Texas Tech’s David Bailey rushes the Kent State offense during a non-conference football game, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium. USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectThe Lions are the most unpredictable team there is when it comes to the draft, and we have three scenarios they could shock the world with
The 2026 NFL Draft is just one day away. The Detroit Lions are going to be on the clock at 17, assuming they don’t trade up or down.
When that pick comes around, what are the Lions going to do? That is the big question. If there is one thing we know about Brad Holmes and the Lions, it’s that they are crazy unpredictable. Something shocking could happen on Thursday night, and you almost might not be shocked because you’ve been shocked so many times.
With that in mind, we’re going to bring up three scenarios in which the Lions do some shocking things that could realistically happen. These are not things we think the Lison should do, but we can understand the logic of some of these moves. Let’s jump into it.
Hold on, let me duck real quick. Ok, are you done throwing things at me now? Look, I know it doesn’t make sense when you first hear it, but if the Lions are all about best player available and maximizing at positions, they could absolutley do that if a guy like Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson falls to them.
In this scenario, the Lions get that X receiver they’ve been trying to find since 2021. Yes, they have Isaac TeSlaa, and I understand that they just traded three third-round picks for Issac TeSlaa. But if they can majorly upgrade, why wouldn’t they do it? Fans would be very upset, but they won’t care when it works out. Of course, if it doesn’t, then fans will rightly have all the ammo they need to call for Holmes’ job.
If the Lions want to maximize the number of picks they have this draft, and the guys they love the most can be had outside of the first round, you can see why they would do a move like this. Ideally, you’d find a way to get an extra second and a third. So we’re talking about doing this if you find a super desperate team or you trade down into the 20s and then trade down again to be at the top of the second round. It really depends on so many things going the right way to do it.
The Lions have traded up a lot. We know they like to do this, and Holmes just said in his pre-draft presser that if there is a player they feel very good about, they will say “F them picks” and go get him.
So maybe the Lions feel really good about Texas Tech edge David Bailey, Miami tackle Francis Mauigoa, or Utah tackle Spencer Fano, and they risk it all to go get them. Of course, trading up into the top five is going to cost you probably your first two picks in this draft and next year’s first-round pick. So be sure you’re getting the right guy.