PORT CHARLOTTE, Florida December 28, 2025 – Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes have led a resurgence in Detroit. Three consecutive winning seasons are a rarity for the Lions. In week 18, the Lions will have a shot at doing something they haven't done since 1972, have four consecutive winning season.

Their two playoffs wins in 2023 doubled the number of playoff victories the franchise had accumulated for the previous 60 years! Dan and Brad have earned a lot of grace with that. So a 9-8 nor an 8-9 season will put either on the hot seat for 2026.

The NFL is a what have you done for me lately league though. Two back to back seasons like that after having captured 12-5 and 15-2 seasons would warm anyone's seat cushions. That's why the answer to what will the Lions do with their first round draft pick is far easier to figure out than most would think.

The first thoughts (and dreams) for many fans is another edge to pair opposite Hutchinson. Al-Quadin Muhammad had a break out season, but that very fact is why he won't return in 2026. His double digit sacks for 2025 will have earned him a considerable pay day. One the Detroit Lions won't be able to match due to already being over the projected cap for 2026 with only 38 players on contract. 

Another edge is not the answer though, and for good reason. There are major concerns all over the Lions defence. Star safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph are both major question marks for 2026. Although both are on contract, both likewise suffered significant injuries they will need to comeback from. Long time linebacker and former green dot wearer Alex Anzalone is also gone. Leaving Pro Bowl Jack Campbell with little support. 

Fixing all of the defence's needs in one off season with no money would be a monumental task. Yet, in 2024, the Lions were able to secure a 15 win season thanks to an offence that scored 33 points per game. Getting them back up to that only requires fixing an offensive line as every starting skill position player returns. 

Offensive Tackle and Edge will battle it out for deepest position in this draft as each has a minimum of four players projected to go in round 1. In order to avoid a 2027 hot seat, Brad knows rebuilding the O Line is first priority.

The Lions will fall around the 16th draft position. With Taylor Decker possibly retiring, Utah's Spencer Fano and Miami's Francis Mauigoa are both ideal targets that will probably be off the board. Caleb Lomu will go in the first as well, possibly earlier than his teammate Spencer. One of the three will trigger a run on tackles that will most likely leave the Lions with Kaydyn Proctor out of Alabama. 

Kaydyn could be a home run for the Lions. The 6'7 monster is nearly 370 pounds and a destructive force in the run game who has shockingly great feet for a man his size. Thereby enabling him to be a substantial help in pass protection. He is ideally suited to play RT, which would allow the Lions to finally return Sewell to his original home at LT. 

An intriguing alternate option would be a short trade down. If the Lions can find a partner willing to keep them in the 20-25 range, they would still have a shot at the top interior lineman in college, Olaivavega "Vega" Ioane. This would be an instant boost to the middle of the Lions line that badly needs help. There are no centers projected to go in the first round.

There are three true blue chip defensive players. Ohio State's LB Arvell Reese and S Caleb Downs as well as Clemson's Peter Woods. None of those 3 should be anywhere near the Lions. If Woods fell, Tyleik Williams and their investment in Alim McNeil make this a mute subject. Caleb is a game changer, but the chance that both Kerby and Branch can come back healthy makes that a questionable priority. Albeit it would make for the greatest 3 safeties on one roster. Meanwhile, there is no reason in the world Reese should fall. There is a far better chance he would be taken first over 15/16th. 

It's really that simple. The best available player(s) that can help the Lions immediately in round 1 are all offensive linemen. Even if Decker returns, any of the top tackles can play inside for a season or two, only improving the team's line even more. 

The only way I'd take anyone else is if every team before the Lions had brain haemorrhages and passed on Keldrik Faulk. Then I'd hand our envelop to Jamo and tell him sprint his 4.3 butt up to that podium. Otherwise, Kaydyn, welcome to Detroit. 

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