white-hot motor (his best attribute). He projects as a versatile NFL backup who can be moved up and down the line of scrimmage — reminiscent of John Simon, another former Ohio State edge defender.
Fifth Round, No. 157: Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma
Dane’s takeaway:
Halton is sawed off and can be overwhelmed at times, but he moves with big-man twitch and his initial quickness and closing speed can be weaponized. A part-time role that keeps his battery charged will be his best NFL fit.
Fifth Round, No. 181: Dallen Bentley, TE, Utah
Dane’s takeaway:
Bentley needs to become a more disciplined blocker to be trusted on a pro field, but his size-speed traits and pass-catching talent are potential assets for an NFL team.
Sixth Round, No. 205: Gary Smith III, DT, UCLA
Dane’s takeaway:
Smith doesn’t offer much beyond being a space-eater in the run game. That said, a girthy nose with heavy hands to neutralize at contact doesn’t go out of style for most schemes.
Sixth Round, No. 213: Owen Heinecke, LB, Oklahoma
Dane’s takeaway:
Heinecke is undersized and still developing in key areas, but he hasn’t lost his walk-on mentality and has what it takes to become an NFL linebacker and special-teamer. He has yet to play his best football, and in the right situation he could reach his potential.
Seventh Round, No. 222: Caleb Douglas, WR, Texas Tech
Dane’s takeaway:
Douglas needs to play with more consistent ball skills and underneath separation, but he can stride out and be a vertical threat on runway routes. His game is reminiscent of a diet version of Dontayvion Wicks.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Dane Brugler shares full Detroit Lions 7-round NFL mock draft
Reporting by Billy Riccette, Lions Wire / Lions Wire
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