Best, Worst Case Scenarios For 2026 Detroit Lions Draft Class

If the 2026 Detroit Lions are going to turn around their fortune after a frustrating 2025 season, they are going to need their young players to make a big impact. That means getting big contributions from the 2024 draft class that has disappointed thus far, seeing a Year 2 jump from the 2025 class, and even getting some significant playing time from this year’s rookie class.

It would be unrealistic to expect all of their 2026 NFL Draft picks to contribute in meaningful ways, but on this week’s Midweek Mailbag podcast, we discuss the best and worst-case scenarios for each pick—within the realm of realistic outcomes.

For example, let’s start with first-round pick Blake Miller. When it comes to worst-case scenarios, it would likely start with him not being able to win the starting job to start the season. Detroit did hype up Larry Borom after free agency, and he has split first-team reps with Miller out of the game, as expected. While it seems very, very unlikely Miller doesn’t win the role before Week 1, the Lions have shown in the past they are willing to give jobs to whoever earns them. And even in this unlikely scenario, Miller likely eventually takes over at some point in his rookie season. You just don’t spend a first-round pick on an offensive tackle unless you think they can ball right away—especially with a player as experienced as Miller.

But what’s the ceiling for the former Clemson Tiger? Is it possible Miller can somehow make a run at a Pro Bowl or All-Pro nod? Or is it too difficult for a rookie player to break into that discussion when offensive linemen are often awarded based on reputation over single seasons?

Erik Schlitt and I debate the most optimistic and pessimistic outlooks for all of the Lions’ draft class on this week’s episode.

Other topics this week include (in chronological order):

• After Kendrick Law’s injury, who are the front-runners for the gunner and returner jobs?
• What will the Lions’ secondary look like in 2027?
• Does Isaac TeSlaa mean more 11-personnel this year?
• How big of a jump can we expect from players now a full year from a serious injury (ie: Alim McNeill, Malcolm Rodriguez)?
• How long will Jared Goff still play at a high level?
• Ranking the importance of each role in Detroit’s explosive offense: Jared Goff, OL, skill position players, OC, Dan Campbell
• How does an offensive line build chemistry?
• Will the Lions’ offense change play designs with Penei Sewell at left tackle now?

Check out this week’s episode on your favorite podcasting platform or using the Spotify embed below. And if you have some time, please leave a rating on Spotify and a review over on Apple Podcasts.

If you want more Midweek Mailbag, be sure to catch this week’s episode on our Twitch and YouTube pages, where there is extra bonus content between segments!