The 2026 NFL Draft has concluded. The Detroit Lions had glaring needs at OT, G, Edge, Cornerback, and Safety. In case you missed it, I offered an analysis of rounds one and two here. Now that the entire draft class has been assembled, a deeper dive into what the Lions have done to retool and build up the roster is needed.
Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan: Rolder was a dominant starter for the Wolverines. He led the team with 73 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, a PFF coverage ranking of 65.4, 80.1 PFF run defense, and 74.8 overall ranking. Rolder is an elite tackler drafted by Detroit in the fourth round. In time, he should earn a starting job, but he has a lot of value and will make an immediate impact.
Keith Abney, CB, Arizona State: He sees the game quickly, which led to 44 tackles, 36 of which were solo, one tackle for loss, one QB sack, two interceptions, 12 pass defended, and two forced fumbles. The Lions needed a nickel corner, and they believe they found their guy in Abney.
Kendrick Law, WR, Kentucky: The Lions needed help at slot receiver, and it looks like they found a player who can rotate in and help out. Law posted some decent numbers for Kentucky: 53 catches, 540 yards, three TDs, 9.5 YAC/reception rate, and 4.45 seconds in the 40-yard dash. While Law’s stats don’t jump off the chart, Law ranked in the top-10 in being highly explosive after the catch 273 and top-8 in YAC/reception (9.5 during the 2025 season. Law saw most catches coming underneath something the Lions struggled with last season.
Skyler Gil-Howard, DT, Texas Tech: Gil-Howard was an intriguing pick and perhaps a reach. 51 tackles, eight tackles for loss, five sacks. The numbers look good and are solid; the catch is Gil-Howard started one game for Texas Tech. Which could be good for the Lions in certain defensive packages.
Tyre West, DL, Tennessee, west actually projected as a free agent signer, but the Lions rolled the dice on him. West could be a depth player or be placed on the practice squad.
As with any draft, there were absolute hits and could be misses. The player positions the Lions needed help in were addressed with really good prospects. Now the work starts. The Detroit Lions, on paper, are better after this year’s draft.
