The Detroit Lions are on the clock in our 2026 Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft!
But before we reveal Erik Schlitt’s pick for the Lions, let’s break down who has been picked, and the logical candidates to be Detroit’s pick in this scenario.
Here’s how the board has fallen through 16 picks. You can see each individual pick by clicking the link:
Now, let’s take a brief look at eight logical candidates to be the Lions’ pick in this situation:
OT Spencer Fano, Utah
Considered by some to be the best pure tackle prospect in this year’s draft, it’s a surprise to see Fano still on the board. While a smidge undersized at 6-foot-5, 300 pounds, Fano makes up for it with elite athleticism, extreme effort, and good mechanics. A three-year starter at Utah, Fano has given up just one sack over the last two seasons, and in 2025, he allowed zero sacks and just five total pressures, per PFF.
OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
Proctor is almost the opposite of Fano. He’s an absolute monster of a man at 6-foot-7, 352 pounds and he’s more brute strength than finesse—although he’s got a surprising amount of athleticism for a man that big. On top of that, the Lions reportedly “love” Proctor.
OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
Lomu, the left tackle at Utah while Fano mostly locked down the right, was just as productive of a pass protector. He allowed just two sacks over two seasons, including an outstanding 2025 that saw zero sacks allowed and only eight pressures. But he’s a little more developmental than Fano, particularly as a run blocker.
OT Blake Miller, Clemson
A favorite of Erik Schlitt, Miller has a lot of things going for him, including elite athleticism, a good frame, and a tenacious attitude that fit’s Detroit’s grit. His game could use more polish, but he’s without a doubt a character fit with the Lions, and with 54 career starts, he’s well-seasoned.
EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Stylistically, Faulk is a pretty neat fit in what the Lions want in a three-down defender opposite Aidan Hutchinson. He’s big (6-foot-6, 276), long, and plays an extremely physical style of ball. The sack production fell off in 2025, going from 7.0 sacks to just 2.0, but he often slid inside at Auburn, showing off the kind of versatility the Lions will actually like. Plus, he’s only 20 years old and a very good run defender.
EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami
If the Lions are looking for pure pass rush, Mesidor may be the better edge option. Over six seasons, he’s had 35.5 sacks, including 12.5 last year for the Hurricane. While not the optimal size for an edge setter (6-foot-3, 259), he gives high effort and plays in a physical way that Detroit could certainly still make it work. He’s also 25 years old already.
CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
Cornerback is not an immediate need for this team, but with both D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold entering prove-it seasons, the long-term outlook at the position is still very much up in the air. McCoy would bring some size to a Lions cornerback room that could use it, and has some natural ball skills. While not a polished tackler in the run game, he certainly shows the effort. Notably, he’s also coming off a season lost to an ACL injury.
CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
Speaking of injuries, Terrell has been in the news for such reasons. A hamstring injury has limited his ability to participate in pre-draft workouts. But once he clears, Terrell could be an outstanding nickel corner at the next level. He gives off serious Amik Robertson vibes with both his undersized (5-foot-11, 186), underdog mentality and his ability to thrive in press-man coverage. Throw in a willingness to get dirty in the run game, and this is another clear culture fit in Detroit.
Who do you think the Lions should pick? Vote in the poll below, and we’ll reveal Erik’s pick on Wednesday.
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