It may take years to deliver a definitive appraisal of the Detroit Lions’ 2026 NFL Draft returns.
But in the immediate aftermath, there appear to be some clear winners and losers.
Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft winners
GM Brad Holmes
In recent years, the Lions general manager had been slammed for downplaying the importance of adding a high-value pass rusher to pair with star Aidan Hutchinson. Since 2024, Holmes didn’t seem willing to invest much capital in the position, choosing instead to plug that spot with inexpensive veterans such as Marcus Davenport, Al-Quadin Muhammad and, most recently, DJ Wonnum. Holmes, in turn, began to earn a reputation as a football contrarian for the stubborn, almost cavalier approach he took toward addressing an obvious need. But Holmes quelled his critics Friday, when he made the call to move up and select Michigan defensive end Derrick Moore in Round 2 with the 44th overall pick.
“You going to get off my ass now?” Holmes joked afterwards. “Probably not.”
Au contraire. Lions fans – and the media – have been placated. In fact, Holmes’ public approval rating is now undeniably higher than it was when the draft began.
QB Jared Goff
After the Lions selected him in the first round, Blake Miller remembered being stunned when he read a text sent by one of his new teammates.
“At the bottom it said, ‘Jared Goff,’” Detroit’s new offensive tackle recalled. “That was a little surreal moment for me.”
But he shouldn’t have been surprised the star quarterback reached out to him. Goff was probably thrilled to learn Miller had come aboard. The unit charged with protecting Goff, after all, is now stronger. Miller stabilizes an essential position that looked iffy following the release of Taylor Decker in March.
While Holmes expressed confidence free-agent addition Larry Borom could become a starter, he appeared better suited for a backup role. By adding Miller, the Lions’ have helped safeguard Goff, their most valuable asset. During his final college season, the Clemson lineman surrendered only 14 pressures – the second-lowest total among Football Bowl Subdivision tackles who logged at least 500 pass-blocking snaps. Miller should provide Goff more peace of mind after he absorbed a career-high 38 sacks in 2025.
DE Aidan Hutchinson
Since coming to Detroit in 2022, Hutchinson has been the Lions’ main pass rush source.
At times, it has felt like he has been the sole supplier of sacks, quarterback hits and pressures. He is so indispensable that coach Dan Campbell has been reluctant to take him off the field. Last season, Hutchinson played 1,005 snaps – the second-highest total logged by an NFL edge defender. Hutchinson doesn’t seem to mind his heavy workload. But there are questions about whether it is sustainable.
That is why Hutchinson will benefit from the addition of Moore, who, as Holmes said, “can spell Hutch in that rush rotation.” He could also divert attention away from him. Last season, Hutchinson faced the fifth-highest rate of chips among all NFL defensive linemen. Moore, who had 10 sacks during his final year at Michigan, could potentially pull away the extra blockers that opponents have used to impede Hutchinson. That could have a huge impact on the Lions’ most productive pass rusher – and Detroit’s defense at large.
Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft losers
OL Giovanni Manu
Giovanni Manu was always seen as a project. But the Lions were so enamored with his upside they were willing to trade up to select the University of British Columbia product in 2024’s fourth round, believing he had the potential to grow into a future starter at tackle. Two years later, that no longer seems to be in the cards in Detroit, after the Lions grabbed Miller in the first round Thursday. Miller will be slotted at one end of the offensive line; perennial All-Pro Penei Sewell at the other. Both players are expected to remain in their spots for the foreseeable future. Where does that leave Manu? The answer is uncertain. When this offseason began, his outlook already seemed murky. He was behind the development curve, having appeared in just four regular-season games during his first two years.
“I’m not going to sit here and say that we feel convicted that he’s ready to be a major contributor,” Holmes said in January.
By bringing Miller into the fold, the Lions have now ensured Manu won’t be.
WR Dominic Lovett
When Kalif Raymond signed with the Chicago Bears in March, it appeared that the window of opportunity had opened for Lovett to seize a bigger role. But in March, the Lions signed Greg Dortch. Then, on Saturday, they traded up 13 spots in the fifth round to draft Kentucky’s Kendrick Law. Both newcomers are receivers and return specialists – just like Lovett, a 2025 seventh-rounder. Lovett, who struggled to get on the field as a rookie and was inactive the final four games, could be the odd man out if Detroit continues to carry five receivers on the roster. After all, Holmes seems to like Law and raved about his versatile skill set Saturday.
“I think he could do multiple roles,” Holmes said.
The general manager later described Law as a “four-phase special teams player.” Lovett, it should be noted, almost exclusively contributed to the Lions’ two punt units.
Holmes’ remark about Law may mean nothing as it relates to Lovett. But it did seem telling.
Speaking about Law, Holmes said, “He’s a dog, man. He’s a football player.”
He is also a threat to steal Lovett’s spot. Lovett better beware. He probably already is.
Contact Rainer Sabin at rsabin@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft winners, losers: VIPs get extra edge
Reporting by Rainer Sabin, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
