NFL rumors: Lions tagged with big draft trade up potential

After missing out on the playoffs in 2025, the Detroit Lions know they must add an impact player in the first-round of the 2026 NFL Draft. A trade up in the draft would mean the Lions have become enamored with one of the top prospects in the class.

Detroit has minimal ammunition to make that move. However, the Lions haven’t ruled out a trade up, via Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports.

“The Lions, per sources, have sniffed around moving up from 17th,” Jones said. “Some sources have found it hard to believe GM Brad Holmes would make such a move in this draft because the Lions only have pick No. 50 before selecting again in the middle of the fourth round, and teams are behaving as though 2027 picks are untouchable.”

“If the Lions do make a big move up, the belief is it would be for an offensive tackle,” he continued. “Holmes made his mark in the 2023 draft when he showed his unafraid to go against the grain (running back Jahmyr Gibbs and linebacker Jack Campbell in the first round). Making a significant move up in this year’s draft is something I wouldn’t put past him.”

After No. 17, the Lions will be picking at No. 50 in the second-round. While they have an extra fourth-rounder, Detroit doesn’t have any third-round picks. To make a significant jump up the board, the franchise will need to be creative in their offer.

At the same time though, it’s clear Detroit needs offensive line help. The Lions did bring in a new center in Cade Mays and a new right tackle in Larry Borom. But the franchise saw three crucial linemen in Taylor Decker, Graham Glasglow and Frank Ragnow all leave the organization this offseason. The Lions are now trying to figure out their best configuration in front of Jared Goff.

Adding a first-round offensive line would give Detroit a crucial piece to build around. But they may have to trade up to get the prospect they want.

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