It's that time of year again when the NFL schedule starts to take shape, and for Detroit Lions fans, the excitement is building. We already know the Lions will face the Buffalo Bills in Week 2 at the brand-new Highmark Stadium, and a mid-November trip to Germany is locked in for the 2026 season. But while we're all looking ahead to next year, it's never too early to peek at what the future might hold—especially when the first batch of 2027 NFL mock drafts has just dropped.

CBS Sports recently released its initial 2027 mock draft, using FanDuel's Super Bowl odds to set the order. With the Lions sitting at +1700 odds to win it all, that projection gives Detroit the 24th overall pick. And who could be heading to Motown? According to CBS analyst Josh Edwards, it's Oregon edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei.

Uiagalelei is no stranger to making quarterbacks uncomfortable. He racked up 10.5 sacks in 2024 and followed that up with six sacks and two forced fumbles last season. The Lions already have Aidan Hutchinson leading the charge and drafted Derrick Moore for depth, but as Edwards notes, "the position has been such a problem for the organization that they may want more aid." In this scenario, Uiagalelei would slot in alongside Hutchinson, with Moore providing rotational depth—a formula that could turn Detroit's pass rush into a true strength.

Of course, we're still a long way from draft night 2027, so take these forecasts with a grain of salt. But that's part of the fun—looking back in a year or two to see how close (or how far off) these early predictions were. The Lions entered the 2026 NFL Draft with clear needs at offensive tackle and edge rusher, and the 2027 draft could shape up much the same way. If the need at edge isn't as urgent, Detroit might just go with the best player available—and in this case, that player could be Uiagalelei.

For now, it's all about dreaming of what's possible. Whether you're stocking up on Lions gear or just daydreaming about next season, one thing is clear: the future in Detroit is looking bright.