Lions' Draft Pick at 17: A Game-Changer?

0:00On April 23rd, the Detroit Lions snagged the 17th overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft after wrapping up 9-8 last season, landing them last in the NFC North. That's their highest loss since picking running back Jameer Gibbs at number 12 back in 2023. The whole draft goes down in Pittsburgh from Thursday, April 23rd through Saturday, April 25th, kicking off at 8 p.m. Eastern on day 1. Experts are buzzing that the Lions might target a starting offensive tackle early with other holes on the defensive line and secondary. General manager Brad Holmes is keeping his cards close, but mock drafts keep pointing that way. Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Raiders hold the top spot, projected to grab Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. In the division, Detroit's got the best first rounder, edging out Minnesota at 18 and Chicago at 25. Green Bay ship theirs to Dallas in that Micah Parsons deal last year. Fans are hyped for the Lions 9 total picks, including a compensatory from losing Kevin Zeiler.

1:05They traded away both third-rounder's last draft to move up for receiver Isaac Tisla. So now it's round 1 at 17, round 2 at 50, and picks in 4 through 7. Day 2 starts Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday hits at noon. With Pittsburgh's Point State Park and a Christian Stadium lighting up for draft week, keep eyes on how Holmes flips these into roster upgrades could. Re-shape that line quick. Stay locked in with NFL News Today, AI-powered updates. I'm Corey with The Story.