With the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh drawing closer, the speculation around what the Detroit Lions will do is heating up. In our second collaborative mock draft, we've shifted our approach to channel the mindset of General Manager Brad Holmes, a task easier said than done given his track record of savvy, and sometimes surprising, selections.

Holmes has cemented his reputation as a top-tier evaluator, earning back-to-back Executive of the Year honors in 2023 and 2024. However, his success often comes from thinking outside the box, as Lions fans well remember from the 2023 draft's unexpected early picks. Predicting his moves requires embracing the unpredictable nature of a true team builder.

In this latest projection, we aimed to mirror that aggressive, forward-thinking philosophy. The result? A draft strategy that isn't afraid to make bold moves to secure impact players. For fans hoping the Lions make a splash and continue building a championship-caliber roster, this mock draft delivers an exciting glimpse into the possibilities.

You can dive into the full seven-round breakdown, complete with potential trades, on the Pride of Detroit YouTube channel or your preferred podcast platform. Be sure to subscribe for more in-depth analysis as we gear up for another pivotal draft weekend in Motor City.