Wednesday, June 24th, 2026 - Wednesday Night Roar

Disclaimer: Terrion Arnold has been accused of these crimes but has not been convicted. The author and publication take no position on his guilt or innocence.

Detroit’s most serious offseason development arrived long after practice ended. Terrion Arnold has turned himself in and now faces eight felony counts tied to a February kidnapping and armed robbery investigation in Tampa.

The allegations place serious doubt on Arnold's future as a free man, the Lions’ secondary plan, and Detroit's confidence in Arnold playing football ever again.

Eight Count

Tampa Police announced Wednesday night that Arnold surrendered himself at Orient Road Jail in Hillsborough County (Florida). He faces four counts of kidnapping and four counts of armed robbery connected to a February 4 incident involving three men that Arnold allegedly ordered kidnapped.

Police said the victims were held at gunpoint, battered, pistol-whipped and robbed before being forced from an apartment. The Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office said the felony charges carry a potential sentence of up to life in prison. Those are allegations at this stage, and Arnold has not been convicted of any crime.

The arrest represents a major change from where the case stood earlier in the offseason. Arnold’s name had appeared in court records, but he had not been charged. Detroit publicly relied on the information Arnold gave the organization and treated the matter as if he had not been involved. That position now collides with a formal arrest, eight charges and an official police statement identifying Arnold as the alleged central figure in the plot.

Police Alledge Primary Role

The case began after more than $250,000 in cash and property was reported stolen from an Airbnb Arnold rented in Largo. Tampa Police said Arnold suspected two of the eventual victims, although investigators later determined those individuals were not responsible for the theft.

Authorities allege Arnold and Boakai Hilton directed others to lure the victims to an apartment. Police said the assault was streamed to Arnold, Hilton and Freddie Hughes while they traveled to the location. Investigators also said a group chat showed Arnold and Hilton giving directions during the assault.

According to the police account, Arnold arrived about an hour later and directed others to enter the apartment while the assault was still underway. The victims’ property was allegedly taken, and police said Arnold later drove away with several individuals tied to the incident. Investigators described Arnold as the “primary conspirator.”

Every part of that account remains subject to challenge in court. But the state is no longer dealing only with association, implication or secondhand connection. Prosecutors are moving forward on the theory that Arnold helped organize and direct the operation.

Arnold Maintains Innocence

Arnold’s representation issued a direct denial after the arrest. Denise White of EAG Sports Management said Arnold “categorically denies any involvement” and maintains his innocence. She argued there is no credible evidence linking him to the allegations and said the government appears to be relying on testimony from people who have admitted their own involvement and may have incentives to shift blame.

In my opinion, the prosecuting attorney wouldnt be relying on testimony only. A jury of peers will ultimately want to see corroborating evidence-proving beyond a reason a doubt.

That defense will become one of the central legal battles. Two defendants, Arianna Del Valle and Jasmine Randazzo, reportedly agreed to plea deals on Wednesday. The state is expected to use cooperating witnesses, digital communications, the alleged video stream and location evidence to build its case. Arnold’s side is clearly preparing to attack the reliability and motivation of those witnesses.

The Lions released a short statement saying they are aware of the legal situation and will not comment out of respect for the process. That is a necessary change in posture. Earlier in the offseason, Dan Campbell said the information Detroit had indicated Arnold was not involved. The organization can no longer speak with that level of certainty while felony charges are pending.

Secondary Emergency

The legal case immediately changes how Detroit must plan for training camp. Arnold was already working back from shoulder surgery and had been told he would need to earn his starting role. Now the Lions must prepare for the possibility that he will not be available when camp opens, regardless of whether the reason is detention, court restrictions, team action or an NFL decision.

Detroit still has D.J. Reed, Rock Ya-Sin, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Roger McCreary, Keith Abney II and other cornerback options on the roster. That depth is no longer just healthy competition. It may have to replace a player Detroit traded up to select 24th overall in 2024.

The NFL also has mechanisms that can remove a player from practices and games while a legal case proceeds. Placement on the Commissioner Exempt List is not automatic and only the commissioner can make that decision, but similar felony cases have led to that status in the past. Detroit cannot assume Arnold will be cleared to participate simply because the regular season remains months away.

The cornerback room has gone from an open competition to a potential emergency evaluation.

What’s Next?

The next phase will be driven by the court, not football. Prosecutors intend to seek pretrial detention and argue that Arnold should remain jailed because they view him as a danger to the community. Arnold’s defense will have the opportunity to challenge the evidence, the detention request and the state’s description of his role.

The team must also determine how much information it received earlier, what changed between the offseason meetings and Wednesday’s arrest, and whether the organization’s previous confidence was based on a complete picture. That internal review is just as important as any public statement because Detroit built part of its secondary plan around Arnold’s return.

No responsible football conclusion can outrun the legal process. Arnold is entitled to defend himself, and the allegations still must be proven. But the Lions also cannot treat eight felony counts as background noise. Training camp roster decisions, league review and Arnold’s football availability are now tied to a criminal case carrying consequences far beyond one season.

Rock’s Read

This is not a normal offseason distraction. The charges are severe, the police allegations are detailed, and the state is describing Arnold as the person who organized the operation. That does not make him guilty, but it does mean Detroit has to stop planning as though the situation will simply disappear. The Lions cannot afford any distractions to derail this team or this season. It is highly likely Arnold himself will hardly be able to focus on football, even if allowed to stay out of jail while awaiting trial.

The Lions believed Arnold’s account earlier in the offseason. Now they have an arrest, alleged group-chat directions, an alleged live video stream, cooperating defendants and a prosecution seeking to keep him jailed before trial. The organization must let the legal process work while protecting the roster from being caught unprepared.

From a football standpoint, D.J. Reed becomes even more important, Rock Ya-Sin’s experience gains value, and Ennis Rakestraw’s health and development move closer to the center of the defense. From an organizational standpoint, Detroit must determine whether its earlier evaluation missed critical information.

• Arnold remains legally presumed innocent until proven guilty

• Detroit must prepare as if he is unavailable

• The secondary plan changed overnight

Transparency Report | Sources

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Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026 - Tuesday Night Roar

The Detroit Lions may be away from the practice field for the next month, but Tuesday still produced meaningful developments. Detroit officially unveiled its fan training camp schedule, depth-chart discussions intensified across several positions, and a clearer picture emerged regarding who helped themselves most during OTAs and mandatory minicamp.

With no major transaction or injury news breaking during the day, the biggest story became the roster itself. As training camp approaches, several position battles appear much tighter than they looked a month ago.

TRAINING CAMP OPENS TO FANS

The Lions announced ten training camp practices that will be open to fans this summer, with multiple sessions available to the general public. Tickets will once again be free, though fans must secure them in advance through the team’s registration process.

While the announcement may seem routine, training camp access often provides the first real glimpse into how the coaching staff views roster competitions. Unlike spring practices, camp includes pads, contact, and true one-on-one evaluation periods.

For Detroit, this year’s camp carries additional significance because Dan Campbell elected to skip joint practices. The Lions will rely almost entirely on internal competition and preseason games to evaluate the roster before final cuts.

That decision places greater importance on every rep in Allen Park. Position battles that appeared theoretical in May will begin producing real separation once physical football returns.

SCRUGGS CONTINUES TO CLIMB

Few Lions helped themselves more during the spring than Juice Scruggs.

When Detroit acquired Scruggs during the offseason, many viewed him primarily as versatile offensive-line depth. By the end of minicamp, he had worked at all three interior offensive-line positions and even received first-team reps at left guard.

That versatility dramatically increases his value heading into camp.

Detroit enters July searching for answers along the interior offensive line following multiple offseason changes. Scruggs now appears firmly involved in that competition rather than simply serving as insurance.

The Lions value linemen who can play multiple positions without creating a drop-off in communication or execution. Scruggs has shown enough during installation work and spring practices to enter training camp with a legitimate opportunity to earn a larger role.

The next step will come when pads go on. If he handles power and physicality the same way he handled the mental side during the spring, his path to meaningful snaps becomes very real.

SAFETY AND NICKEL BATTLES REMAIN WIDE OPEN

Detroit’s secondary remains one of the most fascinating storylines entering camp. Chuck Clark and Christian Izien received significant first-team work during offseason practices, creating a much different safety picture than many projected earlier in the spring. At nickel corner, Roger McCreary continues to appear positioned for a substantial role after seeing extensive work inside during offseason sessions.

The coaching staff has repeatedly emphasized communication and versatility throughout the secondary. That emphasis makes sense given how many defensive backs are competing for playing time. Training camp will determine whether spring alignments translate into permanent roles, but the competition appears far from settled.

Detroit’s defensive backfield may ultimately produce some of the toughest roster decisions on the entire team.

DEPTH CHART BATTLES ARE JUST BEGINNING

One of the biggest takeaways from the offseason program is how many roster spots remain undecided. Campbell cautioned observers throughout OTAs not to overreact to practice alignments or depth-chart positioning. The goal of spring football is installation and teaching, not final evaluation. Even so, several players clearly improved their standing.

The offensive line, safety room, nickel corner position, rotational defensive line spots, and portions of the tight-end depth chart all appear headed for legitimate competition. That is exactly what Brad Holmes and Campbell want entering late July.

Championship-caliber rosters are rarely built on obvious starters alone. They are built on difficult decisions at the bottom half of the roster and quality depth throughout the lineup. Detroit appears positioned to have several of those difficult decisions this summer.

TRAINING CAMP COUNTDOWN BEGINS

The Lions officially report for training camp next month, with rookies scheduled to arrive July 25 and veterans reporting July 28. That means the evaluation phase is about to shift from projection to proof. Spring practices revealed possibilities. Training camp will reveal answers.

Players like Scruggs, McCreary, Izien, Clark and several younger developmental prospects have created momentum for themselves. The challenge now becomes maintaining that momentum once physical football returns. The next month may be quiet publicly, but inside Allen Park the coaching staff is already preparing for the most important roster evaluations of the year.

ROCK’S READ

The biggest takeaway from Tuesday isn’t the camp schedule itself—it’s how many legitimate competitions Detroit still has.

A year ago, several starting spots felt largely predetermined entering camp. This roster feels different. The Lions have assembled enough depth that players who looked like backups in March are entering July with realistic opportunities to earn meaningful roles.

Juice Scruggs is the best example. He arrived as a piece of a larger transaction and now appears firmly in the interior offensive-line discussion. The same can be said for multiple defensive backs fighting for snaps in a secondary that remains highly competitive. That is a healthy sign for the organization.

The Lions don’t need every spring standout to become a starter. They need enough competition to force difficult decisions. Right now, that appears to be exactly where this roster is heading.

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Monday, June 22nd, 2026 - The Evening Roar

Dan Campbell calling Jahmyr Gibbs Detroit’s “Bell Cow” sounds like a return to an old school style of football that began to die out around 2014. I can assure you—it is not the same. The label still identifies which running back the offense trusts most, but the workload attached to it—well, that has changed dramatically.

The 1990s and early 2000s “Bell-Cow” was measured first by carries. The modern version is measured by total touches, snap share, passing-game value and how many parts of the offense run that player. Gibbs can become Detroit’s unquestioned primary back in 2026 with one major difference. He won’t be used like Barry Sanders, Emmitt Smith, Curtis Martin, Jerome Bettis or Terrell Davis.

That distinction is the key to understanding what the Lions are bringing to the table this season.

The Old-School Workhorse

The historical graphs I have prepared below will show a workload that would be considered EXTREME in todays NFL. Among the five featured backs 300-carries or more was reached in 30 of the 55 players-seasons analyzed. Curtis Martin crossed that line eight times. Barry Sanders and Emmitt Smith did it seven times apiece. Jerome Bettis did it five times, while Terrell Davis produced three straight seasons above 300 before injuries changed his career.

The peaks were even more revealing. Davis handled 392 carries in 1998. Bettis reached 375 in 1997. Smith had 377 in 1995. Sanders finished with 343 in his final season, and Martin carried 371 times at age 31 in 2004. Those totals came during 16-game seasons. A 350-carry year required nearly 22 rushing attempts per game, while Davis’ 392 carries averaged 24.5 per game before his receptions were added. Over today’s 17-game regular season, that same 22-carry average would give Jahmyr Gibbs 374 rushing attempts.

Old-school stars were not one-dimensional. Sanders, Smith and Martin were capable receivers and complete players. The major difference was that their passing-game work sat on top of a rushing workload that frequently exceeded 300 carries. The offenses did not merely feature them—they were the offenses default answer on early downs, short yardage, four-minute situations and high-volume game plans.

The tradeoff was the yardage payoff. These backs routinely converted massive workloads into 1,200-, 1,500- and even 2,000-yard seasons. Sanders surpassed 1,300 rushing yards in nine of his 10 seasons and reached 2,053 in 1997. Davis rushed for 2,008 yards one year later.

The production was elite, but so was the physical burden required to create it.

Abandon The Run Or Redistributed It?

The league-wide carry graph shows how sharply that model faded. The decline of the traditional bell cow did not mean NFL teams abandoned the running game. They simply evolved and redistributed the workload.

In 2006, 27 running backs recorded at least 200 carries, 17 reached 250 and 10 surpassed 300. By 2023, 23 backs still reached 200, but only seven reached 250 and none reached 300.

That separation is glaring as it is important

Teams did not stop using running backs. They stopped giving as much of the position’s total work to one player.

Modern backfields are built around specialization, matchup flexibility and workload management across a longer season. A second back may handle an entire series, short-yardage work, pass protection or a specific package. The lead player can still dominate the offense without monopolizing every carry.

The 200-carry threshold has remained fairly common, but 300-carry seasons have become much less frequent. That shift is why rushing attempts alone no longer define every true feature back.

2023: The Carry-Based Low Point

The 2023 season represented the low point of the traditional carry-based bell cow.

Derrick Henry led the NFL with 280 attempts. Christian McCaffrey and Rachaad White followed with 272, while only seven backs reached 250. No running back received 300 carries for the first time in the timeline.

Gibbs finished his rookie season with 182 attempts—far below the historical bell-cow standard—but Detroit was already using him differently. His 52 receptions raised his total to 234 offensive touches.

The carry total alone did not fully describe his role.

2024: The Selective Workhorse Return

The response in 2024 was dramatic. Six running backs surpassed 300 attempts: Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, Kyren Williams, Bijan Robinson, Jonathan Taylor and Josh Jacobs. Twelve reached 250, including Gibbs at exactly 250.

Barkley led the league with 345 carries and turned them into 2,005 rushing yards. Henry followed with 325 attempts and 1,921 yards.

The old-school workload had not completely disappeared. It had become concentrated among a smaller group of elite runners whose offenses were specifically built to support it.

Gibbs remained below that group in rushing volume, but his 52 receptions increased his total workload to 302 touches.

2025: The Workhorse Tier Holds

The 300-carry tier remained alive in 2025, but it narrowed. The traditional 300-carry workload did not disappear in 2025, but it remained limited to a small group of backs.

Jonathan Taylor led the NFL with 323 attempts, followed by Christian McCaffrey with 311, James Cook with 309 and Derrick Henry with 307. Ten running backs reached 250 carries, while 21 finished with at least 200.

Gibbs ended the season just below the 250-carry mark with 243 attempts, ranking 11th in the league.

Those numbers do not suggest that the NFL has returned to the workload patterns of the 1990s and early 2000s. Instead, they show that 300-carry seasons are now concentrated among a select few. Six of the 23 backs with at least 200 carries reached 300 in 2024, but only four out of 21 players did the same in 2025.

Players such as Taylor and Henry can still control an offense through traditional rushing volume. Gibbs represents a different model—one in which carries, receptions and total offensive involvement matter more than reaching a specific rushing-attempt total.

The 1,000-Yard Resurgence

The 1,000-yard graph below makes the evolution of the position more clear. Only seven players reached 1,000 rushing yards in 2015 and again in 2021. That total climbed to 16 in 2022, slipped to 12 in 2023 and returned to 16 in 2024. Seventeen backs reached the mark in 2025—the highest total since 2010.

That does not mean 17 old-school bell cows returned. Matter of fact, only four players with 1,000+ yards rushing received 300+ carries in 2025.

Part of the increase can be explained by the 17-game schedule. A player now needs to average 58.8 rushing yards per game to reach 1,000, compared with 62.5 yards per game across a 16-game season. The rest may also reflect changes in offensive schemes and rules enforcement that have created more opportunities for offenses.

Efficiency also matters. Gibbs rushed for 1,223 yards on 243 attempts in 2025. He did not need 300 carries to produce like one of the league’s top runners.

The modern rushing resurgence is broader than a return of the traditional bell cow. More running backs are producing significant yardage, but only a select few are carrying the football at a historical rate.

The running game is healthy again without recreating the old-school workload structure.

Gibbs Is a Modern-Day Workhorse

Jahmyr Gibbs’ three-year progression shows why rushing attempts alone no longer define a bell-cow. His carries increased from 182 in 2023 to 250 in 2024 before dipping slightly to 243 in 2025. His total touches moved in the opposite direction, climbing from 234 to 302 and then 320.

The difference was Detroit’s expanded use of Gibbs as a receiver. He caught 52 passes in each of his first two seasons before jumping to 77 receptions in 2025. Nearly one-quarter of his touches came through the passing game as he produced 1,839 scrimmage yards, 18 total touchdowns and a career-high 67 percent offensive snap share.

By the old-school, carry-only definition, Gibbs was not a bell cow in 2025. By the modern standard of total offensive involvement, he was already one of the NFL’s most heavily used and productive backs.

More Than One Way

The comparison with the NFL’s other elite backs shows that there is no longer one blueprint for the bell-cow role. Some offenses still rely on a traditional volume runner, while others create the same level of influence through a combination of carries, targets, formations and matchup-driven touches. That diversity can be more effective than relying on the old-school ground-and-pound approach alone.

• Jonathan Taylor followed the traditional volume path, rising from 169 carries in 2023 to 303 in 2024 and 323 in 2025.

• Bijan Robinson jumped from 214 attempts as a rookie to 304 before finishing with 287 last season.

• Christian McCaffrey’s 50 carries in 2024 reflected an injury-shortened season, not a reduced role. He rebounded to 311 attempts in 2025.

• De’Von Achane followed a steadier progression, increasing from 103 carries to 203 and then 238.

• Players such as Derrick Henry—can still control an offense primarily through rushing volume.

• McCaffrey, Robinson, Achane and Gibbs offer a more versatile model, threatening defenses as runners, receivers and movable matchup pieces.

That is where Gibbs separates himself. His value does not decrease when a handoff becomes a target. A reception in space against a linebacker or safety may be more valuable—and less physically punishing—than another carry into a condensed defensive box. Detroit can expand his workload without limiting his impact to the number of times Jared Goff turns and places the football in his hands.

Why Is Detroit’s Structure Different?

Detroit’s backfield is no longer built around two established starters sharing the headline role. David Montgomery was traded to Houston, and the Lions signed Isiah Pacheco as the veteran No. 2. Campbell has publicly said Detroit will “hang its hat” on Gibbs and place a major load on him in both the running and passing games.

Pacheco can still handle meaningful work. His presence allows Detroit to manage specific situations and avoid turning every Gibbs touch into a collision. Sione Vaki also remains part of the room, and the emergence of Jacob Saylors return game last season is a promising development. The vkey difference is that the offense no longer needs to divide its identity between Gibbs and Montgomery.

That creates a clearer hierarchy without eliminating a rotation. This also helps the offense stay disguised in their offense by running more plays with Gibbs on the field while staying in the same formations. The likely change is not that Gibbs suddenly receives every carry. It is that fewer game situations automatically remove him from the plan. He can be the first option on early downs, remain involved on passing downs and stay central when Detroit changes personnel or tempo.

That is a modern primary back: not the only runner, but the player the defense must locate before every snap.

What Is A Realistic Workload In 2026?

A responsible projection should begin with Gibbs’ 320 touches in 2025, not with an arbitrary demand that he reach 300 carries.

A realistic healthy-season range is approximately 255 to 285 carries and 65 to 80 receptions. That would place him between 320 and 365 total touches. At the midpoint - 270 carries and 75 catches - Gibbs would handle 345 touches, or 20.3 per game.

That is a major workload. It would exceed his 2025 total while leaving meaningful opportunities for Pacheco and Vaki, with occasional involvement from Saylors. It also would avoid requiring Detroit to risk Gibbs health and future by copying the 350-to-390-carry seasons shown in the historical graphs.

Reaching 300 carries is possible, but it should be an outcome of game scripts, durability and offensive success rather than the definition of whether Gibbs fulfilled the role. His more meaningful benchmarks are likely to be total touches, snap percentage, targets, red-zone opportunities and sustained efficiency.

If Gibbs remains near his established rushing and receiving efficiency, a workload in that range gives him a realistic path to another 1,800-plus scrimmage-yard season without forcing him into a usage model designed for a different era.

The Analytic Take

The eight figures produce four clear conclusions.

• First, the old bell cow was defined by rushing volume. The modern bell cow is defined by offensive control.

• Second, the 2024 and 2025 increase in 300-carry seasons represents a selective workhorse return, not a league-wide reversal. Most teams still distribute backfield work.

• Third, the resurgence of 1,000-yard rushers shows that rushing production can rise without every top back absorbing historical carry totals.

• Finally, Gibbs should be evaluated through total workload. His 243 carries in 2025 ranked outside the top 10, but his 320 touches, 77 receptions, 1,839 scrimmage yards and 18 touchdowns already reflected feature-back responsibility.

ROCK’S READ

The term “bell cow” creates the wrong expectation when it immediately becomes a 300-carry conversation. Detroit does not need Jahmyr Gibbs to imitate the workload of Terrell Davis or Emmitt Smith to prove the backfield belongs to him.

The old-school backs mentioned in these graphs were built into offenses that asked one player to absorb a massive percentage of the offense and rushing volume. Gibbs plays in an offense that can create the same level of influence through carries, targets, motion and alignment. It doesn’t hurt that there are 4 more willing takers of the ball distribution that can dominate when their name is called.

That is the real opportunity in 2026. Detroit can increase Gibbs’ responsibility without flattening the versatility that separates him from traditional runners. Pacheco can preserve the rotation, but the hierarchy is clear: the offense begins with Gibbs.

The best measurement will not be whether he reaches a round number. It will be whether Detroit keeps him central in every game script and whether his explosiveness survives the larger role. If both happen, Gibbs will not resemble the old bell cow. He will represent what the position has become.

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Monday, June 22nd, 2026 - Monday Morning Roar

Good morning, Lions fans. The backfield conversation has officially changed in Detroit. Dan Campbell is calling Jahmyr Gibbs the bell cow, Tashard Choice says this is the best Gibbs has looked in his professional career. After incorporating MMA work into his offseason—the Lions are preparing to place more of the offense in his hands.

Gibbs has scored 49 touchdowns through his first three seasons, rushed for at least 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns in each of the last two years, and caught a career-high 77 passes last season. The talent has never been the question—it’s now a conversation of workload, durability, and how Isiah Pacheco fits behind him.

Question Of The Day:

Jahmyr Gibbs Fast Start

The most encouraging part of today’s Jahmyr Gibbs update is not the phrase “bell cow.” It is Tashard Choice saying this is the best Gibbs has looked in his professional career. Choice has known Gibbs since recruiting him out of high school, giving that evaluation real weight.

Gibbs was challenged to start faster this season, and he responded by reshaping his offseason preparation. He trained with Amon-Ra St. Brown and added MMA work in California. A stronger start would also help an offense adjusting to Drew Petzing and a reshaped backfield. Gibbs already has the talent. The next step is showing the physical readiness, consistency and command of the offense needed from Week 1.

Detroit is not simply asking Gibbs to handle more touches. The Lions are asking him to accept greater responsibility, absorb more punishment and remain explosive deep into the season. If his conditioning matches the expanded role, Detroit will not need to ease him into the year. The Lions can put the offense in his hands early and force defenses to spend the season chasing him.

Why MMA - Why Now?

Jahmyr Gibbs is not preparing for a routine fourth season. Dan Campbell quickly identified him as the lead back after the trade of David Montgomery to the Texans. In response, Gibbs has added strength and mixed martial arts work to his offseason training.

He told ESPN the work improves body control, base strength and hand speed, with a direct carryover to getting his hands up sooner in pass protection. That detail belongs in every running backs blocking discussion, especially with an expanded role. A true feature back must win on snaps that do not end with the ball in his hands. His MMA work shows he understands the added burden extends well beyond the highlight reel.

Can Gibbs Push 300+ Carries

The biggest question is not whether Jahmyr Gibbs can handle more work, but how a heavier workload would affect his performance. When David Montgomery missed the final three regular-season games of 2024, Gibbs stepped into the bell-cow role and averaged 21 carries, 122 rushing yards and nearly two touchdowns in wins over Chicago, San Francisco and Minnesota. The challenge is sustaining that workload across a 17-game season without sacrificing his explosiveness.

Gibbs has never topped 250 carries in a season, but he handled 320 total touches in 2025. He turned that expanded role into 1,223 rushing yards, 77 receptions, 616 receiving yards and 18 total touchdowns. Dan Campbell has also made it clear that Detroit wants Gibbs running every concept and creating space between the tackles, not merely winning on the perimeter.

What Is Petzing’s Role?

The greater challenge is not simply increasing Jahmyr Gibbs’ volume, but managing the additional contact that comes with more carries between the tackles. Drew Petzing will be responsible for limiting that physical toll by varying Gibbs’ alignment, using Isiah Pacheco in high-contact situations and avoiding low-value carries that fail to create an advantage.

The goal is to preserve Gibbs’ explosiveness while expanding his responsibilities. He will be asked to protect Jared Goff, finish runs inside and remain one of the NFL’s most dangerous receiving mismatches. Pacheco can absorb many of the offense’s most physical carries, but the system will still be built around Gibbs’ versatility.

Becoming a bell cow does not require an old-school workload. The Lions are not trying to turn Gibbs into a different kind of running back—they are trying to maximize the player he already is. If Petzing finds the right balance, Gibbs can receive more touches without losing the explosiveness that makes him most dangerous late in games.

Rock’s Read

The challenge now is efficiency under volume. Defenses will prepare for Gibbs as the clear centerpiece, and Detroit must keep him unpredictable by moving him, throwing to him and creating favorable space rather than repeatedly sending him into loaded boxes.

If Gibbs maintains his explosiveness with a larger workload, he moves from elite running back territory into the league-wide offensive player of the year conversation. The ceiling is enormous, but the design of the offense will determine whether Detroit reaches it.

Make sure you check out todays follow up on Jahmyr Gibbs’ 2026 role compared to the top 5 workhorses of the late 90’s and early 2000’s.

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ARTICLE DATE: Thursday, June 18, 2026 | CREATED: June 18, 2026 — 8:14 PM

The hallway noise at Allen Park has faded, but the competition inside Detroit’s roster has intensified. The Lions leave minicamp with a contender’s core intact and questions surrounding young depth, recovering starters, new veterans, rebuilt position groups, and who can hold up when camp turns physical. Jimmy Rolder is the first rookie pushing that conversation forward.

Rolder Gains Ground

Jimmy Rolder is gaining traction because Detroit’s linebacker room needs more than top-end toughness. It needs young players who can process quickly, cover space, fit the run and survive special teams without shrinking the weekly game plan. The Lions have praised his “tremendous growth,” a meaningful spring marker for a fourth-round rookie trying to earn trust before the pads come on.

Rolder does not need to pass Jack Campbell or Derrick Barnes to become useful. His path is simpler: master the calls, eliminate repeated mistakes, tackle cleanly and become dependable on coverage units. Linebackers coach Shaun Dion Hamilton has emphasized the development of Detroit’s rookie linebackers, and Rolder’s early progress suggests the classroom work is beginning to translate.

Trust will decide how quickly he plays. A rookie linebacker who communicates fast and handles special teams can dress on Sundays before he earns a defensive package. If Rolder carries that mental speed into contact work, he can become one of Detroit’s most useful depth pieces by the end of August.

Arnold Faces Competition

Terrion Arnold’s summer has become one of Detroit’s most revealing defensive evaluations. He estimated his shoulder at roughly 75 to 80 percent, and Dan Campbell made the roster reality clear: Arnold has to “go earn it.” That message lands differently because the cornerback room is deeper, more experienced and less dependent on draft status than it was when Arnold arrived.

The pressure extends beyond Ennis Rakestraw. D.J. Reed gives Detroit a steady outside presence, Roger McCreary has handled nickel work, and Rakestraw used Arnold’s limited spring workload to collect meaningful first-team reps. Rock Ya-Sin, Khalil Dorsey and Nick Whiteside keep the room competitive behind them.

Arnold has the talent to reclaim the job, but Detroit has built a room that punishes slow starts and missed time. His camp will be judged by availability, technique and whether his shoulder allows him to play with the same aggression that made him a first-round pick. Once contact begins, Detroit will learn whether Arnold is merely returning to the lineup or taking control of it.

Campbell Keeps Heat

Dan Campbell is not backing Detroit away from a demanding training camp. After another offseason shaped by injury questions, he made the position plain: “We’re going to push it. We’re going to push. That’s what we do, but we’ll do it smart.” That balance—pressure without recklessness—will define how the Lions prepare this summer.

Detroit already adjusted parts of the calendar by skipping rookie minicamp and passing on joint practices, but Campbell is not turning camp into a walkthrough operation. The defense is built on pursuit, tackling, communication and strain. The offense depends on timing, physical line play and skill players who can function through contact. Those traits cannot be installed in September.

The challenge is finding enough real football to sharpen the roster without draining the depth needed in December. Campbell’s answer is controlled intensity, not fear-based preparation. The quality of that plan will show in how he distributes live periods, starter reps and preseason work while younger players fight for jobs. Detroit wants to leave camp hardened, not depleted.

Length Reshapes Front

Detroit’s defensive front already looks different before the first padded practice. Dan Campbell identified length as the defining change, and the roster reflects that priority. Aidan Hutchinson remains the centerpiece, but DJ Wonnum, Payton Turner, Anthony Lucas and Derrick Moore give the Lions more size and range across the edge than they carried a year ago.

That added length expands what Kelvin Sheppard and defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers can call. Longer rushers can compress the pocket, disrupt throwing lanes and force tackles to protect wider landmarks. Inside, Alim McNeill, Tyleik Williams and Levi Onwuzurike provide enough mass and movement to pair heavy fronts with faster pressure combinations. Rodgers has emphasized versatility, and Moore fits directly into that design.

Moore does not need to become a full-time starter immediately. A dependable role against the run, in a pressure package or on special teams would already give Detroit another useful answer. The spring confirmed that the Lions have collected the right body types. Camp will determine whether Moore, Lucas and Turner can turn those traits into functional pressure once offensive tackles are allowed to strike back.

DB Room Sharpens

Detroit’s defensive backfield is becoming one of the roster’s most competitive rooms by design. Jim O’Neil has emphasized adding competition and fitting new pieces into the culture, while Deshea Townsend has highlighted the talent and edge inside the group. The Lions are not collecting names—they are trying to create sharper daily habits.

Chuck Clark’s focus on trust and communication fits the same plan. Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch remain central to the safety picture when healthy, but Clark and Christian Izien gained valuable spring work in their absence. At corner, D.J. Reed provides stability, Roger McCreary has handled nickel duties, and the Arnold-Rakestraw competition gives Detroit a legitimate battle outside.

The talent is obvious. The harder task is building a secondary that communicates through motion, checks and mixed personnel without gifting easy explosives. Detroit needs to leave camp knowing which combinations can survive together, not simply which five players look best individually. Preseason snaps with blended units will expose whether the room’s spring chemistry can hold when the picture changes after the snap.

Kafka Expands Passing Arsenal

Mike Kafka’s role points directly at one of Detroit’s biggest offensive opportunities: helping Dan Campbell and Drew Petzing turn an already talented skill group into a harder weekly puzzle. Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta give the offense proven answers. The ceiling rises if the second layer becomes dependable.

Isaac TeSlaa is the swing piece. Campbell said the second-year receiver “feels like a veteran right now,” and TeSlaa has credited a full year in the system for allowing him to play faster. His size, body control and improving route detail can give Detroit a true third receiver instead of another situational option. Kafka’s work on spacing, timing and red-zone detail should help define that role.

Detroit does not need a reinvention. It needs enough variation to keep defenses from leaning toward St. Brown, protecting the roof from Williams or crowding the middle against Gibbs and LaPorta. Camp will reveal whether TeSlaa can hold Goff’s trust when contact tightens the windows and every route has to arrive on time.

Offensive Line Battles Heating Up

Detroit’s offensive line is being rebuilt through two open competitions. At right tackle, Larry Borom gives the Lions starting experience and a veteran floor. Brad Holmes called him a player with “starter-level ability,” which explains why Blake Miller will not receive a ceremonial handoff. Miller carries the higher ceiling as a first-round talent with the size and athleticism to become a long-term answer, but NFL edge speed will test how quickly that upside becomes dependable protection.

Left guard is even more crowded. Christian Mahogany handled most of the first-team spring work, while Ben Bartch is expected back for camp after rehabbing his foot. Miles Frazier remains in the mix, Juice Scruggs offers center-guard flexibility, and Giovanni Manu is being evaluated inside after beginning his development at tackle.

These battles are connected because Jared Goff’s timing depends on the entire front operating as one unit. Detroit can survive a young starter or a new combination; it cannot afford repeated communication errors on both sides of the line. Borom must make Miller earn the edge job, while Mahogany has to prove his spring lead can survive Bartch’s return and padded run work. By the end of camp, the Lions need answers that protect Goff without shrinking the offense.

Special Teams Separates

Special teams may become the cleanest roster filter at the bottom of Detroit’s 53. Jack Fox repeatedly worked on pinning punts inside the 10-yard line during minicamp, while Cedrick Wilson and Keith Abney flashed as gunners. Those reps carry weight because receiver and defensive back depth battles often turn on who can contribute without touching the ball on offense or defense.

Jake Bates added another reminder of his range by drilling a field goal from roughly 63 yards with room to spare. Return work included Greg Dortch, Tom Kennedy, Isiah Pacheco and Amon-Ra St. Brown, though spring rotations are evaluations rather than final declarations.

Detroit has too many competitive depth battles to treat the third phase as background work. Wilson, Abney, Dortch, Kennedy and other roster hopefuls can separate themselves by becoming dependable in coverage, return or protection roles. Every third-phase rep is now a direct audition for one of the final roster spots. Preseason performance will decide whether those spring flashes become repeatable value when the collisions are real and the margin for error disappears.

Sewell Sets Standard

Penei Sewell is the stabilizer in an offensive line room undergoing its largest transition in years. Right tackle is unsettled, left guard is crowded, center communication is still developing and younger depth pieces are being asked to grow quickly. Sewell’s message that the standard remains the same gives Detroit a fixed point while everything around him moves.

His leadership extends beyond his own snaps. Sewell stayed engaged while reserve units worked, tracked the line of scrimmage from the sideline and remained invested in the details affecting younger linemen. That is the responsibility of the room’s best player—greatness cannot stop with individual execution when the front is rebuilding its chemistry.

Detroit needs Sewell’s influence to show up in cleaner protection calls, faster combination blocks and fewer alignment errors. The line does not have to look finished in July, but it must become connected before September. If the new starters begin operating with Sewell’s urgency and attention to detail, the Lions can reshape the front without losing the physical identity that drives the offense.

Rock’s Read

Detroit is not searching for an identity—it is testing whether the middle of the roster can carry the one already built. Jimmy Rolder’s growth, Terrion Arnold’s competition and Derrick Moore’s development all point toward the same question: can Detroit’s young depth become trustworthy before September? Dan Campbell’s decision to maintain a demanding camp raises the stakes because these evaluations will happen through contact, fatigue and real pressure rather than controlled spring work.

The larger roster picture is just as important. Detroit has rebuilt the defensive front with more length and versatility, strengthened the secondary through competition and given the offense another potential matchup piece in Isaac TeSlaa. The offensive line remains the most delicate part of the transition. Right tackle and left guard must settle without disrupting Jared Goff’s rhythm, while Penei Sewell has to pull a changing room toward the same standard that defined Detroit’s rise.

Special teams will decide several of the final roster spots, and the preseason will expose which young players can handle responsibility when the game speeds up. The Lions know who their stars are. Camp is about finding the players who can keep the season intact when those stars need help.

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Detroit’s mandatory minicamp is starting to reveal the real summer story: the Lions are not short on talent, but they are still sorting through roles that could decide how complete this roster becomes by September. Receiver depth, secondary chemistry, offensive line reshuffling, Sam LaPorta’s recovery and a crowded defensive front all moved to the center of the conversation.

Receiver Room Adds Real Competition

The Lions are adding more bodies to a receiver room that needed a jolt after Kendrick Law’s ACL injury. Lucky Jackson and Tarik Black are reportedly set to join Detroit after helping Louisville win the UFL Championship. Jackson brings spring-league production and return-game experience after catching 32 passes for 392 yards and two touchdowns. Black brings size at 6-foot-3, 213 pounds, and prior NFL camp experience. This is not about handing either player a roster spot. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams remain locked in at the top, while Isaac TeSlaa, Greg Dortch, Cedrick Wilson and others are battling for roles. Detroit is looking for receivers who can learn the offense, contribute on special teams and give Jared Goff dependable depth.

TeSlaa Is Pushing For Trust

Isaac TeSlaa continues to look like one of the more important offensive developments of minicamp. Dan Campbell praised his consistency and comfort level, saying TeSlaa feels more like a veteran as he enters Year 2. That is a big step because Detroit does not need him to be a flash player only. Last season, TeSlaa turned limited volume into real scoring impact with 16 catches and six touchdowns, but the next challenge is reliability. He has to align correctly, block with force, win through contact and be where Jared Goff expects him to be. With Law sidelined, TeSlaa has a clear path toward the No. 3 receiver role if he keeps stacking steady practices.

LaPorta Remains On Camp Track

Dan Campbell gave the update Detroit wanted on Sam LaPorta, who continues working back from offseason back surgery. LaPorta has been involved in walkthrough work, but the Lions are not pushing him into full-speed June reps. That is the right approach. Detroit does not need LaPorta to prove anything in minicamp. The offense needs him healthy when training camp becomes more physical. LaPorta is one of Goff’s most trusted middle-of-the-field targets, a red-zone weapon and a player who helps open space for St. Brown, Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs and the rest of the offense. Drew Petzing’s first year calling the offense becomes much smoother if LaPorta is ready when the pads come on.

Secondary Opens With Teeth

Detroit’s secondary opened minicamp around the football. The defense produced three interceptions, one against each quarterback, with Chuck Clark, Jimmy Rolder and Aamaris Brown all getting takeaways. There were also tipped balls, near-picks and pass breakups that showed better timing and communication. D.J. Reed’s leadership is already showing up beyond individual reps after he helped organize player-led film work with the defensive backs. That matters for a rebuilt room trying to come together quickly. Reed is expected to hold one outside corner spot, while Terrion Arnold’s limited workload gives Rock Ya-Sin, Ennis Rakestraw and Khalil Dorsey more chances to push. Detroit wanted more options and more pressure in the cornerback room. Minicamp is giving them both.

Sheppard Is Building Flexibility

Kelvin Sheppard’s defense appears headed toward more nickel looks, and the roster is built better for that shift. Detroit added D.J. Reed, Roger McCreary, Chuck Clark, Christian Izien, Avonte Maddox and Rock Ya-Sin to give the secondary more matchup answers. Playing more nickel does not mean the Lions are getting lighter in identity. It means they want better coverage answers against modern offenses while trusting the front to hold up against the run. That puts pressure on Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, D.J. Wonnum, Derrick Moore and the interior rotation to win gaps and keep the defense balanced. Sheppard has more movable pieces now. Minicamp is about finding the combinations that fit.

Offensive Line Answers Are Forming

Detroit’s offensive line remains one of the most important camp battles on the roster. Penei Sewell has moved to left tackle, Cade Mays is getting center work, and rookie Blake Miller is pushing Larry Borom at right tackle. Christian Mahogany, Ben Bartch, Miles Frazier and Giovanni Manu are all part of the interior conversation. The Lions are not simply looking for five names. They are looking for the best five-man combination. That distinction is important because Jared Goff’s rhythm, the run game with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, and Petzing’s play-action menu all depend on clean communication up front. June will not settle every job, but it should give the staff direction before the pads come on.

Defensive Front Battle Gets Crowded

The defensive line room may become one of Detroit’s toughest roster decisions. Aidan Hutchinson is the centerpiece, but the rotation behind and around him is wide open. D.J. Wonnum brings veteran value, Derrick Moore brings rookie upside, Payton Turner is trying to reset his career, Ahmed Hassanein has developmental traits, and Anthony Lucas is making coaches notice his size, length and urgency. Lucas’ brief practice dust-up with Devin Cochran should not be overplayed, but it fits the profile of a young player fighting to stand out. Inside, Alim McNeill’s recovery remains a major variable, while Levi Onwuzurike, Mekhi Wingo, Tyler Lacy, Tyleik Williams and others are fighting for roles. Detroit may be building a rotation, not searching for one starter.

Rock’s Read

The best part of this minicamp picture is that Detroit’s questions feel competitive, not desperate. LaPorta trending toward training camp protects the offensive ceiling. TeSlaa earning more trust gives the receiver room a real internal answer after Law’s injury. The secondary flying around the ball is encouraging because that group has new leadership, new roles and a lot to prove. The offensive line still needs sorting, but there are legitimate options. The defensive front is crowded enough that good players may be fighting for the final spots. That is what a contending roster should look like in June. Not finished. Not flawless. But competitive everywhere. The Lions are using minicamp to sharpen the bottom and middle of the roster, and that is where seasons usually get decided.

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The Lions’ minicamp conversation changed fast Tuesday night–starting with a late roster twist after minicamp, and it changes the shape of the conversation. The Lions reportedly added two UFL wide receivers from the Louisville Kings, giving the back end of the receiver room more competition after Kendrick Law’s injury. At the same time, Detroit’s defense delivered the cleanest football signal of the day. The secondary looked organized, the cornerback rotation got meaningful reps, the trenches gave the staff plenty to evaluate, Sam LaPorta is trending toward camp and Anthony Lucas showed the kind of edge that must be sharpened before training camp.

Lions Add Two UFL Receivers

The late headline is the reported addition of wide receivers Lucky Jackson and Tarik Black from the Louisville Kings. Both are coming off a UFL Championship run, and both arrive with different roster arguments. Jackson brings return experience and spring-league production after catching 32 passes for 392 yards and two touchdowns. Black gives Detroit more size at 6-foot-3, 213 pounds after posting 27 catches for 388 yards and three scores. The signings had not appeared on Detroit’s official transaction page at the time of review, so the proper framing is still reported, not team-announced. But the football meaning is clear: the Lions are making the WR race tougher.

LaPorta Update Stays Encouraging

Sam LaPorta remains the offensive health update that carries the most weight. Dan Campbell said LaPorta is trending in the right direction as he continues working back from back surgery. That is the June answer Detroit needed. LaPorta does not have to dominate minicamp reps. He has to keep progressing, rebuild timing with Jared Goff and enter training camp with his body responding. With Frank Ragnow retired and the offensive line still sorting through its next version, LaPorta’s availability protects the middle of the passing game. Detroit can experiment with receiver depth, but LaPorta’s health still shapes the offense’s ceiling.

Secondary Sets The Night’s Tone

Detroit’s secondary produced the strongest practice statement, and the work started before the team even hit the field. D.J. Reed hosted a player-led film session at his house, and Chuck Clark said the group studied routes, shared coverage ideas and talked through details. That communication showed up in practice. The defense finished with three interceptions, nearly grabbed two more and added several pass breakups in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 work. Jimmy Rolder, Aamaris Brown and Clark all came away with picks. It is only minicamp, but Reed already looks like a tone-setter in a room trying to build trust fast.

Cornerbacks Get Real Answers

The cornerback rotation also gave Detroit useful information. With Terrion Arnold still limited, Ennis Rakestraw and Rock Ya-Sin split first-team outside work opposite Reed after returning from illness. Rakestraw had some rough moments, including explosive completions to Jameson Williams and Isaac TeSlaa, but the value is in the reps. Detroit needs to know who can handle outside snaps if Arnold is not full-go for every training camp period. Roger McCreary stayed primarily in the nickel but also worked outside with reserve groups. That flexibility fits where this defense appears headed: more adaptability, more nickel looks and more matchup answers.

Trenches Remain A Moving Puzzle

The line play is still being sorted on both sides. At right tackle, Larry Borom and rookie Blake Miller continued splitting work, with Borom opening walkthroughs and Miller taking the first 11-on-11 snap. Juice Scruggs kept moving across the interior, primarily as the backup center. Defensively, Tyler Lacy remained first in line as a big end opposite Aidan Hutchinson in certain looks, while one late front included Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, Mekhi Wingo and Payton Turner.

D.J. Wonnum and Derrick Moore remain part of the edge picture, but Detroit is clearly testing size, length and interior rush combinations. Exactly what I spoke to last week when I mentioned a 3 defensive end look that could terrorize offenses in 2026.

Lucas Shows Edge, But Needs Control

Rookie defensive end Anthony Lucas was involved in the day’s chippiest moment when he tangled with reserve tackle Devin Cochran during walkthroughs and the exchange escalated into punches. Coaches quickly pulled both players for a few reps, and neither was ejected. For Lucas, the lesson is not that Detroit wants him quiet. The Lions value length, aggression and physical edge up front. The difference is learning how to turn that edge into controlled violence instead of wasted motion. His path to the roster will come through discipline, special teams value, technique and proving his power can show up without penalties.

National Talk Keeps Detroit In View

Good Morning Football also kept Detroit in the national spotlight with a segment asking whether the Lions still have the pieces to make a Super Bowl run in 2026. NFL.com listed that discussion near the top of its Lions page, which says plenty about how the league views Detroit. This team is not being treated like a fun underdog anymore. The Lions are being judged against contender expectations. The real question is whether the offensive line transition, defensive health and rebuilt secondary can settle quickly enough to keep Detroit in the NFC’s top tier.

Rock’s Read

Rock’s Read: The receiver signings are the late headline, but the bigger picture is competition. Brad Holmes is not letting the bottom of the wide receiver room sit still after Kendrick Law’s injury, and adding Lucky Jackson and Tarik Black gives Detroit more return value, more size and more pressure at cutdown time.

But the defensive side of the ball is where the night really grabs me. It is only minicamp, so nobody should overreact, but it is hard not to be encouraged by the chemistry already forming in Detroit’s defensive back room. D.J. Reed is not just fitting in. He is taking ownership, setting the tone and leading from the front. If that secondary grows up quickly and the defensive line rotations hit, the Lions can still be one of the NFC’s hardest teams to solve.

Dan Campbell may have his best defense in year six, and this would not be a surprise when they finish top five this season and dominate teams into submission.

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Anthony Lucas is exactly the kind of undrafted player who makes training camp worth watching. He is not walking into Detroit with monster college production. He is not a finished pass rusher. He is not guaranteed a roster spot. But he does have something the Lions clearly wanted more of this offseason: length, size, edge-setting ability, and developmental upside. The Lions list Lucas at 6-foot-5, 256 pounds, and Detroit’s own offseason coverage has grouped him with the team’s new wave of longer edge defenders around Aidan Hutchinson, DJ Wonnum, Payton Turner, and Derrick Moore.

From Five-Star Recruit To USC Developmental EDGE

Lucas’ football story started with major expectations. At Chaparral High School in Scottsdale, Arizona, he was a high-level recruit and a 2022 Under Armour All-American. Texas A&M’s official bio listed him as a five-star prospect by 247Sports and noted a senior season with 64 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks.

He began his college career at Texas A&M in 2022, where he played in seven games as a true freshman. His production was modest — seven tackles, one tackle for loss, and a quarterback hurry — but he flashed in spots, including four tackles and a tackle for loss against Alabama.

Lucas transferred to USC in 2023 and started to settle into a rotational role. That season, he played in all 13 games with one start and recorded 10 tackles with 3.5 tackles for loss. His best statistical game that year came against San Jose State, when he had three tackles and two tackles for loss.

In 2024, Lucas started six games at defensive end before a season-ending injury cut his year short. He still finished with 16 tackles and one pass breakup, including six tackles against Penn State.

His best college season came in 2025. Lucas played 12 games and posted 37 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, seven quarterback hurries, and one forced fumble. Detroit’s official UDFA breakdown also noted that he earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten recognition that season.

The Production Wasn’t Huge — But The Flashes Were Real

The reason Lucas went undrafted is not hard to understand. Across three seasons at USC, he totaled 63 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, and 3.0 sacks. That is solid, but not the kind of production that usually screams immediate NFL impact.

But the Lions are not only looking at the box score. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard specifically pointed to Lucas’ USC tape against LSU and called him a “game wrecker.” That performance did not look huge statistically — Lucas had only two tackles — but Sheppard’s point was about the matchup, the disruption, and the quality of offensive tackles Lucas faced.

That is the Anthony Lucas profile in one sentence: the numbers tell you why he was available; the tape flashes tell you why Detroit wanted him.

Lucas also had a clear statistical flash early in 2025, recording two sacks against Georgia Southern. That game proved what happens when his length, frame, and power line up correctly.

Best NFL Position Fit

Lucas’ best NFL fit is not as a pure speed rusher. He is not the twitchiest edge in the room, and his college sack production does not suggest he is ready to win consistently by simply beating tackles around the corner.

His best fit is as a 4-3 base defensive end / strong-side edge defender who can set the edge, play with length, squeeze running lanes, and develop into a power-based pass rusher.

That fits what Detroit has been building. The Lions attacked length on the edge this offseason, with Sheppard pointing to Hutchinson, Wonnum, Turner, Lucas, and Moore as part of a bigger, longer group. Sheppard also said the room will have real competition once the pads come on.

Lucas can line up as a traditional hand-in-the-dirt end. In certain fronts, he may also have some value as a wider 5-technique or heavy edge who can control tight ends and offensive tackles. But he should not be viewed as a stand-up linebacker or a wide-nine-only rusher. His path is through length, leverage, run defense, and power development.

What Lucas Does Well

Lucas’ best trait is his frame. He has the body type NFL coaches want to work with. He is listed with an 85 1/8-inch wingspan, that is over 7 feet wide—which places him in the 98th percentile historically for defensive ends. That kind of reach gives him a chance to keep blockers off his chest, lock out, separate, and make plays outside his frame.

His run defense is ahead of his pass rush. Detroit’s own UDFA breakdown described him as a player who can set an edge and still has room to improve as his pass-rush toolbox grows.

Lucas also brings versatility. USC used him across the defensive front, lining up in multiple spots, mostly as a base end. It is no secret that Lions DC Kelvin Sheppard, prefers defensive linemen who can survive different looks rather than being locked into one narrow role.

The other positive is his developmental curve. His 2025 season was his best college year, and his developmental arc pointed up since his freshman season, shwoing steady growth. Lucas entered the league young, the Lions list him at 21 years old. Detroit is not dealing with an older prospect who has already maxed out. This is a player with a lot of runway ahead of him.

What Has To Improve

The pass rush plan has to get better. Lucas cannot just be long. He has to learn how to turn that length into pressure and finish.

His first step is not elite, and his college sack total was low. The scouting report raised concerns about his burst, counter-move development, lateral quickness, and overall pass-rush consistency. All can be red flags for most teams.

That does not mean Lucas cannot become a useful NFL player. It means his development has to be honest. He is more likely to win early as an edge setter and rotational run defender than as a rookie sack producer.

The Lions will need to sharpen his hands, teach him how to convert length into power, and help him build a reliable second move. If he can become a player who holds the edge on early downs and collapses the pocket with long-arm power, he has a real NFL role.

Who He Has To Beat Out In Detroit

Lucas’ path to the 53-man roster is tough. Aidan Hutchinson is the centerpiece. DJ Wonnum was added as a veteran edge. Derrick Moore was drafted in the second round. Payton Turner brings former first-round traits and size. Ahmed Hassanein is already in the building as a developmental edge. Eric O’Neill is another undrafted rookie edge who will be fighting for the same oxygen. Detroit’s own coverage has framed this as a crowded, competitive room with six or seven players fighting for roles.

Realistically, Lucas is not trying to beat Hutchinson. He probably is not directly fighting Moore either. Lucas’ battle is more likely with the back end of the edge room: Hassanein, O’Neill, and any defensive lineman who offers inside-outside flexibility.

His best chance is to prove three things in camp:

1. He can set the edge against NFL tackles and tight ends.

2. He can contribute on special teams.

3. He has enough pass-rush growth to justify developing him on the active roster instead of risking him on the practice squad.

Rock’s Read

Anthony Lucas is not a player to overhype, but he is absolutely a player to monitor.

The Lions did not find a polished sack artist after the draft. They found a long, young, former high-end recruit who never fully became the dominant college player people expected, but who still has traits Detroit values. That is the key. Lucas does not have to become a star right away. He has to show enough in camp to make the Lions believe the best version of him is still ahead.

His cleanest path is as a developmental strong-side defensive end who wins with length, edge discipline, and power. If he shows he can hold up physically when the pads come on, he could push for the final edge spot. If not, he is a strong practice-squad candidate with real upside.

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The Lions’ latest news cycle was not built around one blockbuster transaction. It was built around something more important for the 2026 team: identity. Detroit is still sorting through what this defense becomes, how the edge room fills out behind Aidan Hutchinson, and how the franchise processes the offensive line fallout from Frank Ragnow’s final chapter.

Sheppard’s Defense Is Moving Toward More Nickel

The biggest fresh football development is Kelvin Sheppard making it clear Detroit plans to use more nickel personnel in 2026. That is not a small detail. The Lions played base defense at a massive rate in 2025, with four linemen and three linebackers reportedly used 60 percent of the time, far above the league average of 12.8 percent. Sheppard said Detroit is “planning to utilize the nickel position more,” which points to a personnel shift after Alex Anzalone and Amik Robertson left the picture. Roger McCreary, Keith Abney II, Christian Izien and Chuck Clark now become more than depth pieces. They become answers to how Detroit wants to match modern offenses.

No New Transaction, But The Roster Context Matters

There was no new Lions transaction listed for June 15 on ESPN’s transaction page. The most recent June move remains the June 4 signing of wide receiver Kyre Duplessis. That matters because the current Lions conversation is being driven less by signings and more by internal sorting. Detroit already made its major offseason additions: Chuck Clark, Roger McCreary, Christian Izien, DJ Wonnum, Payton Turner, Teddy Bridgewater, Greg Dortch and the rookie class. Now the story becomes whether the new pieces actually solve last year’s problems. That is why nickel usage, safety depth, edge length and rookie development are showing up as the loudest topics.

Anthony Lucas Is Becoming A Real Summer Name

The most interesting roster-battle name from the afternoon was undrafted defensive end Anthony Lucas. Dan Campbell mentioned Lucas while talking about the Lions’ bigger, longer edge room, putting him in the same conversation as DJ Wonnum, Payton Turner and Derrick Moore. Kelvin Sheppard then backed up the intrigue, pointing to Lucas’ USC tape against LSU and calling him a “game wrecker.” Lucas does not have overwhelming college production, finishing with 63 tackles, 7 tackles for loss and 3 sacks over three seasons at USC, but the frame is real: 6-foot-5½ with an 85⅛-inch wingspan. He is not a roster lock, but Detroit clearly sees traits worth developing.

The 2026 Schedule Keeps The Stakes Clear

The Lions’ official 2026 schedule gives this defensive reset a real deadline. Detroit opens at home against the Saints on September 13, then quickly goes to Buffalo for a Thursday night game on September 17. The NFC North tests come later, with Green Bay visiting Ford Field on October 25, Minnesota coming November 1, Chicago on Thanksgiving, and road division games at Minnesota, Chicago and Green Bay to close the year. That schedule puts pressure on Detroit to find answers before September, not during November. The nickel plan, safety rotation and pass-rush depth are not just camp storylines. They are season-shaping decisions.

Rock’s Read

Rock’s Read: This was not a flashy Lions news cycle, but it was a revealing one. The real headline is that Detroit appears to be correcting where the 2025 defense got too predictable. More nickel means more speed, more matchup flexibility and probably more responsibility on Roger McCreary, Keith Abney II, Christian Izien and Chuck Clark. Anthony Lucas is the name to watch when camp begins, giving fans something to track once the pads come on. The bigger picture is still the same: Detroit needs reliable rush support around Aidan Hutchinson and better run defense by Aidan Hutchinson—and the lions have added players to do just that.. The Lions are not just trying to reload talent. They are trying to rebuild answers across the defense while making sure last year’s offensive line instability does not define another season.

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The Lions are not in game-week mode yet, but the early summer conversation is already giving fans a clear read on what training camp is going to test. Frank Ragnow finally opened up about the physical and emotional fight behind his retirement, the wide receiver room is still adjusting after Kendrick Law’s ACL injury, D.J. Reed says his burst is back, and Ennis Rakestraw’s health is becoming one of the quieter but more important defensive storylines. This is not panic season. It is evaluation season.

THE RAGNOW STORY STILL CONNECTS TO 2026

Frank Ragnow’s latest comments put a human explanation behind one of the biggest roster changes Detroit has had to absorb. Ragnow explained that he tried to will himself into continuing his career, but his body was telling him something different. He also revealed that retirement was not originally planned for the middle of the summer, and that even after stepping away, he attempted a comeback before a Grade 3 hamstring strain stopped the return before it could truly begin.

The football impact is clear. Detroit did not just lose a starting center. It lost one of the tone-setters of the Dan Campbell era. That puts more attention on Cade Mays, Jared Goff, and the offensive line communication that has to be rebuilt before Week 1. The Lions can have weapons everywhere, but the center-quarterback operation still has to be clean for the offense to keep its rhythm.

SECONDARY HAS TWO HEALTH STORIES TO WATCH

D.J. Reed’s health update is one of the biggest quiet developments of the week. Reed admitted his 2025 season looked different before and after his hamstring injury. Before the injury, he was playing like a high-level cover corner. After returning, the tape and numbers reflected a player who was still working through the physical limitations. Now Reed says his burst is back, and that changes how Detroit can look at its cornerback room.

That connects directly to Ennis Rakestraw. After injuries slowed his first two seasons, Dan Campbell praised the work Rakestraw has put in physically and said the young corner has had a strong spring. Rakestraw has reportedly added bulk, improved his body, and put himself in better position to compete once training camp begins.

This is important because Detroit’s secondary already has major names on injury watch. Kerby Joseph is not practicing, Brian Branch out indefinitely and Terrion Arnold working his way back in limited capacity. The depth and health behind those names could shape how aggressive Kelvin Sheppard can be defensively. If Reed looks like his pre-injury version and Rakestraw is finally healthy enough to compete, the Lions have more flexibility in matchups, nickel packages, and weekly defensive planning.

THE WR4 BATTLE GETS MORE IMPORTANT

Kendrick Law’s torn ACL changed the bottom of the receiver room before training camp even started. The top of the room is still built around Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Isaac TeSlaa, but Law’s injury opened a bigger conversation about who becomes the trusted fourth option.

Greg Dortch is the obvious name because of his veteran profile and return ability, but Dominic Lovett, Jackson Meeks, Tom Kennedy, Cedrick Wilson Jr., and Kyre Duplessis all become more interesting now. Detroit does not need a savior at WR4. It needs someone who can handle special teams, give the offense functional snaps, and survive the weekly roster math.

THE EDGE ROOM HAS A NEW BODY TYPE

Detroit’s defensive front is also entering camp with a different look. The Lions have clearly attacked length on the edge with Aidan Hutchinson, DJ Wonnum, Payton Turner, Anthony Lucas, and rookie Derrick Moore all bringing size to the room. That is not just a roster detail. It points toward how the Lions may want to build pressure, set edges, squeeze pockets, and give Sheppard more options up front.

Detroit still needs to replenish the production after the loss of AQM in free agency, but the bigger story is that the Lions did not just add pass rushers. They added body types and speed. Wonnum brings experience, Turner is trying to reset his career, and Moore enters as a rookie with real production behind him. Training camp will show who is just depth and who can actually force his way into the weekly defensive game plan.

ROCK’S READ

The Lions’ morning news cycle is really about roster stress points. Ragnow’s comments explain why the offensive line transition still needs respect. Law’s injury makes WR4 more than a side battle. Reed’s recovery and Rakestraw’s development give the secondary two important health stories to track. The rebuilt edge room gives Sheppard a different kind of defensive front to work with.

Detroit does not need every answer today, but training camp is going to force the truth fast. The stars are already known. The bigger question now is whether the Lions have enough healthy, trusted, functional depth behind them to survive a long season and keep their championship expectations real.

Todays edition of the Morning Roar was published late - please check your inbox by 8am tomorrow for the latest lowdown on the Detroit Lions!

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The Detroit Lions added another wide receiver to the roster this week, signing undrafted rookie Kyre Duplessis after fifth-round pick Kendrick Law suffered a torn ACL during OTAs.

Duplessis is not a household name. He was not drafted. He does not arrive in Detroit as a guaranteed roster piece. But he does arrive with an interesting profile: a late-blooming college receiver, a special teams background, a strong academic résumé, and one breakout season that put him on the NFL radar.

For Detroit, this is exactly the kind of signing that makes sense in June. The Lions needed another body in the receiver room after Law’s injury, and Duplessis brings enough receiving production and return-game ability to make him worth watching through training camp.

The College Path

Duplessis began his college career at Coastal Carolina, where he spent five seasons in the program from 2020 through 2024.

His early years were quiet. He redshirted in 2020 and saw limited action in 2021. In 2022, he played in 12 games, mostly on special teams, while catching two passes for 28 yards. His role grew slightly in 2023, when he played in 13 games and caught 16 passes for 242 yards and one touchdown. In 2024, he appeared in 12 games and caught five passes for 78 yards.

In total, Duplessis left Coastal Carolina with modest receiving numbers: 23 catches, 348 yards and one touchdown. But that does not tell the full story. His Coastal Carolina background was built heavily around special teams, development, patience and waiting for a bigger offensive opportunity.

That opportunity finally came at Delaware.

The Breakout At Delaware

Duplessis transferred to Delaware for the 2025 season and immediately became a much bigger part of the offense.

In one season with the Blue Hens, he started all 13 games and caught 60 passes for 824 yards and five touchdowns. Those were all major career highs. He also added three carries for 19 yards and contributed in the return game.

That return ability matters. Duplessis returned three punts for 78 yards, including a 68-yard touchdown return, and he was named Conference USA Special Teams Player of the Week after that performance.

His 2025 season earned him Conference USA First Team honors, Phil Steele All-CUSA First Team recognition, CUSA All-Academic Team honors and a spot on the Conference USA Academic Honor Roll.

That is the profile Detroit is betting on: not a perfect prospect, but a player who kept developing, transferred up into a bigger role, produced when given the opportunity, and showed value on special teams.

What Kind Of Receiver Is He?

Duplessis is listed around 5-foot-10 to 5-foot-11 and roughly 190 to 195 pounds, depending on the source. He is not considered a pure burner. Reports have his 40-yard dash around 4.6 seconds, which means his NFL path probably is not built around simply running past corners on the outside.

At Delaware, he played a lot outside, but his NFL projection likely points more toward the slot, gadget touches, quick-game usage and special teams.

That fits what showed up in his final college season. Delaware used him on quick slants, manufactured touches, sideline routes, yards-after-catch plays and even some backfield looks. He is more of a space receiver than a traditional vertical field-stretcher.

The positives are his balance, instincts, body control and ability to make things happen with the ball in his hands. The concern is whether he can separate consistently against NFL defensive backs.

How He Fits With The Lions

The Lions already have their top receiver picture mostly set. Amon-Ra St. Brown is the engine of the passing game. Jameson Williams brings vertical speed. Isaac TeSlaa is being counted on as a bigger second-year piece. Detroit also has other depth options fighting for roles, including Greg Dortch, Tom Kennedy, Jackson Meeks, Dominic Lovett, Malik Cunningham and Cedrick Wilson.

That means Duplessis is not walking into an easy path on offense.

His best chance is likely special teams.

That is where his background matters. He played special teams at Coastal Carolina, returned punts at Delaware, and has experience producing without needing a full offensive workload. For a player at the bottom of the roster, that can be the difference between being just another camp receiver and being someone the coaching staff keeps watching.

Rock’s Read

Kyre Duplessis is not a replacement for Kendrick Law in the sense that Detroit simply plugged in another draft pick-level prospect. But he is a logical addition after Law’s injury.

He gives the Lions another receiver for camp, another possible return-game option, and another young player with enough versatility to compete.

The story with Duplessis is development. He waited at Coastal Carolina, transferred to Delaware, finally got a real offensive opportunity, and turned it into an all-conference season. Now he gets a chance to prove that late breakout was not just a one-year flash.

For Detroit, this is a low-risk signing with a clear purpose.

Duplessis has to win on special teams, show he can handle slot work, and prove he can create after the catch against NFL competition. If he does that, he gives himself a chance to stick around.

The concern is whether he has enough true game-changing speed to become a serious return option. In today’s NFL, especially with the tightened kickoff alignment forcing coverage units into confined space much quicker, returners need more than just reliability. They need burst, vision, contact balance, and the ability to hit a crease before it disappears. Duplessis has return experience, but he will have to prove his play speed can translate against NFL athletes.

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Kendrick Law was supposed to be one of those late-round Detroit Lions rookies fans could track all summer. Not because he was walking into Allen Park as a guaranteed starter. He was not. The intrigue was his path: speed, return ability, SEC experience, and enough versatility to fight for a role at the back end of the wide receiver room.

The Injury Ends Law’s First-Year Opportunity

Dan Campbell said Law tore his ACL during a non-contact drill at Tuesday’s OTA practice. The injury is expected to sideline him for the entire 2026 season.

Campbell did not sugarcoat it. He said he hated it for Law and that the rookie had been doing a good job.

That is the difficult part of this one. Law was not just another camp body. Detroit traded up 13 spots in the fifth round to draft him at No. 168 overall out of Kentucky. Before that, he played at Alabama, where Brad Holmes had already taken notice of his ability.

At Kentucky, Law became more involved as a receiver and return option, finishing his final college season with 53 catches for 540 yards and three touchdowns.

Why Detroit Had A Real Role To Evaluate

Law’s path to the roster was probably going to start on special teams.

The Lions still have their top receiving group built around Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Isaac TeSlaa, but Law had a chance to compete for return reps, push the bottom of the receiver room, and give the coaching staff another athletic player to develop.

That is why the injury is impactful for Detroit. The Lions lose a full summer of evaluation on a player they clearly liked enough to trade up for.

This does not crush the receiver room. It does change the bottom of the depth chart.

The Receiver Battle Opens Up Behind Him

Detroit has already added undrafted rookie wide receiver Kyre Duplessis, giving the Lions another body during OTA work.

Duplessis is not a direct replacement for Law, but his opportunity gets more interesting now. There are extra snaps, return reps, and practice evaluations available. That is where summer depth battles are won.

The top of the room is still clear. The bottom just became more open.

For Law, the job changes completely. This is no longer about making an early impression in training camp. It is about surgery, rehab, patience, and staying connected to the building while the rest of the rookie class gets its first NFL season.

Rock’s Read

Kendrick Law’s injury is brutal because he had a real summer opportunity in front of him. Detroit did not need him to become a star right away, but his return ability, athletic traits, and special teams value gave him a clear path to compete. Now the Lions lose a year of development, and the bottom of the receiver room becomes a more important camp battle.

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The Detroit Lions made a move that will not change the depth chart today, but it can help shape how the roster gets built tomorrow. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Detroit hired longtime NFL executive Chris Grier as a personnel executive, adding another experienced football voice to Brad Holmes’ operation during a window where every roster decision carries more weight.

Detroit Adds Another Experienced Evaluator

Grier served as Miami Dolphins general manager from 2016 to 2025 and previously spent years in scouting, including time as Miami’s director of college scouting.

His run in Miami was mixed. The Dolphins had five winning seasons and three playoff appearances while he was general manager, but they did not win a playoff game. Detroit is not hiring him to be the face of the front office. The Lions are adding evaluation depth — another person who has built draft boards, handled roster pressure, and lived through high-stakes NFL decision-making.

That is an important distinction. This is not about replacing the vision. This is about strengthening the room around the vision.

The Timing Connects To OTA Evaluation

The move lands while Detroit is in the middle of early offseason work. ESPN lists the Lions’ OTA dates as May 27-29, June 2-4, June 9-11, with mandatory minicamp set for June 16-17.

OTAs do not decide starting jobs, but they do start exposing roster questions.

Detroit opened OTA work with several notable absences, including Sam LaPorta, Terrion Arnold, Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, Zach Horton, and Ben Bartch. LaPorta was working back from back surgery, while Branch and Joseph continued rehabbing from a torn Achilles and lingering knee issue.

That puts Detroit in an evaluation phase, not a panic phase. Unless your name is Kerby Joseph. It sounds like the Lions may be out of options with Kerby’s rehab and availability. Training camp will be the ultimate deciding factor according to Dan Campbell. Check out the article on Kerby Joseph and what I am hearing about the situation dropping on 6.5.2026.

Roster Questions Are Bigger Than One Player

The important part is how those health questions affect the roster picture.

If LaPorta is limited, the tight end depth gets more attention. If Branch and Joseph are not full-go, the safety room gets tested. If Bartch is missing while competing at left guard, Detroit gets a longer look at Christian Mahogany, Juice Scruggs, and Miles Frazier.

That is where the Grier hire fits the bigger picture. The Lions are not just asking who their best 22 players are. They are asking how strong the full operation is if injuries, contract decisions, or young-player development force hard calls.

Gibbs Conversation Shows The New Standard

Jahmyr Gibbs adds another layer to the conversation.

Kyle Brandt predicted on Good Morning Football that Gibbs could win 2026 Offensive Player of the Year. That kind of national attention shows how far Detroit’s expectations have shifted. The Lions now have players being discussed as award-level talents before the season begins.

But expectations create pressure. If Gibbs is viewed as a centerpiece, Detroit has to protect the offensive structure around him. That means the offensive line competition, tight end health, and overall roster depth become more than offseason talking points. They become part of how Detroit keeps its best players in position to carry a contender.

Rock’s Read

Chris Grier’s hiring is not a splash move. It is a serious-football move. Detroit is adding another experienced evaluator while OTAs start revealing the roster questions that will follow this team into camp. The takeaway is simple: the Lions know their window is real, and they are strengthening the operation around Brad Holmes before the harder decisions arrive.

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The Detroit lions are on the clock — this time they are not drafting the next playmaker. Instead, the lions’ decision clock just started winding faster to lock Jahmyr Gibbs into a contract extension. After the news of Breece hall signing a three-year, roughly $46 million deal yesterday — every NFL GM entering a contract year with a running back took notice. Why? The price just went up! With Gibbs and Robinson now locked in a two-man race, the race is on to see which agent pushes the market past $21 million per year first.

This is no longer about whether the lions should pay Gibbs, but whether they can afford to wait..

MORE INFO HERE »»»»»» LINK

Lions Made The Smart Move

The Lions made the smart move by picking up Jahmyr Gibbs’ fifth-year option. At $14.293 million fully guaranteed, it locks Gibbs under team control through the 2027 season. His 2026 season still sits under the rookie-contract structure, which gives Brad Holmes leverage and a little breathing room before a long-term extension must be finalized.

Breece Hall started the new running backs market conversation. Hall reportedly agreed to a three-year, $45.75 million extension with the Jets, putting him at $15.25 million per year. The deal reportedly includes $29 million guaranteed, and it puts Hall behind only Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey among running backs by annual value.

Hall’s number becomes the first real marker for the next wave of elite running backs. Hall’s contract is not the ceiling — his deal was merely the first card dealt, and he landed a winning hand, setting the new floor for the future of the position. This contract immediately changes how negotiations will be framed for both Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson. You can bet neither agent is walking into the room under $16 million, and neither should!

Detroit has to decide whether it wants to set the price before the race gets hotter, or wait and risk paying after Robinson’s camp moves the goalpost even further.

Nuclear Options

Detroit still has a few card tricks left in the deck. Starting in 2028, the Lions could tag Gibbs, with the first franchise tag projected around $17 to $18 million. Depending on how much the running back market inflates, that could create short-term savings for the team compared to a market-setting long-term deal for Gibbs. That path would also net Gibbs roughly $32 million in fully guaranteed money across just the 2027 and 2028 seasons.

The second tag in 2029 would jump to at least 120% of the 2028 tag, pushing it to roughly $21.6 million. That number appears to be in line with where Gibbs’ new annual average could land anyway. The difference is that not all of a long-term deal would be fully guaranteed, while the franchise tag is fully guaranteed.

A third tag in 2030 would become nearly impossible to justify. The NFL’s tag rules force a major escalator of at least 144%, pushing the number to a projected $31 million fully guaranteed — and there’s a catch. NFL rules state the third franchise tag must be the greater of:

• The current-year quarterback franchise tag, which could be $55 million-plus

• 120% of the average of the top five salaries at the player’s position

• 144% of the player’s second franchise-tag salary

Brad Holmes can delay the extension through 2028 without immediately costing the Lions more money, but he cannot delay the price of the market. Any plan that stretches beyond the first tag becomes dangerous unless Detroit is willing to walk away from Gibbs by 2028, either through a possible trade or by refusing to chase the market once the number gets too high.

Three Way Race To The Finish

Three different backs are resetting the market together, something rarely seen in one offseason. This year’s running back market was never about one player — this was always a three-way market reset race.

Hall tells the league what a very good young feature back costs, resetting the new floor. Robinson shows what a full-volume offensive foundation can demand. Gibbs’ overall production tells the league what the more dynamic scoring version will cost.

Breece Hall

Hall gives the Jets a young, proven, all-purpose back who can handle volume, catch the football, and give New York one of the few stable pieces in an offense that has lived through quarterback changes, staff changes, and weekly inconsistency. The Jets paid for age, production, versatility, and the belief that Hall can be a foundational piece in the next version of their offense.

Bijan Robinson

Robinson gives Atlanta the classic RB1 argument as the workload and total-yardage back. He is the offensive foundation piece with the clearest case that his team can build the run game and passing-game extension through him. Robinson’s three-year production profile is built on volume, durability, rushing production, receiving usage, and total yards from scrimmage.

Jahmyr Gibbs

Gibbs gives Detroit a different kind of argument — and maybe the most dangerous one. Gibbs is not just a running back. He brings rushing production, receiving value, explosive traits, and his separator is scoring. Gibbs is one of the few backs in the league who can change defensive behavior before the ball is even snapped. He creates spacing advantages, becomes a coverage conflict, and finishes in the red zone.

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Stat Lines Say A Lot

The 2025 comparison explains how each player brings a different argument to the table. That gives each player a different contract lane, but with Hall already paid, the race between Gibbs and Robinson has narrowed. Robinson is the workload and yardage case. Gibbs is the scoring and efficiency weapon.

• Hall had 243 carries, 1,065 rushing yards, 36 catches, 350 receiving yards, and five total touchdowns.

• Gibbs had the same 243 carries, but turned them into 1,223 rushing yards, 77 catches, 616 receiving yards, and 18 total touchdowns.

• Robinson carried the bigger workload with 287 carries, 1,478 rushing yards, 79 catches, 820 receiving yards, and 11 total touchdowns.

The three-year rushing comparison shows the difference in workload and return, and it makes the Gibbs argument even sharper. Hall and Gibbs had the same number of carries, but Gibbs produced 645 more rushing yards. Robinson carried the largest workload, and that volume produced the strongest total rushing yardage case in the group. The issue for Robinson is volume does not equal scoring value, and Gibbs blew the doors off both players’ touchdown totals.

• Hall turned 675 carries into 2,935 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns.

• Gibbs turned the same 675 carries as Hall into 3,580 rushing yards and 39 rushing touchdowns.

• Robinson carried the larger workload with 805 carries, 3,910 rushing yards, and 25 rushing touchdowns.

• Gibbs had 25 more rushing touchdowns than Hall on the exact same carry count.

• Robinson carried the ball 130 more times than Gibbs, but Gibbs still scored 14 more rushing touchdowns.

Since 2023, the receiving numbers show just how close the all-purpose value gets. The volume and yardage edge favors Robinson, but the scoring and efficiency edge still leans Gibbs.

• Hall had 169 catches for 1,424 yards and eight receiving touchdowns.

• Gibbs had 181 catches for 1,449 yards and 10 receiving touchdowns.

• Robinson had 198 catches for 1,738 yards and nine receiving touchdowns.

The receiving gap is close. The scoring gap is not.

• Hall had 22 total offensive touchdowns since 2023.

• Robinson had 34 combined rushing and receiving touchdowns since 2023.

• Gibbs had 49 combined rushing and receiving touchdowns since 2023.

Yards create value, but touchdowns create leverage. A back who can tilt the field, finish drives, and turn limited touches into points carries a different price tag than a back who only stacks volume. Gibbs is not just producing yards inside Detroit’s offense — he is converting touches into touchdowns at a rate neither Hall nor Robinson has matched.

Gibbs Case To Be Highest Paid

Without getting buried in every stat or analytic, the strongest argument for Gibbs becoming the highest-paid back is simple: he did not build this case as a 25-carry-per-game feature back. Since 2023, Gibbs has averaged just 13.8 attempts per game. He opened his career at 12.1 ATT/G in 2023, jumped to 14.7 ATT/G in 2024, then saw a slight reduction to 14.3 ATT/G in 2025.

In 2023, Gibbs started only three games — then started only four in 2024. In 2025, he became a full-time starter and still kept the same explosive efficiency and scoring punch.

Detroit did not hand him the whole backfield from Day 1 and let raw volume inflate the profile. The Lions developed him inside a split-backfield structure, paired him with a physical complement in David Montgomery, and still watched him produce like one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in football.

The fact that Gibbs has done this in a split-back system should strengthen his contract argument, not weaken it. Since 2023, Gibbs has produced 5,029 yards from scrimmage and 49 total touchdowns, outpacing Saquon Barkley’s 4,938 scrimmage yards and 34 touchdowns over that same window. Robinson has the larger workload with 805 carries, but Gibbs has 14 more rushing touchdowns and 15 more total touchdowns despite 130 fewer carries.

That is the contract argument: Gibbs has not needed feature-back volume to produce top-of-market results. Detroit gave Gibbs high-value touches, and he responded with the production that changes the money: TOUCHDOWNS.

Drew Petzing Effect

Detroit’s next variable is Drew Petzing.

The Lions hired Petzing as offensive coordinator in 2026, and he inherits a back who can become the weekly stress point of the offense. Petzing does not need to reinvent Jahmyr Gibbs. He needs to feature him in ways that force defenses to declare their answers before the snap.

That means motion, space, screens, option routes, light-box runs, empty looks, and mismatches against linebackers. It means touches that do not just feed Gibbs, but force the defense to change how it plays Detroit. If Gibbs gets a bigger role under Petzing and keeps the efficiency, Detroit could be negotiating with one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the league.

That is the risk in waiting. If Gibbs has a career year, the number can jump well beyond the current data supporting $20 million per year — possibly reaching into the mid-20s.

What Gibbs Should Cost Today

Before Hall signed, the projection for Gibbs was sitting around four years, $72 million, or $18 million per year. After Hall’s deal came in at $15.25 million per year, even $18 million starts to feel light.

If Gibbs signs at $18 million per year, Detroit would only be paying him $2.75 million more per year than Hall. That gap does not match the production gap — not with the same three-year rushing attempts, not with 645 more rushing yards, not with 27 more total offensive touchdowns, and not with Gibbs entering a Petzing offense that should expand his role.

• A conservative team win would be four years, $72 million, or $18 million per year.

• The practical projection is four years, $78 million, or $19.5 million per year.

• The aggressive projection is four years, $84 million, or $21 million per year.

If Detroit waits, Robinson signs first, or Gibbs breaks out in 2026 and the market gets away from them, this contract could exceed $22 million per year.

Rock’s Take

The Lions should not treat Jahmyr Gibbs like a traditional running back contract. That is how teams miss the point. Gibbs is not just a handoff-and-run-the-ball type of player. He is a matchup nightmare and a scoring weapon that changes what defenses do because they have to account for him on every play, and at any spot on the field.

With the fifth-year option picked up, Detroit likely gets this done in one of two ways:

• A new four-year deal that replaces the option structure.

• A three-year extension stacked on top of the fifth-year option.

If the Lions value Gibbs at four years, $76 million including the fifth-year option, that would essentially work like a three-year, $61 million extension added onto the option year. Gibbs contract may feel expensive today, but if Robinson signed first — or if Petzing turns Gibbs loose in 2026 — that same number may look like a discount by 2027.

The question is no longer whether Gibbs is getting paid. The question is whether Detroit wants to set the number before someone else does.

My prediction: Gibbs becomes the highest-paid running back in the game. Saquon Barkley is the current leader at $20.6 million AAV, with Christian McCaffrey next at $19 million AAV. I do not see Gibbs coming in below Barkley, especially when Gibbs outproduced Barkley last season and over the last three seasons combined.

Barkley had the massive 2024 season that reset the top of the market. Gibbs has the stronger three-year case. He has been more efficient, more productive as a receiver, and more valuable as a touchdown creator.

Gibbs Prediction: 4 Yrs / $85M / $45M Guaranteed-includes 5th year option

New Money = 3Yrs/$70.7M = $23.5M AAV

Total AAV = $21.25M

Will Rock is an independent journalist covering the NFL for the Detroit Football Journal. Contact him at Mailbag@Rockedon.Com, join the chat or Follow him on X - don’t forget to catch the live Rise & Grind Morning Show Monday-Friday starting at 8am on Rocked On Detroit Lions YouTube channel.

Thank you for reading and please send it to a friend! ~ ~ Will Rock

TRANSPARENCY REPORT

Reuters: used for Breece Hall’s reported three-year, $45.75 million extension, $15.25 million annual average, franchise-tag context, and running back market placement.

New York Post: used for the reported $29 million guaranteed figure in Breece Hall’s extension and contract-structure context.

ESPN: used for the Lions picking up Jahmyr Gibbs’ fifth-year option and the 2027 option value.

CBS Sports: used for Gibbs’ fully guaranteed $14.293 million fifth-year option wording and Saquon Barkley’s $20.6 million annual average as the current top-paid running back.

NFL Football Operations: used for franchise-tag rules, including the 120% second-tag escalator and the third-tag formula involving the quarterback tag, 120% of the top-five positional average, or 144% of the second tag.

DetroitLions.com: used for Detroit’s official Drew Petzing offensive coordinator announcement and Petzing’s Arizona rushing-offense context.

NFL.com: used for Breece Hall, Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson, and Saquon Barkley rushing attempts, rushing yards, yards per carry, rushing touchdowns, receiving production, explosive rush categories, games played, starts, and career totals.

Pro Football Reference: used as a cross-check for Bijan Robinson’s 805 career carries.

Spotrac: used for random stats, 5th year option figures and data

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While cleaning through old system files today after a major OneDrive crash. I came across something I thought was gone for forever — my original 2023 NFL Draft work and write-up about the Detroit Lions defense from the old/original, and now defunct website.

This was not a full draft board, and it was not a hindsight piece. This was my pre-draft defensive fit list — a position-by-position look at a few players I believed made sense for Detroit, where I valued them, and how they could fit the Lions’ defense at the time.

This is the kind of work that reminds you where your evaluations were before the picks were made and before the league told everyone who was right or wrong. It was my real-time view of what Detroit needed on defense, which prospects matched the culture, and how I would have attacked the defensive side of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Instead of letting the file disappear into a folder forever, I copied it here so the original thought process, player notes, and Lions-focused evaluation can live on. After four drafts of producing content, this may still be my best draft work.

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2023 NFL Draft | Defense Outlook

The 2023 NFL Draft is around the corner and the Lions are slotted to take five players within the top 81 picks. Based on Detroit’s current needs, position grades, value, and draft-pick slots, the Lions can add major pieces to help this defense climb into a respectable ranking this season. With the first goal to control the run game and force teams to feel uncomfortable.

I would expect the Lions to be players in a trade-back scenario in round one, while also exploring a move back up hunting value into the third or fourth round. The Lions are picking in unique spots that create real reach potential, but the hope is that a first-round trade back nets Detroit enough flexibility to cruise the draft boards with no fear for a bad deal.

The trade partners I have identified for this year’s draft: Houston at No. 12, Tennessee at No. 11, and Washington at No. 16 — all three could potentially want to move up to No. 6 to select a quarterback or DT Jalen Carter. I could also see a scenario where the Lions trade back from pick No. 18 with the Eagles at No. 28 or the Saints at No. 29, netting more day-two draft capital. The Lions would be in great shape if they were able to trade back from pick No. 18 and still stay in the first round.

Defensive Line

This draft is heavy on edge defenders and light on true defensive tackles. The Lions are missing a road grader next to Alim McNeill who can push the pocket and stop the run. After finishing near the bottom of the league in almost every defensive category in 2022, this position cannot be ignored.

Buggs is a solid backup for now, but he is not starter-grade for me. McNeill and the linebackers would all benefit greatly from adding a top-flight talent here. Levi (Onwuzurike) can play inside/outside, but he has yet to show or prove much of anything and remains an injury liability given his spine condition. Jones and Taylor are capable third- and fourth-string backup options at this point.

If the Lions add a dominant defensive tackle who can push McNeill, create disruption, and allow the role players to succeed off the edge, this defense gets better instantly. Brad Holmes has alluded to upgrading wherever he can as a priority by taking the best football player, not just drafting for position.

Rock’s Fits:

With the Jalen Carter issues off the field, I do not see the Lions adding a potential disruption to the locker room. Carter missed more than 25% of defensive snaps in both 2021 and 2022. His pro day was a mess, and while watching him perform, he did not look ready or committed to the process. My biggest red flags are the lack of preparedness and the off-field junk when it comes to not selecting Carter in the first round. Should the Lions end up selecting Carter, then they know something we don’t.

Let’s be clear here: I’m passing on Carter - I believe the Lions will too.

The first few names on this board have been heavily mocked to Detroit, but too much of the local media circus and local draft content get blinded by the bright lights, the highlights, and the big names — I don’t believe any of them ever once watched a lick of film. That is exactly how a GM gets caught with his pants down, reaching for hype instead of trusting the process through film and facts. You make the flashy move, sell the fan base on the name, and two seasons later realize the better football player was sitting right there the whole time.

This pick — and every pick — cannot be about noise. For me, it must be about fit, discipline, availability, and what translates to winning football in Detroit. Let’s talk about a couple of players who may not fit perfectly for me, but would be acceptable options.

Mazi Smith was the top player on Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List” in 2022, and Smith blends phenomenal size and power with impressive athleticism and quickness. Smith is going to be one of the best athletes at defensive tackle in this draft, but is he a can’t-miss prospect? I don’t believe that to be true today, and a future as a backup is not worth a first-round pick.

Calijah Kancey is more of a gadget guy, that Swiss Army knife type of player. He does not possess the size and strength needed to anchor this defensive front against the run game. I do see Kancey being successful as a rotational piece in the right scheme and alongside the right anchor on a defense that fits his style — just not Detroit. The 6-foot, 280-pound defensive tackle led all interior defenders with a 92.4 pass-rushing efficiency grade this past fall.

With the depth in this draft, the Lions may wait to address the defensive line until later on day two. One of my favorite players in this draft is Kobie Turner out of Wake Forest. Turner produced incredible efficiency grades compared to the defensive tackles in this class, posting a 93.1 run-defense efficiency grade and an 88.8 pass-rushing efficiency grade via PFF.

Against scoop and combo blocks, Turner attacks. His hands are on instantly, he helps free up linebackers, and he plays with a solid base to avoid losing too much ground. After watching Turner’s highlights and the limited film I could find, I decided to watch a couple of Wake Forest games. I just can’t wrap my head around this player being viewed as a day-three pick — possibly even a UDFA.

Turner is listed as a defensive tackle, but his ability to rush the passer from the outside with bend is something you do not see from players his size very often. Turner is a true tweener and a scheme-versatile defensive lineman. I could see his usage as a 3-4 power end, a nimbler 3-technique, or the big end in a 4-3 front with the ability to play up and down the line.

A solid day-two option for the Lions is Gervon Dexter. Dexter is a bit unrefined and raw, but his film does not disappoint. He has explosive get-off and the range to close quickly on running backs and create quarterback pressure. I project Dexter as a developmental piece initially, but once he gets established, he may be one of those players teams look back on and wonder why they did not value higher.

The Lions should have a chance at Dexter in the second round at pick No. 55, but his range may depend on how teams value his traits versus the developmental timeline.

My Picks: Kobie Turner is by far my favorite here. He may be missing on some analyst boards right now, but the traits and production say he will not stay hidden for long.

Cornerback

One of the biggest letdowns of the 2022 season was the inconsistent and poor play from the defensive back room. Injuries did not help, and not having a lockdown corner playing good football was clearly an issue.

I have the Lions’ need at cornerback ranked high here, as the team only has two cornerbacks signed past the 2023 season: Cam Sutton and Chase Lucas. Okudah would require the fifth-year option to be picked up, or he would need a new deal by 2024. Chase Lucas is not top-flight talent yet, and he is not a player that should give the Lions peace of mind in 2024.

In my opinion, pick No. 6 is a bit early for a corner, but the Lions are in a unique situation with two picks inside the top 18. Getting the right guy is more important than value, and that makes the reach at No. 6 for a corner less of a concern.

I do feel this is a perfect time to take a defensive back early, allowing the rookie to train under Sutton without the pressure of being the day-one guy, which is usually the case. This draft is loaded with top-end talent in the first two rounds. Taking one at pick No. 6 is not necessary, but if the Lions want one of the best prospects in this class, they’ll likely need to take one by pick No. 18.

Rock’s Fits:

Should the Lions spring for a corner early at pick No. 6, the best player, best culture fit, and best play-style match is Devon Witherspoon. His playing experience at Illinois with Kerby Joseph adds to the continuity factor and should help this rookie gel quickly with the defensive back room.

Devon possesses elite man-coverage skills, shows a great understanding of the offense pre-snap, adjusts post-snap with superior click-and-close ability to stay in phase, and mirrors receivers underneath. He has fluid hips with enough top-end speed to turn and run downfield. Shows good awareness when dropping into zone coverage, good route recognition, and the ability to break and cover ground fast.

Statistically, Witherspoon was the best-graded press corner in 2022. He was a runner-up or finalist for about every award known in college football. Witherspoon was my clear No. 1 corner since the first day I watched corner film beginning in December 2022. I fully expect DW to live up to the hype, he will become a special player at the next level — hopefully in Detroit.

Per PFF, Witherspoon led the nation in forced incompletions with 16 and ranked as the No. 2 graded cornerback in the country, with a 91.6 overall efficiency grade and a 92.0 coverage efficiency grade. He ranked sixth nationally and second in the Big Ten with 1.4 passes defended per game, sixth nationally with 17 passes defended, and fourth in the nation in NFL passer rating allowed at 24.3.

• One of three finalists for the Thorpe Award.

• One of 20 semifinalists for the Bednarik Award.

• The first defensive back in Illinois history to be named a Consensus All-American.

• Honored as a First-Team All-American by Walter Camp, AFCA, FWAA, Associated Press, Phil Steele, CBS, PFF, and the Reese’s Senior Bowl.

• Named a USA Today Second-Team All-American — clearly, USA Today got it wrong.

• Ranked as the top defensive back in the Big Ten by the Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year voting.

• Named First-Team All-Big Ten by both the coaches and media.

Somebody explain why he was ranked the 12th overall player at his position back in December?

My second option is, surprise surprise, Christian Gonzalez. He is a fast, strong, and athletic corner who hit 23.3 mph on GPS, vertical-jumped 42 inches, and power-cleaned 325 pounds. Gonzalez tracks the ball well downfield and has solid ball skills, including the ability to high-point contested-catch situations. He has been challenged at times against bigger wide receivers, but adding him to the mix in Detroit would not require him to cover the No. 1 wide receiver right away.

Lastly, should the Lions address other needs with the No. 6 pick, I expect a defensive back to be taken in round two. Selecting any one of Deonte Banks, Emmanuel Forbes, or Joey Porter Jr. at a later pick would be a major upgrade to the room now.

My Picks: Devon Witherspoon at pick No. 6 is too early for me, but the player is worth it and these types of players are rare. Second choice: Christian Gonzalez at pick No. 18 book it!

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Safety

The Lions do not just need another body in the defensive back room — they need a player who can give them answers. Corner, nickel, safety, matchup defender, sub-package flexibility — this is where Detroit can upgrade the secondary without being locked into one position.

Walker is signed through 2024, but he is still recovering from a major Achilles injury. The speculation is he may not be ready until at least Week 2 of the regular season. With Deshone Elliott leaving in free agency, the Lions are not in the best depth position at safety.

C.J. Moore is back, and Kerby Joseph is expected to have a much bigger role and on breakout watch this season. Ifeatu Melifonwu has not been dependable to this point, suffering multiple injuries early in his career, and just who is Brady Breeze? The Lions need depth here, but they also need another versatile defensive back who can step up, cover, tackle, and give this defense more flexibility when needed.

Rock’s Fits:

I expect the Lions to address safety later in the draft on day two. If they decide to address the position early, Brian Branch is the player that makes the most sense to me. The question is how can they pull that off without a pick between No. 18 and #48? At pick #48 Branch is gone, and at #18, the Lions would be reaching, but does Brad Holmes care more about value or the right player?

Branch gives the Lions a versatile defensive back who can play multiple spots, and that matters when you look at how many moving pieces Detroit has in the secondary. He can help in the slot, support the run, and give the Lions another smart coverage player around Kerby Joseph. If the Lions are trying to build a defensive back room with more answers, Branch fits that conversation. Branch plays with confidence through intelligence. He always appears in the right spot at the right time and he HITS.

According to PFF, Branch played 624 snaps in 2021 and finished the year allowing 37 receptions on 382 coverage snaps. This past season was his best, producing an 89.5 overall efficiency grade while allowing 36 receptions on 416 coverage snaps.

Another solid option I could see the Lions spring for later on day two is Sydney Brown. Brown has previous experience playing alongside Kerby Joseph at Illinois, and Holmes prefers to add value where he can find it. Finding a complementary player with continuity inside the defensive back room is as good as it gets from an added value perspective.

I would expect the day-two options mentioned above — Brown and Branch — to likely be gone before the Lions pick at #48 or #55. Which means the Lions need to find a trade partner or wait till another round to address the position.

This is where Antonio Johnson enters the chat as a high-value target early on day three. The Lions can address a glaring future need by selecting a versatile and flexible option like Antonio Johnson. He has size, strength, speed, and experience at nickel/slot and both safety spots. He would fit what many teams are looking for in today’s NFL sized safeties. Johnson gives Detroit the type of big, versatile defensive back NFL teams covet most — He is not just a box safety, and he is not just a nickel defender, he is a matchup problem. Johnson can cover tight ends, work near the line of scrimmage, rotate into deeper coverage looks, and give the Lions more flexibility.

Holmes does seem to find gems in the fourth round, but instant-impact players are most often not the case past round two. If the Lions want a safety who can help right away and grow with Kerby Joseph, they will have to be aggressive. Branch is the cleanest fit, Brown brings the Illinois continuity, but Johnson may be the best value swing if Detroit wants size, versatility, and a defensive back who can wear multiple hats in Aaron Glenn’s secondary.

My Choice: Branch is an instant-impact player and the clear choice for me. There’s just one issue, I cannot see where Branch slides to the Lions at #48 and I can’t imagine he is on the radar at #18. I would not be surprised if the Lions make a trade here. Then again, there are a few options left with Sydney Brown or Antonio Johnson a bit later in the draft.

Linebacker

The Lions had a rough season at linebacker in 2022, and statistically speaking, the group was among the lowest-rated units in the league. Malcolm Rodriguez was the lone bright spot, grading out as Detroit’s best overall linebacker as a rookie, but one strong rookie season does not erase the bigger issue — this room still needs better coverage, more speed, better depth, and more playmakers.

Alex Anzalone is the MIKE, while Rodriguez is currently holding down the WILL position. Rodriguez can play inside, but his best value right now is playing downhill as the weakside linebacker thumping the run. He played well during his rookie campaign and quickly became one of Kevin Sheppard’s favorites, which was evident during the Hard Knocks series.

The real question is at SAM. James Houston and Derrick Barnes will be jockeying for the starting role. Houston brings the speed and rush upside on 3rd downs, while Barnes gives Detroit a bigger body with more traditional linebacker traits against the run. Behind them, Anthony Pittman is a depth and special teams option, not a player the Lions should want starting full-time.

That leaves Detroit with a clear draft question: do they add a true WILL linebacker who can push Rodriguez and give the defense more range, or do they add a hybrid SAM/edge player who gives Aaron Glenn another pass-rush and coverage weapon? Either way, this is about finding a linebacker who can raise the ceiling of the entire defense.

Rock’s Fits:

I do not have a first-round grade on many linebackers in this draft, partly because several of the best names may be asked to change roles at the next level. That does not mean a linebacker will not be selected in the first round, just means that other positions have higher grades. As Brad Holmes has stated in many pressers, he prefers to take players who fit the team’s culture, identity, and scheme — not just the perceived value or need on the board, I agree.

Holmes wants to get better and upgrade his team, no matter where he is selecting. If that player checks the boxes they have identified, Holmes has shown he will take his guy. I view the best value and opportunity to find an impact linebacker from late in the first round through the middle of the second round. That is where I expect the Lions to add a playmaker should they target one early.

As the draft gets closer to pick No. 18, my favorite options at OLB/edge is Nolan Smith. He is listed as an edge defender, but he played a similar hybrid outside linebacker role at Georgia. Smith is a proven winner with back-to-back national championships, and his role was instrumental in both seasons.

Smith absolutely crushed the combine, and after watching his film and interviews, he appears to be a genuine, humble, and hardworking football player. He fits the culture to a T, and his ability in space is special. The intangibles jump off the chart.

Smith can attack the edge with speed and has the flexibility to dip low and get under the tackle’s reach. His burst gives him the ability to play edge or outside linebacker in the right scheme, and Detroit could be one of those fits. He has coverage ability, pass-rush upside, and enough movement skills to keep an offense guessing.

The only question I have is whether the Lions would take a player at pick No. 18 who may fit more as an edge/OLB hybrid than a true off-ball linebacker. Smith is one of the best athletes in this class, and he fits the culture, but his role has to be clearly defined if Detroit is spending a first-round pick on him.

Early on day two, Jack Campbell is my overall No. 1 linebacker for the Lions in this draft. When it comes to the scheme fit, roster fit, need, and culture. I keep coming up with Jack Campbell. Iowa does a few things very well, one is tight ends, another is offensive line and the other is edge/linebackers. The problem is I do not see many clean paths for Detroit to land him unless he slides. If teams value Campbell the way I do, he has the ability to become one of the best linebackers in the league in a short window of time. I do not expect his name to stay on the board long after the Lions pick at No. 18.

That puts Detroit in a tough spot to avoid the proverbial reach pick. Unless there is movement with the Lions’ draft slots at pick No. 6 or pick No. 18, the next logical option would be moving up from No. 48 into the back end of the first round or early second round. Without a trade, the Lions may be forced to take Campbell earlier than expected, with the likely option being at #18.

Drew Sanders, I feel the Lions could land Sanders right around pick #48. His background makes him one of the more interesting linebacker fits in this class. Sanders started his college career as an edge rusher at Alabama before transferring to Arkansas and moving to off-ball linebacker. That experience shows up in his game, as his range, length, and blitzing ability racked up 11 sacks and 39 total pressures in 2022.

Sanders is not as clean of a projection as Campbell, but the upside is real. He gives Detroit more pass-rush ability from the second level, more speed in space, and another player Aaron Glenn could move around depending on package and matchup. If Campbell is gone and the Lions still want a linebacker with playmaking traits, Sanders makes a lot of sense.

Noah Sewell, I mean come one now, who doesn’t like the idea of adding another Sewell to the team? I do, but I am just not as high on Noah Sewell as a premium linebacker target as I am the other two. He could potentially be a solid backup for the Lions initially while rounding out the depth chart. He does possess a mix of pass-rushing skills, and much like his brother, he is as tough and physical as they come. I would expect him to be considered around the fifth-round. Sewell feels more like a depth and culture add than an instant defensive upgrade, but late in the draft, that type of player still has value.

My Choice: Jack Campbell is my No. 1 here and it’s not particularly close. Jack is a perfect fit for this team. He is one of the smartest players in this class — his instincts have instincts.

Defensive Line | Edge

The Lions’ edge position is deep enough on paper that adding another player early may be more of a luxury than a need. Detroit already has several defensive ends or defensive line/end/hybrid options signed. Including Charles Harris, Romeo Okwara, Josh Paschal, Aidan Hutchinson, Julian Okwara, Levi Onwuzurike, and John Cominsky. That does not mean the Lions are set, but it does mean Brad Holmes has to weigh whether an early edge pick truly upgrades the roster or simply adds another body to a crowded group.

The Lions primarily create pressure through the SAM linebacker and defensive end positions, which makes role fit important here. Romeo Okwara could become a cap-casualty conversation, and Julian Okwara has not fully locked down a long-term role. Levi Onwuzurike is an inside-out defensive line option more than a true edge, and his back injury uncertainty still matters because it affects how much flexibility Detroit really has up front.

The edge class is deep enough that the Lions could look to the second or third round to add an upgrade over the bottom tier of the room. Adding another top-flight talent opposite Aidan Hutchinson is never a bad idea, but it may not fit the roster-build plan at this time unless the player brings a clear flex role. That is where Detroit could target a high-upside piece who can rush, move around the front, and give Aaron Glenn more options without forcing the pick too early.

For that reason, edge may not make sense until day two or three, but there are playmakers in this draft who are not on the radar for many teams right now. This feels like a spot where the Lions could shuffle the roster, filter out the bottom tier, and bet on upside instead of forcing a premium pick at a position where they already have numbers.

Rock’s Fits:

I don’t see the Lions moving up here; the cost is astronomical, even to move up a few spots. Should Will Anderson somehow slip to pick No. 6, there is a real possibility Detroit selects its next game-changer on the edge.

Since the Anderson scenario is highly unlikely, it makes a trade back much more inviting for the Lions, followed by adding defensive edge help later in the draft. However, that second first-round pick at No. 18 does provide a couple of targets that really stick out: Myles Murphy and Will McDonald.

Is Myles Murphy is too freakishly gifted to pass up? He racked up 76 pressures over the last two seasons at Clemson. He is raw and would require a better set of tools to improve his win rate at the next level, but his range, size, and speed allow for flexibility to play inside and out. The main issue here is the floor versus ceiling conversation. I see the first-round traits, but I also see a developmental pass rusher profile — and that is not a spot where I would want to spend premium draft capital if I were Brad Holmes.

Will McDonald is one of my favorite players in the draft. He has been mostly mocked into the day-two range, but there is a real possibility he goes much earlier. Slotted as an edge rusher, McDonald lined up in multiple positions along the defensive line during his career at Iowa State, his flexibility brings a level of versatility that should help him at the next level.

This is a can’t-miss prospect for me, and I don’t know how more people are not talking about him. He may become one of the biggest steals of this draft if he goes into the second day. In my opinion, he is slipping if he is selected anywhere past the 32nd pick. McDonald brings real arm length at 34 7/8 inches, and his agility testing backs up what shows on the field.

I could see McDonald moving to outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme at the next level, but he is scheme versatile. McDonald is a bit undersized at roughly 240 pounds to consistently operate on the line of scrimmage in a 4-3, but I would not rule anything out with his ability to get pressure and win in space — two of his best attributes. Through three seasons, he racked up 127 pressures and 35 sacks.

Brad Holmes is a huge fan of flex options, and I would not expect the Lions to pass up on McDonald should he be there at pick No. 18. Detroit does not pick again until the middle of the second round at No. 48, which means many of the best options for instant upgrades could be gone.

A couple more options make sense for me later in the draft, starting with Byron Young. What makes Young exciting is that he can win as a designated pass rusher, chase from the backside, stress tackles with speed, and give a defense another athletic piece in obvious passing situations. If he adds more counters and gets stronger setting the edge, Young has the upside to become one of those second- or third-round rushers teams regret passing on. Young measured around 6-foot-2, 250 pounds and ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash, which matches the speed-rush profile.

Lastly, Adetomiwa Adebawore is one of the most freakishly gifted athletes in NFL Combine history. His 4.49-second 40-yard dash is rare for a player over 280 pounds, and that kind of explosiveness is worth a day-three swing. He gets his hands up quickly against the run, plays with strength and physicality at the point of attack, and uses his upper-body strength to reset the line of scrimmage. He would give Detroit another defensive-front flex option with rare athletic traits, and if the Lions want to add upside without forcing edge at No. 18, he becomes one of the more interesting day-three swings on the board.

My Choice: Will McDonald with the second pick in round one #18 overall, and I wouldn’t bat an eye at that choice. My second option would be Byron Young later in round two. I just don’t see the Lions taking an edge early in this draft when they have so many other spots to fill and clear needs Brad Holmes should focus on — even though he drafts “BPA.”

Rock’s Take

At the end of the day, this defensive draft class gives the Lions multiple paths, but the board has to be handled with discipline. I’m passing on Jalen Carter, I’m not forcing edge just because the name is there, and I’m not drafting hype over fit. If Detroit wants this defense to take a real step in 2023, the priority should be simple: control the run, add coverage answers, create pressure without losing flexibility, and find players who fit the Lions’ culture and defensive identity.

Will Rock is an independent journalist covering the NFL for the Detroit Football Journal. Contact him at Mailbag@Rockedon.Com, join the chat or Follow him on X - don’t forget to catch the live Rise & Grind Morning Show Monday-Friday starting at 8am on Rocked On Detroit Lions YouTube channel.

Thank you for reading and please send it to a friend! ~ ~ Will Rock

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More Detroit Lions News & Analysis

Derrick Moore | EDGE | UOFM

SELECTED: 2ND ROUND - PICK #12 | 44TH OVERALL

Ht: 6’4” (6040) | Wt: 255 | Hand: 9-1/8” | Arm: 33-3/8” | Wing: 83.25” | Ape Index: 1.07

On paper, Moore should be one of the easier Lions draft picks to explain, right? Power edge. Michigan background. 10-sack breakout. Detroit needed another edge opposite Aidan Hutchinson, and Brad Holmes showed conviction in the player by trading up—and that should have been the end of the story. But the deeper the evaluation got, the more questions started showing up.

It all starts with how that production was built, who it came against, and whether Moore’s pass-rush plan can actually hold up when NFL tackles stop giving him the first move. Detroit may have found a future starter opposite Hutchinson, but the runway to get there is long and the potential for failure is high. That is the tension inside this pick—Moore had only one season of meaningful production. The 1st question is will it travel beyond the matchup advantages of 2025?

Bio & Background

Moore grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, where he played high school football at St. Frances Academy—one of the toughest national prep programs in the country. He then appeared in 53 games along Michigan’s defensive line with 23 starts. Even with a four-year résumé built through rotation work, starter snaps, and captain-level responsibility—Moore did not become a finished product. Shocker-not many do.

Playing behind NFL-caliber talent, Moore learned multiple roles while playing in multiple fronts, biding his time waiting for the opportunity to be the guy. That path of patience says he can handle the pressure, physical demands, and crowded position rooms without losing his edge and leadership as a football player. Michigan voted Moore a team captain during his senior season in 2025.

Brad Holmes values players who fit the job description before the hype arrives. Moore’s climb up will give Detroit a stronger, more polished, and more prepared version of Moore than the projection he carried into 2025.

2025 Season Recap

Detroit is not betting on a mystery athlete built only on raw traits. The Lions invested in a developmental defender shaped by role expansion and sustained work ethic with tangible growth.

The 2025 production included 30 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, three pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in 12 games and 471 snaps played. Moore averaged 448 snaps in 2023 & 2024.

Leading up to the 2025 season, Moore had a combined 41 tackles, 11 sacks, 14 TFLs, 1 pass breakup, 1 forced fumble and 0 fumble recoveries through 41 games and 1,192 snaps his first three seasons. Moore averaged 448 snaps in each of the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

Detroit’s own team site framed Moore’s production as part of WHY the Lions moved up from No. 50 to No. 44 to select Moore in the second round.

Before 2025, Moore looked like a sturdy Michigan edge with length, physicality, and enough rush flash to keep scouts watching, but his profile still needed a true finishing season. That arrived late and loudly — confirming the upside while also exposing a developing pass rusher instead of a finished answer.

Production Split

During the 2025 season against Michigan’s best offensive-line opponents, including: Ohio State, USC, Northwestern, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. Moore produced eight (8) pressures and 1.5 sacks on 93 pass-rush snaps, creating a 1.6% sack efficiency with 8.6% pressure rate.

Against the lowest-ranked offensive lines on the schedule, the numbers jumped hard! 32 pressures and eight (8) sacks on 141 pass-rush snaps, creating a 5.7% sack efficiency and 22.7% pressure rate.

That wide of a variance is not ideal–but it doesn’t erase a solid senior-year jump either; instead, it narrows the scouting profile down quite a bit when the film work doesn’t match the production against elite talent.

Detroit drafted late-career growth, not a clean wire-to-wire breakout. Now the question is whether Moore’s pass-rush plan can travel against NFL-level tackles.

Below you will find the complete breakdown of production in 2025 versus the top-50 ranked offensive lines and the bottom ranked offensive lines for the entire 2025 season. No hate, no glorifying, no punches pulled and no waivers on just the FACTS!

What Does It Mean?

Moore's production clearly came against the worst possible competition possible. He completely disappeared against the better opponents. The biggest reason to be worried would be the 1st three games of the season drawing all blanks for productions.

Scouting Report

Moore is a developmental power edge with a playable run-defense floor and starter traits if the pass-rush plan keeps developing. He wins first with length, hand force, edge strength, and speed-to-power. His best rush plan comes when he wins early in the rep — timing his hands to his feet, striking through the blocker’s chest, and walking tackles back to compress the pocket.

The concern is that his pass-rush production shows real growth — but appears opponent-sensitive. When Moore faces better tackles or his first move stalls, the lack of a developed counter or rush plan leads to late separation or no separation at all. His run-defense floor makes him more playable than a pure pass rusher because he can survive early downs, set hard edges, and contribute against the run. His utilization in sub-package passing-down looks gives Detroit a power body who can reduce inside and stress guards with force.

Scheme Fit

Moore is not coming from a playground defense where ends fly up field just to chase sacks. Michigan’s pro-style defense, coached by Wink Martindale, asked the defensive ends to play inside the call — no freelancing, set the surface, squeeze gaps, rush with lane discipline, and handle multiple alignments.

Detroit’s defense has continued the 4-3 base hybrid system under Kelvin Sheppard. The defense is built to be multiple and versatile at every position — whether it’s with four-man fronts, shifting to heavier five-man looks, or asking interior defensive tackles and edge defenders to handle 1.5-gap responsibilities. The defensive front must own its assigned gap — then squeeze the next gap when the run declares.

Player Fit

Moore has a layered defensive fit that starts as the prototype for the “Big End” in Sheppard’s four-man fronts. With his 6’3”, 255-pound frame and 33-inch arms, he is built to set the edge against the run — a mandatory requirement for any Lions defender. He excels at locking out offensive tackles, keeping his chest clean, and funneling run plays back inside to the linebackers.

Multiple Layers

• Layer 1: Moore’s primary immediate value is providing a high-quality rotation to keep Aidan Hutchinson fresh. Mostly on run downs, he is expected to give the Lions better edge setting and early run-game force.

• Layer 2: In “NASCAR” or long-yardage sub-packages, Sheppard can slide Moore inside to defensive tackle as a 3-technique. His explosive first step and bull-rush capability can stress slower NFL guards in isolated pass-rush situations.

• Layer 3: With the Lions exploring more five-man fronts to maximize versatility, Moore can play the 4i or 5-technique — allowing specialized speed rushers like DJ Wonnum, or even a linebacker, safety, or corner, to attack from sharper angles.

Scheme Constraints

Moore is a linear power rusher more than a bend-the-edge specialist. In Sheppard’s scheme, he will not be asked to win with elite ankle flexion like a Wide-9 rusher; he will win through leverage, hand placement, and relentless pursuit. While his sack numbers at Michigan were solid in 2025 with 10, the pass-rush plan is still raw. With the help of Kacy Rodgers and Aidan Hutchinson, Moore will need to refine his counters to avoid getting stuck on technically sound NFL tackles.

Roster Fit

Moore’s roster fit is direct because edge depth was one of Detroit’s clearest defensive pressure points entering the draft. Hutchinson remains the headline, but the Lions needed another young rusher who could reduce the snap burden and create a stronger second wave. With the cost of the edge position in today’s free-agent market, the second-round pick becomes need and value working together.

Year one should be rotational edge work with run-game value and controlled rush opportunities. Year two is where the starter push begins — if the counters, sequencing, and pressure consistency start showing up against better tackles.

Rocks Take

Moore’s film study starts with length, strike power, edge control, and a pass-rush plan built around force over speed and flash. Moore excels in one-gap penetration, where his motor and violent hands collapse the pocket from the outside-in. While he needs to refine his counters to avoid stalling against veteran NFL tackles, his hair-on-fire playstyle matches the Lions’ physical identity.

This may not be one of the easiest Lions draft picks to understand — but he gives Detroit a real rotation answer—even if his floor is a rugged No. 3 edge who helps on early downs–the ceiling is a starting-caliber power rusher if the counter game catches up to the physical profile.

My question to you is this:

💥 Quotes & Notes 💥

Will Rock is an independent journalist covering the NFL for the Detroit Football Journal. Contact him at Mailbag@Rockedon.Com, join the chat or Follow him on X - don’t forget to catch the live Rise & Grind Morning Show Monday-Friday starting at 8am on Rocked On Detroit Lions YouTube channel.

Thank you for reading and please send it to a friend! ~ ~ Will Rock

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The biggest issue facing the Lions in 2025 was not coaching alone; the talent drop-off on the offensive line was larger than expected. Prior to 2025, the offensive line was a wall built on consistency, grit, and toughness — a unit that carried the team forward. This wall didn’t just crack; entire sections collapsed.

To make matters worse, Brad Holmes drafted so well that Detroit’s own success started tightening the cap constraints around future upgrades. If Holmes was going to keep this offense from becoming all weapons and no wall, the time to act was yesterday.

The Missing Identity

For five straight seasons, the Lions’ offseason began with one common goal: win in the trenches first. The offensive line was the identity of this team. For Jared Goff, that meant clean timing. For the run game, it meant down-your-throat punishment levied against defenses. For Detroit’s skill players, it meant an offensive line that forced defenses to defend every blade of grass, pull extra bodies into the box, and leave soft spots open for big gains in the intermediate zones.

But the 2025 season delivered a hard reality check: defenses did not respect Detroit’s front the way they had in seasons past — and Week 1 of the regular season proved it, the identity was missing. Lighter boxes were deployed against the run game, leaving more defenders available to squeeze the passing lanes. Opponents were able to dictate the terms, something Detroit had not consistently allowed since 2021.

Quickly, the Lions were in trouble. They could no longer afford for more problem areas to become obvious. Then came the weekly evidence: John Morton’s systemic failures, communication issues, and what appeared to be a lack of preparedness—kept showing up in critical moments. And just like a shark, when a defense smells blood in the water, well, you know how the rest of that story ends.

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#17 | OL | Blake Miller | Clemson

Ht: 6’ 5-7/8” (6057) | Wt: 321 | Hand: 9-3/4” | Arm: 34-1/4” | Wing: 83.86” | Ape: 1.08

2025 Stats: 808 Snaps | 2 SKs | 2 Hits | 5 Pen | 14 Pressures (12 Games)

Vertical: 32” | Bench: 32 Reps | Broad: 9’5” | Forty: 5.04 | 10-Split: 1.75

Key Stats: 54 Consecutive Starts | 71.3 Gap Grade | 76.6 Zone Grade

PFF: 72.4 RBG | 81.6 PBG | 76.8 Overall

Detroit can finally move Penei Sewell to the left side and rebuild the front around Jared Goff the right way. In this article, I explain why this pick makes more sense than most fans realize, what Miller actually brings from Clemson, how this changes the Lions’ tackle plan, and why Brad Holmes may have solved two offensive line problems with one draft pick.

Detroit Lions Player Profile

The Detroit Lions did not draft Blake Miller at No. 17 for depth. They drafted him to protect Jared Goff, stabilize right tackle, and give Brad Holmes the flexibility to make a bigger offensive line decision with Penei Sewell. Miller arrives from Clemson with 54 career starts, a school-record snap résumé, and a right-tackle identity built on toughness, availability, and pass-protection trust. This profile breaks down why Detroit made the pick, what Miller brings on tape, where he fits in the Lions’ run-first offensive structure, and whether this selection gives Dan Campbell the trench answer his offense needed before the window gets more expensive.

Bio & Background

Blake Miller’s football story starts in Strongsville, Ohio, where he became a four-star recruit and one of the top offensive line prospects in the Midwest. Clemson did not slow-play him. Miller started at right tackle as a true freshman, became a Freshman All-American, and never left the lineup. He finished as a three-time All-ACC offensive lineman and Clemson’s all-time leader in career snaps from scrimmage, playing 3,778 offensive snaps over 54 career starts. That is the appeal for Detroit. The Lions are not betting on mystery. They are buying one of the most durable and experienced tackles in the class.

2025 Season Recap

Miller’s 2025 season reinforced the same trait that defined his Clemson career: stability. He started every game, earned First-Team All-ACC, and finished as one of the most trusted right tackles in college football. His pass protection was the cleaner side of the evaluation, with an 81.6 pass-blocking efficiency mark and only 14 pressures allowed across 808 charted snaps. The run game showed enough physical intent to fit Detroit, but the technique still needs NFL sharpening. Miller can play high, and rushers with length will test his chest. For the Lions, the 2025 tape says high-floor right tackle with immediate competition value and long-term starter traits.

• Games Played: Miller started 13 games in 2025 and finished his Clemson career with 54 starts in 54 games.

• Snap Counts: Miller played 808 charted offensive snaps in 2025 and finished with a Clemson-record 3,778 career snaps; Detroit noted 96.5 percent of his college snaps came at right tackle.

• Key Stats: Miller allowed 14 total pressures in 2025, including two sacks.

• Advanced Metrics: Miller posted a 76.8 total offensive efficiency ranking, an 81.6 pass-blocking efficiency mark, and a 72.4 run-blocking efficiency mark.

• Best Performance: His strongest verified 2025 performance came against Boston College, where he earned ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week after helping Clemson clear both 200 rushing yards and 200 passing yards.

• Scouting Report

High Floor

Miller wins with size, experience, play strength, and assignment discipline. He is not a rare-space mover, but he understands angles, fits his hands with purpose, and plays with the strain Detroit wants from its tackles. In pass protection, his value comes from calm sets, veteran awareness, and the ability to process games and pressure looks without panic. The concern is leverage. Miller can play tall, and when defenders get into his chest, he has to reset late. Detroit drafted him because the floor is real: 54 starts, right-tackle experience, leadership, toughness, and a clear path to compete immediately. The ceiling depends on whether Hank Fraley can tighten the hand timing and keep his pads down against NFL edge power.

Lions Scheme Fit

Miller fits Detroit because his best football lives inside the Lions’ offensive identity: gap runs, duo, inside zone, play-action protection, and heavy personnel looks that demand tackles who can strain, cover up bodies, and finish. Clemson trusted him to live at right tackle, and Detroit values that same kind of stability. The cultural fit is just as clean. Miller’s college profile is built on durability, leadership, and week-after-week dependability. That matches a Lions room that wants offensive linemen who can function without drama, protect Jared Goff’s timing, and keep the run game physical. He is not a luxury pick. He is a roster-structure pick.

MORE INFO HERE »»»»»» LINK

Rock’s Take:

Blake Miller is a Lions pick because he fits the building, not just the board. Detroit needed a tackle with starter traits, cost control not the free agency market, and enough experience to compete right away. The flaws are technical, not foundational. If Miller plays lower, sharpens his hands, and handles NFL speed, this pick can stabilize right tackle and give the Lions real flexibility with Penei Sewell. Detroit did not draft him to be interesting. Detroit drafted him to protect the offense’s identity. This is as close as a Taylor Decker mock you can find just on the other side of the line.

Quotes & Notes

Will Rock is an independent journalist covering the NFL for the Detroit Football Journal. Contact him at Mailbag@Rockedon.Com, join the chat or Follow him on X - don’t forget to catch the live Rise & Grind Morning Show Monday-Friday starting at 8am on Rocked On Detroit Lions Youtube channel.

Thank you for reading and please send it to a friend! ~ ~ Will Rock

2026 NFL DRAFT GRADES ALL-32

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This ranking evaluates all 32 NFL draft classes by overall team draft grade, using WAA as one supporting data point rather than the only ranking factor. WAA stands for Wins Above Average, an analytics-based projection that estimates how much above-average value a draft class is expected to add compared to a baseline NFL outcome. The higher the WAA, the more projected impact the class adds, but the final rankings also factor in player value, roster needs, positional importance, scheme fit and long-term upside. Giving us a value-based way to compare draft classes beyond just big names, team needs or fan reaction.

New York Giants: A+

Picks: 7 | WAA added: 0.999 (Rank 19/32)

• Pick 5: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State Buckeyes

• Pick 10: T Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL) Hurricanes

• Pick 37: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee Volunteers

• Pick 74: WR Malachi Fields, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

• Pick 186: DI Bobby Jamison-Travis, Auburn Tigers

• Pick 192: T J.C. Davis, Illinois Fighting Illini

• Pick 193: LB Jack Kelly, BYU Cougars

Player Snapshot

1. Reese: Reese is the explosive defensive chess piece, a 20-year-old athlete who can threaten the quarterback even if he plays off-ball. New York gets front-seven versatility and a rare growth ceiling.

2. Mauigoa: Mauigoa is the power-and-flexibility pick, likely beginning inside while preserving tackle insurance. His run-blocking force and strong pass-protection efficiency give the Giants immediate offensive-line options.

3. Hood: Hood is a talented but inconsistent corner with starting tools. The one-year starter profile makes him risky early, but the upside is real if the technique settles.

4. Fields: Fields is a big-bodied receiver with blocking value and enough long speed. The catch-point urgency must improve for him to stick.

5. Jamison-Travis: Jamison-Travis is a stocky run defender with disruptive early-down traits. Limited rush value and age tighten the roster path.

6. Davis: Davis has tackle length and run-game impact. Recovery in pass protection decides whether he becomes more than depth.

7. Kelly: Kelly is a pressure-capable linebacker with downhill juice and blitz production. He profiles as a core-teams defender with sub-package value.

Cleveland Browns: A+

Picks: 10 | WAA added: 2.065 (Rank 4/32)

• Pick 9: T Spencer Fano, Utah Utes

• Pick 24: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M Aggies

• Pick 39: WR Denzel Boston, Washington Huskies

• Pick 58: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo Rockets

• Pick 86: T Austin Barber, Florida Gators

• Pick 146: C Parker Brailsford, Alabama Crimson Tide

• Pick 149: LB Justin Jefferson, Alabama Crimson Tide

• Pick 170: TE Joe Royer, Cincinnati Bearcats

• Pick 182: QB Taylen Green, Arkansas Razorbacks

• Pick 248: TE Carsen Ryan, BYU Cougars

Player Snapshot

1. Fano: Fano is the offensive-line stabilizer, a right tackle with enough flexibility to help Cleveland build its best five. His consistency and movement skills give the Browns a plug-in starter profile.

2. Concepcion: Concepcion is the space weapon Cleveland needed, a Z/slot receiver who wins after the catch. He is not a classic boundary X, but he adds juice to an offense short on easy-play creators.

3. Boston: Boston is a smooth outside receiver with size, hands and one-on-one value. The concern is zone efficiency, but his catch-point strength gives Cleveland a real developmental starter.

4. McNeil-Warren: McNeil-Warren is a big, explosive safety with turnover instincts. He projects as a box-impact starter who can change possessions.

5. Barber: Barber is a developmental tackle with prototype size and enough athletic ability. He gives Cleveland swing depth with future starter potential.

6. Brailsford: Brailsford wins with quickness and technique, but size and strength are real concerns. He fits best in an outside-zone system.

7. Jefferson: Jefferson is a coverage-capable linebacker with SEC snaps and no touchdowns allowed in 2025. His path is depth linebacker and special teams.

8. Royer: Royer is a receiving tight end with athleticism and hands. He must be protected as a blocker, but he can flex into passing-game packages.

9. Green: Green is an elite athlete with quarterback experience and position-change intrigue. The passing consistency may block a QB role, but the tools are roster-worthy.

10. Ryan: Ryan is a late tight end value with separation ability and useful run-blocking effort. His frame and contested-catch profile limit the ceiling.

Carolina Panthers: A+

Picks: 7 | WAA added: 1.036 (Rank 17/32)

• Pick 19: T Monroe Freeling, Georgia Bulldogs

• Pick 49: DI Lee Hunter, Texas Tech Red Raiders

• Pick 83: WR Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee Volunteers

• Pick 129: CB Will Lee III, Texas A&M Aggies

• Pick 144: C Sam Hecht, Kansas State Wildcats

• Pick 151: S Zakee Wheatley, Penn State Nittany Lions

• Pick 227: LB Jackson Kuwatch, Miami (OH) RedHawks

Player Snapshot

1. Freeling: Freeling is the upside tackle play, young, long and improving fast in pass protection. Carolina gets another starting option at left tackle, which matters with Ikem Ekwonu coming off a major late-season injury.

2. Hunter: Hunter is the interior tone-setter, a run-game disruptor with steady year-over-year growth. His pass rush is more solid than explosive, but Carolina gets a dependable early-down defender with rotational upside.

3. Brazzell: Brazzell is the vertical swing, a boom-or-bust outside receiver who can stress coverage downfield. The route tree is limited, but his field-stretching profile gives Carolina real WR3 upside.

4. Lee: Lee is a developmental corner with size, length and ball production. The concern is tackling and penalty discipline, but his physical tools give him a late-round starter path.

5. Hecht: Hecht is a clean interior value with balance, leverage and pass-protection reliability. He profiles as a backup center with real push-for-a-role potential.

6. Wheatley: Wheatley is a long, rangy safety built for single-high work. His frame can get exposed in the box, but the coverage range gives him defensive value.

7. Kuwatch: Kuwatch is a depth linebacker swing with special teams value. He must prove coverage range, but the roster path is effort, tackling and core teams.

Miami Dolphins: B+

Picks: 13 | WAA added: 2.092 (Rank 3/32)

• Pick 12: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

• Pick 27: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State

• Pick 43: LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech

• Pick 75: WR Caleb Douglas, Texas Tech

• Pick 87: TE Will Kacmarek, Ohio State

• Pick 94: WR Chris Bell, Louisville

• Pick 130: LB Trey Moore, Texas

• Pick 138: LB Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh

• Pick 158: SAF Michael Taaffe, Texas

• Pick 177: WR Kevin Coleman Jr., Missouri

• Pick 180: TE Seydou Traore, Mississippi State

• Pick 200: G DJ Campbell, Texas

• Pick 238: EDGE Max Llewellyn, Iowa

Player Snapshot

1. Proctor: Proctor is the massive trench reset, a power tackle with rare size, length, and people-moving ability. Mirror quickness and deeper-set pass protection are the concerns.

2. Johnson: Johnson is a scheme-versatile corner with footwork, toughness, and inside-outside coverage value. Bigger receivers can still test him at the catch point.

3. Rodriguez: Rodriguez is a high-production linebacker with instincts, ball skills, and downhill urgency. Over-pursuit and missed-tackle volume create the risk.

4. Douglas: Douglas is a long outside receiver with catch-radius flashes and developmental X traits. Drops and contested-catch consistency are the concerns.

5. Kacmarek: Kacmarek is a true Y tight end with blocking temperament and run-game value. Receiving impact will likely be limited to schemed throws.

6. Bell: Bell is a big possession receiver with build-up speed and red-zone utility. ACL recovery, separation, and catch focus decide the ceiling.

7. Moore: Moore is a productive pressure defender with linebacker/edge flexibility. Size and coverage range make the role specialized.

8. Louis: Louis is an undersized sub-package linebacker with speed, coverage instincts, and ball skills. Block take-on strength and tackling through contact are concerns.

9. Taaffe: Taaffe is a smart safety with anticipation, toughness, and assignment reliability. Range and open-field athleticism limit the ceiling.

10. Coleman: Coleman is a slot receiver with punt-return value and vertical utility. Size and route refinement define the role.

11. Traore: Traore is an F tight end with movement skills, soft hands, and developmental upside. Route detail and blocking strength must improve.

12. Campbell: Campbell is a tough gap-scheme guard with strength and starting experience. Athletic limitations make him scheme-dependent.

13. Llewellyn: Llewellyn is a base-end prospect with size, effort, and a varied rush plan. Bend, explosiveness, and anchor strength cap the projection.

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New York Jets: A

Picks: 8 | WAA added: 2.239 (Rank 2/32)

• Pick 2: ED David Bailey, Texas Tech Red Raiders

• Pick 16: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon Ducks

• Pick 30: WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana Hoosiers

• Pick 50: CB D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana Hoosiers

• Pick 103: DI Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State Seminoles

• Pick 110: QB Cade Klubnik, Clemson Tigers

• Pick 188: G Anez Cooper, Miami (FL) Hurricanes

• Pick 228: S VJ Payne, Kansas State Wildcats

Player Snapshot

1. Bailey: Bailey is the immediate edge-speed answer, a proven pressure producer with back-to-back elite efficiency seasons. His 79 pressures give Aaron Glenn a day-one disruptor instead of a projection-only athlete.

2. Sadiq: Sadiq is the mismatch weapon, a rare 240-pound athlete with 4.39 speed and explosive-play production. He gives Geno Smith a flexible tight end who can align everywhere and stress coverage.

3. Cooper: Cooper is a dense, well-rounded receiver with strong hands and WR2 projection. He gives the Jets a physical complement who can win through contact.

4. Ponds: Ponds is an urgent zone defender with instincts and football IQ. Size and strength cap the ceiling, but he has starter potential.

5. Jackson: Jackson is a massive defensive tackle with power and upside. Technique inconsistency keeps him developmental, but the traits are starter-caliber.

6. Klubnik: Klubnik is a polished touch passer with high football character. Arm talent may cap him, but he has long-term QB2 value.

7. Cooper: Cooper is a high-volume interior lineman with pass-protection value. The run game is uneven, but he gives the Jets backup guard depth.

8. Payne: Payne brings NFL size and speed with safety-corner flexibility. His path is special teams first, then sub-package defensive depth.

Indianapolis Colts: A

Picks: 8 | WAA added: 0.648 (Rank 28/32)

• Pick 53: LB CJ Allen, Georgia Bulldogs

• Pick 78: S A.J. Haulcy, LSU Tigers

• Pick 113: G Jalen Farmer, Kentucky Wildcats

• Pick 135: LB Bryce Boettcher, Oregon Ducks

• Pick 156: ED George Gumbs Jr., Florida Gators

• Pick 214: ED Caden Curry, Ohio State Buckeyes

• Pick 237: HB Seth McGowan, Kentucky Wildcats

• Pick 254: WR Deion Burks, Oklahoma Sooners

Player Snapshot

1. Allen: Allen is the physical middle-linebacker answer, a sturdy run defender with enough coverage flashes to stay on the field. His length limits the ceiling, but the Colts get a reliable defensive communicator.

2. Haulcy: Haulcy is a true deep safety with range, ball skills and aggressive instincts. Indianapolis gets a back-end defender who fits best when allowed to patrol space.

3. Farmer: Farmer is a pass-protection-first guard with steady but unspectacular tape. The run game needs more force, but he gives Indianapolis a developmental interior option.

4. Boettcher: Boettcher is a high-energy linebacker with multi-sport toughness and downhill aggression. His size caps the ceiling, but he can fit an attacking role.

5. Gumbs: Gumbs is a long developmental edge with flashes against both phases. The production is still coming, but the body type gives him upside.

6. Curry: Curry is a productive edge with run-defense value and special teams polish. Size and length may limit the role, but he can stick.

7. McGowan: McGowan is a powerful, explosive back with between-the-tackles value. He fits best in downhill concepts where his burst can hit fast.

8. Burks: Burks is an explosive slot projection with strength and athletic traits. The production profile is light, but the upside keeps him alive.

Las Vegas Raiders: A-

Picks: 10 | WAA added: 2.604 (Rank 1/32)

• Pick 1: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana Hoosiers

• Pick 38: CB Treydan Stukes, Arizona Wildcats

• Pick 67: ED Keyron Crawford, Auburn Tigers

• Pick 91: T Trey Zuhn III, Texas A&M Aggies

• Pick 101: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee Volunteers

• Pick 122: HB Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas Razorbacks

• Pick 150: S Dalton Johnson, Arizona Wildcats

• Pick 175: CB Hezekiah Masses, California Golden Bears

• Pick 195: WR Malik Benson, Oregon Ducks

• Pick 229: DI Brandon Cleveland, North Carolina State Wolfpack

Player Snapshot

1. Mendoza: Mendoza is the franchise reset, a high-level 2025 quarterback with production, poise and immediate offensive importance. Las Vegas gets a new foundation piece for Klint Kubiak after finishing near the bottom in offensive efficiency.

2. Stukes: Stukes is a walk-on-to-starter slot defender with instincts and playmaking urgency. Athletic limitations may cap the outside projection, but his nickel value is clean.

3. Crawford: Crawford is a pass-rush-driven edge with real pressure production and useful burst. The run defense is less consistent, but Las Vegas gets rotational disruption.

4. Zuhn: Zuhn is an elite pass-protection profile with tackle experience and guard projection. His run blocking lags, but the athletic testing and SEC experience give him starter upside inside.

5. McCoy: McCoy is a first-round talent if the medicals cooperate, with press-man size and shutdown traits. The risk is availability, not ceiling.

6. Washington: Washington is a size-speed power back with yards-after-contact value. He fits best as an early-down committee runner.

7. Johnson: Johnson is a versatile safety with coverage production and alignment flexibility. He gives Las Vegas a movable defensive back with ball skills.

8. Masses: Masses is a zone corner with ball production and anticipation. He must add physicality to become more than depth.

9. Benson: Benson is a quick slot projection with downfield receiving juice. His lighter frame limits the role, but he can create vertical stress.

10. Cleveland: Cleveland is a leverage-based nose tackle with dependable dirty-work value. He lacks explosion, but he can anchor depth.

Washington Commanders: A-

Picks: 6 | WAA added: 1.87 (Rank 5/32)

• Pick 7: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State Buckeyes

• Pick 71: WR Antonio Williams, Clemson Tigers

• Pick 147: ED Joshua Josephs, Tennessee Volunteers

• Pick 187: HB Kaytron Allen, Penn State Nittany Lions

• Pick 209: C Matt Gulbin, Michigan State Spartans

• Pick 223: QB Athan Kaliakmanis, Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Player Snapshot

1. Styles: Styles is the immediate-impact defender, a big, explosive linebacker with coverage range and downhill force. The value debate is real, but Washington gets a three-down talent with the physical profile to fix run fits and matchup issues.

2. Williams: Williams is the separator, a quick slot receiver with route tempo, hands and underneath efficiency. His explosive ceiling is limited, but he gives Washington a chain-moving option with early special teams value.

3. Josephs: Josephs is a developmental edge with burst, length and rotational upside. The rush plan still needs work, but his athletic traits give Washington a moldable pressure piece.

4. Allen: Allen is a physical committee back with contact balance and pass-protection value. He lacks elite juice, but his downhill style gives Washington dependable depth.

5. Gulbin: Gulbin is a leverage-based center with enough strength and control to compete for interior depth. His path is backup guard-center versatility.

6. Kaliakmanis: Kaliakmanis is a late quarterback swing with size, toughness and starter experience. His consistency must improve, but he has practice-squad developmental value.

More Info Here »»»»»» LINK

Baltimore Ravens: B+

Picks: 11 | WAA added: 1.798 (Rank 6/32)

• Pick 14: G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State Nittany Lions

• Pick 45: ED Zion Young, Missouri Tigers

• Pick 80: WR Ja’Kobi Lane, USC Trojans

• Pick 115: WR Elijah Sarratt, Indiana Hoosiers

• Pick 133: TE Matthew Hibner, SMU Mustangs

• Pick 162: CB Chandler Rivers, Duke Blue Devils

• Pick 173: TE Josh Cuevas, Alabama Crimson Tide

• Pick 174: HB Adam Randall, Clemson Tigers

• Pick 211: P Ryan Eckley, Michigan State Spartans

• Pick 250: DI Rayshaun Benny, Michigan Wolverines

• Pick 253: G Evan Beerntsen, Northwestern Wildcats

Player Snapshot

1. Ioane: Ioane is the interior stabilizer Baltimore needed, especially after losing Tyler Linderbaum. Most of his work came at left guard, where his size, experience and steady efficiency should translate quickly.

2. Young: Young is a high-effort edge with strength, build and run-game dependability. The athletic ceiling may cap the pass rush, but Baltimore gets a rotational tone-setter.

3. Lane: Lane is the contested-catch X receiver with size and boundary toughness. Separation and yards-after-catch questions lower the ceiling, but the catch-point profile is clear.

4. Sarratt: Sarratt is a competitive outside receiver with strong hands and jump-ball toughness. Average athleticism limits him, but he can become a WR2 in the right offense.

5. Hibner: Hibner is a slot-heavy tight end with receiving production and size. Blocking consistency decides whether he becomes more than a package target.

6. Rivers: Rivers is an experienced outside corner with ball control and penalty discipline. The 2025 dip matters, but the long-term coverage profile is playable.

7. Cuevas: Cuevas is an undersized but smart tight end who competes as a blocker. He profiles as a TE2 and special teams piece.

8. Randall: Randall is a conversion back with size-speed traits. Vision and patience must improve for him to earn regular snaps.

9. Eckley: Eckley brings leg strength and inside-the-20 production. Return control is the concern after too many punts came back.

10. Benny: Benny is a run-defense interior with a clear phase split. He can anchor early downs, but the rush value is limited.

11. Beerntsen: Beerntsen is an older interior lineman with strong run-blocking impact and pass-protection stability. He gives Baltimore dependable depth.

Philadelphia Eagles: B

Picks: 8 | WAA added: 1.537 (Rank 8/32)

• Pick 20: WR Makai Lemon, USC Trojans

• Pick 54: TE Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt Commodores

• Pick 68: T Markel Bell, Miami (FL) Hurricanes

• Pick 178: QB Cole Payton, North Dakota State Bison

• Pick 207: G Micah Morris, Georgia Bulldogs

• Pick 244: S Cole Wisniewski, Texas Tech Red Raiders

• Pick 251: DI Uar Bernard, IPP

• Pick 252: ED Keyshawn James-Newby, New Mexico Lobos

Player Snapshot

1. Lemon: Lemon is the aggressive receiver value, a tough middle-of-field target who wins through contact. With receiver uncertainty in Philadelphia, his contested-catch ability gives the offense a usable day-one skill.

2. Stowers: Stowers is a versatile offensive weapon, best as a big slot or backfield piece rather than a true in-line tight end. Philadelphia gets formation flexibility and passing-game usage.

3. Bell: Bell is the rare-size tackle swing, a massive blocker with better movement than expected. Foot speed and flexibility may stop him from becoming a full-time starter.

4. Payton: Payton is a rare utility quarterback with athleticism, left-handed passing ability and gadget-package value. Pressure play against NFL talent remains the concern.

5. Morris: Morris is a pass-protection guard with size and anchor. His run impact is limited, but he gives Philadelphia interior depth.

6. Wisniewski: Wisniewski is a box safety with awareness and tight end matchup value. Range limits him, but the role is clear.

7. Bernard: Bernard is a defensive-line depth swing with rotational traits. He must prove his anchor and rush plan to stick.

8. James-Newby: James-Newby is an elite small-school pressure producer. The jump in competition is real, but the rush production demands a look.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B+

Picks: 7 | WAA added: 1.159 (Rank 15/32)

• Picks: 7 | WAA added: 1.159 (Rank 15/32)

• Pick 15: EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami

• Pick 46: LB Josiah Trotter, Missouri

• Pick 84: WR Ted Hurst, Georgia State

• Pick 116: CB Keionte Scott, Miami

• Pick 155: DT Demonte Capehart, Clemson

• Pick 160: G Billy Schrauth, Notre Dame

• Pick 185: TE Bauer Sharp, LSU

Player Snapshot

1. Bain: Bain is the premium edge answer, a heavy-handed rusher with power, toughness, and inside-out rush value. Length is the concern, but the floor is starter-level.

2. Trotter: Trotter is an instinctive linebacker with NFL bloodlines, downhill urgency, and blitz value. Coverage spacing and take-on consistency are the concerns.

3. Hurst: Hurst is a vertical Z receiver with speed, route upside, and catch-and-run juice. Hands and contested-catch toughness must improve.

4. Scott: Scott is a nickel defender with urgency, tackling production, and blitz value. Ball production and route anticipation limit the ceiling.

5. Capehart: Capehart is a big rotational defensive tackle with power, length, and run-game anchor. Pass-rush polish is the limitation.

6. Schrauth: Schrauth is a tough interior guard with captain traits and run-game strength. Durability, leverage, and mirror ability are the concerns.

7. Sharp: Sharp is a converted tight end with movement skills and underneath separation ability. Hands, play strength, and blocking consistency decide the roster path.

MORE INFO HERE »»»»»» LINK

Cincinnati Bengals: B+

Picks: 7 | WAA added: 0.57 (Rank 31/32)

• Pick 41: ED Cashius Howell, Texas A&M Aggies

• Pick 72: CB Tacario Davis, Washington Huskies

• Pick 128: C Connor Lew, Auburn Tigers

• Pick 140: WR Colbie Young, Georgia Bulldogs

• Pick 189: T Brian Parker II, Duke Blue Devils

• Pick 221: TE Jack Endries, Texas Longhorns

• Pick 226: DI Landon Robinson, Navy Midshipmen

Player Snapshot

1. Howell: Howell is the situational pass-rush bet, winning with burst, hands and a real rush arsenal. The measurables are not ideal, but Cincinnati gets a one-on-one disruptor.

2. Davis: Davis is the long press-corner projection, with rare height, arm length and speed. The production dipped after Arizona, but the developmental upside fits a secondary needing traits.

3. Lew: Lew is a technically clean center with leverage, balance and posture. Power is the concern, but his age and fundamentals give him starting upside.

4. Young: Young is a big outside receiver with steady development and strong target efficiency. He gives Cincinnati boundary depth.

5. Parker: Parker is a guard-tackle swing with run-game strength. He must keep pressures from becoming sacks, but the versatility is valuable.

6. Endries: Endries is a flexible tight end who can align as a slot or wing. He adds receiving and lead-blocking value.

7. Robinson: Robinson is a compact interior rusher with quickness and production. Size limits him, but the disruption gives him rotational value.

Buffalo Bills: B

Picks: 10 | WAA added: 1.324 (Rank 10/32)

• Pick 35: ED T.J. Parker, Clemson Tigers

• Pick 62: CB Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State Buckeyes

• Pick 102: T Jude Bowry, Boston College Eagles

• Pick 125: WR Skyler Bell, Connecticut Huskies

• Pick 126: LB Kaleb Elarms-Orr, TCU Horned Frogs

• Pick 167: CB Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina Gamecocks

• Pick 181: DI Zane Durant, Penn State Nittany Lions

• Pick 220: CB Toriano Pride Jr., Missouri Tigers

• Pick 239: P Tommy Doman, Florida Gators

• Pick 241: G Ar’maj Reed-Adams, Texas A&M Aggies

Player Snapshot

1. Parker: Parker is the steady edge, a well-rounded defender with no glaring hole but no dominant trait. Buffalo gets rotational value now with starter potential if the explosiveness or strength jumps.

2. Igbinosun: Igbinosun is the physical press-corner swing with size and attitude. The concern is panic at the catch point, where penalties can erase his traits.

3. Bowry: Bowry is a zone-scheme swing tackle with size and athletic ability. Power is the question, but he gives Buffalo flexible line depth.

4. Bell: Bell is a productive slot receiver who created like a top-100 player against his level. Size and athletic questions lower the ceiling.

5. Elarms-Orr: Elarms-Orr is an undersized but athletic linebacker with three-phase defensive improvement. He projects as a developmental depth piece with coverage value.

6. Kilgore: Kilgore has the length, strength and explosiveness to develop into a nickel defender. Buffalo gets upside in the secondary.

7. Durant: Durant is a strength-based interior defender still chasing consistent production. His role projection remains unclear, but the tools are real.

8. Pride: Pride is an undersized outside corner with ball production and strong passer-rating results. He profiles as zone depth.

9. Doman: Doman is a hang-time punter with return-control value. The leg gives Buffalo real specialist competition.

10. Reed-Adams: Reed-Adams has size and swing-line appeal, but protection and penalties must improve. He is a depth gamble.

Chicago Bears: B

Picks: 7 | WAA added: 0.675 (Rank 27/32)

• Pick 25: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon Ducks

• Pick 57: C Logan Jones, Iowa Hawkeyes

• Pick 69: TE Sam Roush, Stanford Cardinal

• Pick 89: WR Zavion Thomas, LSU Tigers

• Pick 124: CB Malik Muhammad, Texas Longhorns

• Pick 166: LB Keyshaun Elliott, Arizona State Sun Devils

• Pick 213: DI Jordan van den Berg, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Player Snapshot

Thieneman: Thieneman is the clean defensive fit, a safety with high-end athleticism, coverage value and run support. Chicago needed backend help, and he gives Dennis Allen a true three-phase defender.

Jones: Jones is a smart, feisty zone center with lateral quickness and strong hands. The arm length issue is real, but he gives Chicago a high-IQ interior anchor.

Roush: Roush is a true Y tight end with blocking value and heavy-personnel utility. The passing-game ceiling is limited, but the role fits.

Thomas: Thomas is an energy receiver with return value and roster toughness. Special teams may get him active before offense does.

Muhammad: Muhammad is a zone-oriented corner with pedigree and starting traits. The lighter frame and limited disruption keep the projection tempered.

Elliott: Elliott is a downhill linebacker with blitz and run-game flashes. Coverage issues may limit him to early downs and teams.

Berg: Van den Berg is an athletic interior defender with run-game value. Limited rush production makes him a rotation-only projection.

Dallas Cowboys: B

Picks: 7 | WAA added: 1.021 (Rank 18/32)

• Pick 11: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State Buckeyes

• Pick 23: ED Malachi Lawrence, UCF Knights

• Pick 92: ED Jaishawn Barham, Michigan Wolverines

• Pick 112: T Drew Shelton, Penn State Nittany Lions

• Pick 114: CB Devin Moore, Florida Gators

• Pick 137: ED LT Overton, Alabama Crimson Tide

• Pick 218: WR Anthony Smith, East Carolina Pirates

Player Snapshot

1. Downs: Downs is the stabilizer Dallas badly needed, an elite college safety with three straight high-efficiency seasons. He immediately raises the floor of a secondary that struggled badly in coverage.

2. Lawrence: Lawrence is the edge-need selection, a rotational pass rusher with real 2025 rush efficiency. The pick may be rich on value, but Dallas needed pressure after major turnover outside.

3. Barham: Barham is the tweener upside defender, disruptive against the run with flashes as a rusher. His lighter frame clouds the role, but the athletic profile is dangerous.

4. Shelton: Shelton is a tackle-to-guard projection with improved pass protection. The run game must get stronger inside.

5. Moore: Moore is a press-man corner with length, speed and ball skills. Injury history is the swing factor.

6. Overton: Overton is a 3-4 end with inside-out versatility and power. Limited bend caps the edge-rush ceiling.

7. Smith: Smith is an efficient, big-framed receiver with quickness and yards-after-catch ability. Ball security and blocking must improve.

Kansas City Chiefs: B

Picks: 7 | WAA added: 1.288 (Rank 12/32)

• Pick 6: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU Tigers

• Pick 29: DI Peter Woods, Clemson Tigers

• Pick 40: ED R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma Sooners

• Pick 109: CB Jadon Canady, Oregon Ducks

• Pick 161: HB Emmett Johnson, Nebraska Cornhuskers

• Pick 176: WR Cyrus Allen, Cincinnati Bearcats

• Pick 249: QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU Tigers

Player Snapshot

1. Delane: Delane is the cornerback answer after Kansas City lost major secondary pieces. He brings top-of-class cover production and should fit Steve Spagnuolo’s development pipeline immediately.

2. Woods: Woods is the interior upside swing, an explosive 300-pounder who can become the disruptive complement to Chris Jones. The 2025 tape dipped, but the age and earlier production keep the ceiling high.

3. Thomas: Thomas is a track-explosive edge with pass-rush tools despite size limitations. He projects as a situational pressure piece.

4. Canady: Canady is a small, aggressive slot corner with ball skills. Tackling and run support cap the role.

5. Johnson: Johnson is a quick-footed back with receiving value and scheme flexibility. He has three-down committee potential.

6. Allen: Allen is a slot receiver with route ability, hands and big-play production. Frame and blocking concerns limit the ceiling.

7. Nussmeier: Nussmeier is a polished pocket passer with NFL bloodlines and vertical confidence. Average tools make him a developmental backup.

Los Angeles Chargers: B

Picks: 8 | WAA added: 1.313 (Rank 11/32)

• Pick 22: ED Akheem Mesidor, Miami (FL) Hurricanes

• Pick 63: C Jake Slaughter, Florida Gators

• Pick 105: WR Brenen Thompson, Mississippi State Bulldogs

• Pick 117: T Travis Burke, Memphis Tigers

• Pick 131: S Genesis Smith, Arizona Wildcats

• Pick 145: DI Nick Barrett, South Carolina Gamecocks

• Pick 202: G Logan Taylor, Boston College Eagles

• Pick 206: T Alex Harkey, Oregon Ducks

Player Snapshot

1. Mesidor: Mesidor is older, but the tape is dominant, with elite rush efficiency and strong run defense in 2025. The Chargers get an immediate edge replacement and top-three rotational piece.

2. Slaughter: Slaughter is a smart, finesse center built for zone concepts. He wins with quickness and space work, but NFL power will test him early.

3. Thompson: Thompson is the speed shot, a 4.26 burner with real vertical production. Size and contested-catch consistency limit the complete receiver projection.

4. Burke: Burke is a massive tackle with real late-career growth. His pass protection and size give him developmental starter appeal.

5. Smith: Smith is a single-high safety projection with size and athletic traits. Physicality and strength consistency remain concerns.

6. Barrett: Barrett is a rotational nose tackle with size, anchor and run-defense production. Rush impact is limited.

7. Taylor: Taylor is a huge interior swing with tackle experience and run-game value. He gives Los Angeles versatile depth.

8. Harkey: Harkey is a right tackle depth option with pass-blocking stability. The run-game transition to better competition needs work.

More Info Here »»»»»» LINK

New Orleans Saints: B+

Picks: 8 | WAA added: 0.797 (Rank 23/32)

• Pick 8: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

• Pick 42: DT Christen Miller, Georgia

• Pick 73: TE Oscar Delp, Georgia

• Pick 132: G Jeremiah Wright, Auburn

• Pick 136: WR Bryce Lance, North Dakota State

• Pick 172: SAF Lorenzo Styles Jr., Ohio State

• Pick 190: WR Barion Brown, LSU

• Pick 219: CB TJ Hall, Iowa

Player Snapshot

1. Tyson: Tyson is the WR1 swing with size, ball skills, and three-level alignment value. Injuries and blocking consistency are the concerns.

2. Miller: Miller is an even-front nose with power and stack-and-shed ability. Double teams and anchor consistency limit the ceiling.

3. Delp: Delp is a fluid tight end with speed and receiving upside. Contact balance and finish through traffic must improve.

4. Wright: Wright is a power guard with gap-run toughness and finishing demeanor. Foot quickness and pass protection are the concerns.

5. Lance: Lance is a boundary receiver with ball skills and FCS production. Route polish and the competition jump decide the role.

6. Styles: Styles is a converted defensive back with zone awareness and special teams value. Tight hips and route recognition limit the coverage ceiling.

7. Brown: Brown is a speed receiver with kick-return value. Route detail and catch fundamentals must improve.

8. Hall: Hall is a competitive nickel corner with fast feet and run-support toughness. Long speed and ball production are the questions.

Green Bay Packers: B

Picks: 6 | WAA added: 0.645 (Rank 29/32)

• Pick 52: CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina Gamecocks

• Pick 77: DI Chris McClellan, Missouri Tigers

• Pick 120: ED Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State Nittany Lions

• Pick 153: C Jager Burton, Kentucky Wildcats

• Pick 201: CB Domani Jackson, Alabama Crimson Tide

• Pick 216: K Trey Smack, Florida Gators

Player Snapshot

1. Cisse: Cisse is the twitchy corner projection, explosive enough to develop into a starter. The concern is physicality, but the tools fit Green Bay’s long-term secondary plan.

2. McClellan: McClellan is the power-based interior defender with size, length and run-game anchor ability. He is not a pure athlete, but the strength translates to early-down value.

3. Dennis-Sutton: Dennis-Sutton is a long, powerful defensive lineman with 3-4 end traits and 4-3 flexibility. Agility limits the ceiling, but the developmental arrow points up.

4. Burton: Burton is an athletic center with quickness and strong pass protection. He fits gap schemes and gives Green Bay interior depth.

5. Jackson: Jackson is a zone corner with speed and eyes-forward coverage value. Man coverage issues limit the role.

6. Smack: Smack is a proven kicker with range and multi-year consistency. He gives Green Bay legitimate specialist competition.

Houston Texans: B-

Picks: 8 | WAA added: 0.901 (Rank 21/32)

• Pick 26: G Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

• Pick 36: DI Kayden McDonald, Ohio State Buckeyes

• Pick 59: TE Marlin Klein, Michigan Wolverines

• Pick 106: G Febechi Nwaiwu, Oklahoma Sooners

• Pick 123: LB Wade Woodaz, Clemson Tigers

• Pick 141: S Kamari Ramsey, USC Trojans

• Pick 204: WR Lewis Bond, Boston College Eagles

• Pick 243: LB Aiden Fisher, Indiana Hoosiers

Player Snapshot

1. Rutledge: Rutledge is the late-rising interior line bet, a powerful guard whose best 2025 work came in the run game. Houston moved up for need, but the value is a little aggressive.

2. McDonald: McDonald is the elite run defender, a block-control interior force with top-tier run-stop production. The pass rush is limited, but Houston gets an immediate early-down answer.

3. Klein: Klein is a young, developmental tight end with blocking mentality and growth upside. Added strength could make him a real TE2.

4. Nwaiwu: Nwaiwu is a pass-protection specialist with guard versatility. The run game needs major work, but the protection profile is excellent.

5. Woodaz: Woodaz is a long, fast linebacker with coverage production. He gives Houston developmental sub-package and special teams value.

6. Ramsey: Ramsey is a versatile safety-slot defender for two-high structures. A lighter build caps the ceiling.

7. Bond: Bond is a possession receiver with contested-catch skill and alignment flexibility. Speed and catch radius limit upside.

8. Fisher: Fisher is an experienced, high-effort linebacker. Size and athletic limitations make him a depth and teams projection.

Detroit Lions: B-

Picks: 7 | WAA added: 0.867 (Rank 22/32)

• Pick 17: T Blake Miller, Clemson Tigers

• Pick 44: ED Derrick Moore, Michigan Wolverines

• Pick 118: LB Jimmy Rolder, Michigan Wolverines

• Pick 157: CB Keith Abney II, Arizona State Sun Devils

• Pick 168: WR Kendrick Law, Kentucky Wildcats

• Pick 205: DI Skyler Gill-Howard, Texas Tech Red Raiders

• Pick 222: ED Tyre West, Tennessee Volunteers

Player Snapshot

1. Miller: Miller is the offensive-line succession pick, a four-year Clemson starter with nearly 4,000 snaps and steady year-to-year efficiency. Detroit can start him at right tackle and shift Penei Sewell left if needed.

2. Moore: Moore is the quick, smart edge with pass-rush feel and rotational value. Length may limit sack volume, but he fits Detroit’s pressure identity as a sub-package rusher.

3. Rolder: Rolder is a downhill linebacker with strong run-defense efficiency and low missed-tackle volume. Injuries and coverage catch rate are concerns, but the upside is real.

4. Abney: Abney is a competitive zone corner with run-support toughness. Length and elite athleticism are missing, but he fits Detroit’s culture.

5. Law: Law is an athletic utility receiver with special teams value. Receiving limitations lower the ceiling, but versatility gives him a roster path.

6. Gill-Howard: Gill-Howard is a quick 3-technique with interior pass-rush juice. Size and length make him scheme-specific, but the disruption is real.

7. West: West is a developmental edge/line swing with power traits. The role must be defined, but Detroit gets a late defensive front bet.

Tennessee Titans: B-

Picks: 8 | WAA added: 0.721 (Rank 26/32)

• Pick 4: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

• Pick 31: EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn

• Pick 60: LB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas

• Pick 142: G Fernando Carmona, Arkansas

• Pick 165: RB Nicholas Singleton, Penn State

• Pick 184: DT Jackie Marshall, Baylor

• Pick 194: C Pat Coogan, Indiana

• Pick 225: TE Jaren Kanak, Oklahoma

Player Snapshot

1. Tate: Tate is a polished Z receiver with size, hands, and contested-catch reliability. Play strength is the main developmental point.

2. Faulk: Faulk is a long edge with movement skills, front flexibility, and high-end upside. He needs more power and edge-setting urgency.

3. Hill: Hill is a three-down linebacker with violence, range, and blitz value. He gives Tennessee immediate defensive impact.

4. Carmona: Carmona is a combative guard with SEC tackle background and physical temperament. Body control and hand consistency cap the ceiling.

5. Singleton: Singleton is an explosive back with size-speed traits and return value. Vision and gather ability are the concerns.

6. Marshall: Marshall is a twitchy interior defender with one-gap disruption ability. Urgency and anchor consistency must improve.

7. Coogan: Coogan is a veteran center with intelligence, grip strength, and leadership. Length and forward lean create protection concerns.

8. Kanak: Kanak is a converted tight end with toughness, hands, and special teams value. Size and blocking development define the role.

More Info Here »»»»»» LINK

Arizona Cardinals: C-

• Picks: 7 | WAA added: 1.202 (Rank 14/32)

• Picks: 7 | WAA added: 1.202 (Rank 14/32)

• Pick 3: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

• Pick 34: G Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M

• Pick 65: QB Carson Beck, Miami

• Pick 104: DT Kaleb Proctor, Southeastern Louisiana

• Pick 143: WR Reggie Virgil, Texas Tech

• Pick 183: LB Karson Sharar, Iowa

• Pick 217: OT Jayden Williams, Mississippi

Player Snapshot

1. Love: Love is the home-run swing, a back who changes run-game math with explosive-play ability. Arizona already had volume backs, but Love adds juice the offense lacked. The question is whether the blocking structure creates enough runway.

2. Bisontis: Bisontis is a volume-experienced guard with uneven efficiency and clear scheme splits. The pass protection is usable, but the gap-run work needs a jump for him to become more than depth.

3. Beck: Beck is the experienced quarterback with clean mechanics and game-manager traits. The concern is arm talent after UCL surgery, which may limit his NFL ceiling.

4. Proctor: Proctor is a small-school interior disruptor with explosive rush ability and real 2025 production. He gives Arizona late value.

5. Virgil: Virgil is a high-floor Z receiver with alignment flexibility and strong hands. The ceiling is limited, but he can block and provide depth.

6. Sharar: Sharar is a special teams-ready linebacker with one-year defensive starting experience. Core teams are his first path.

7. Williams: Williams is a developmental tackle with size and swing-line value. He must prove protection consistency to earn a roster spot.

Atlanta Falcons: D+

Picks: 6 | WAA added: 0.774 (Rank 24/32)

• Pick 48: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson Tigers

• Pick 79: WR Zachariah Branch, Georgia Bulldogs

• Pick 134: S Kendal Daniels, Oklahoma Sooners

• Pick 208: DI Anterio Thompson, Washington Huskies

• Pick 215: LB Harold Perkins Jr., LSU Tigers

• Pick 231: G Ethan Onianwa, Ohio State Buckeyes

Player Snapshot

1. Terrell: Terrell is the instinctive corner with elite football IQ and playmaking feel. Length may push him toward zone-heavy usage, but the starter traits are there.

2. Branch: Branch is the rare-athlete receiver, explosive enough to tilt coverage and special teams. The route craft must catch up, or he risks becoming a gadget-only weapon.

3. Daniels: Daniels is a massive safety-linebacker convert with range, size and multi-year defensive experience. He gives Atlanta matchup flexibility.

4. Thompson: Thompson is a strong, explosive interior defender with balanced run and rush production. His testing gives him late developmental upside.

5. Perkins: Perkins is a rare athlete without a clean position. Atlanta must package him as a rusher, space defender and teams piece.

6. Onianwa: Onianwa is a tackle-to-guard projection with Rice development and Ohio State depth experience. He profiles as interior competition.

New England Patriots: C+

Picks: 9 | WAA added: 0.604 (Rank 30/32)

• Pick 28: T Caleb Lomu, Utah Utes

• Pick 55: ED Gabe Jacas, Illinois Fighting Illini

• Pick 95: TE Eli Raridon, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

• Pick 171: CB Karon Prunty, Wake Forest Demon Deacons

• Pick 196: T Dametrious Crownover, Texas A&M Aggies

• Pick 212: LB Namdi Obiazor, TCU Horned Frogs

• Pick 234: QB Behren Morton, Texas Tech Red Raiders

• Pick 245: HB Jam Miller, Alabama Crimson Tide

• Pick 247: ED Quintayvious Hutchins, Boston College Eagles

Player Snapshot

1. Lomu: Lomu is the offensive-line bet, a tackle with starting traits and enough movement ability to upgrade New England’s front. The Patriots need his technique to mature quickly.

2. Jacas: Jacas is a physical edge with run-game toughness and pressure flashes. He may not be a pure bend rusher, but he fits a sturdy defensive front.

3. Raridon: Raridon is a big tight end with receiving upside and red-zone value. Blocking consistency decides whether he becomes a full-time contributor.

4. Prunty: Prunty is a corner depth piece with experience and ball skills. He must prove he can hold up physically.

5. Crownover: Crownover is a massive tackle with developmental upside. Foot speed and pass-protection consistency are the roster questions.

6. Obiazor: Obiazor is a linebacker depth swing with athletic traits. Coverage and tackling consistency will define the role.

7. Morton: Morton is a backup quarterback projection with Big 12 passing production. Decision-making consistency must improve.

8. Miller: Miller is a compact Alabama back with early-down toughness. He needs special teams value to stick.

9. Hutchins: Hutchins is a late edge flyer with rush tools. The path is special teams and sub-package development.

Pittsburgh Steelers: C+

Picks: 11 | WAA added: 0.875 (Rank 20/32)

• Pick 21: OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State

• Pick 47: WR Germie Bernard, Alabama

• Pick 76: QB Drew Allar, Penn State

• Pick 85: CB Daylen Everette, Georgia

• Pick 96: G Gennings Dunker, Iowa

• Pick 121: WR Kaden Wetjen, Iowa

• Pick 169: FB Riley Nowakowski, Indiana

• Pick 210: DE Gabe Rubio, Notre Dame

• Pick 224: S Robert Spears-Jennings, Oklahoma

• Pick 230: RB/WR Eli Heidenreich, Navy

Player Snapshot

1. Iheanachor: Iheanachor is a developmental tackle with length and starting tools. Technique and anchor consistency decide how quickly he plays.

2. Bernard: Bernard is a polished receiver with route detail and reliable hands. Long speed and vertical separation cap the ceiling.

3. Allar: Allar is a big-armed quarterback with size and starter traits. Processing speed and accuracy consistency decide the projection.

4. Everette: Everette is a long outside corner with press-man traits. Recovery speed and ball production are the questions.

5. Dunker: Dunker is a powerful guard with run-game toughness. Pass-protection range and balance must hold up.

6. Wetjen: Wetjen is a gadget/return weapon with speed and open-field burst. Offensive role clarity decides the value.

7. Nowakowski: Nowakowski is a fullback with blocking and special teams value. His path depends on Pittsburgh committing to heavier personnel.

8. Rubio: Rubio is a defensive-line depth piece with power and early-down value. Pass-rush juice is the limitation.

9. Spears-Jennings: Spears-Jennings is a safety depth swing with size and physicality. Coverage consistency and special teams impact decide whether he sticks.

10. Heidenreich: Heidenreich is a late offensive weapon with RB/WR flexibility and return value. He needs a defined special teams role to make the roster.

Los Angeles Rams: D+

Picks: 5 | WAA added: 1.383 (Rank 9/32)

• Pick 13: QB Ty Simpson, Alabama Crimson Tide

• Pick 61: TE Max Klare, Ohio State Buckeyes

• Pick 93: T Keagen Trost, Missouri Tigers

• Pick 197: WR CJ Daniels, Miami (FL) Hurricanes

• Pick 232: DI Tim Keenan III, Alabama Crimson Tide

Player Snapshot

1. Simpson: Simpson is the post-Stafford swing, a first-round quarterback bet with one year of starting experience. Sean McVay can develop the timing and placement, but the pick delays short-term roster help.

2. Klare: Klare is a receiving tight end with savvy hands and starter upside in a pass-heavy role. Blocking inconsistency keeps him from being a complete Y.

3. Trost: Trost is a pass-protection standout with elite 2025 efficiency, but short arms create projection concerns. The Rams are betting the production beats the measurables.

4. Daniels: Daniels is an older traits receiver with contested-catch ability and toughness. Long speed and YAC limit the ceiling.

5. Keenan: Keenan is a power nose tackle built for run defense. He must develop more rush counters to expand the role.

Minnesota Vikings: C

Picks: 9 | WAA added: 0.493 (Rank 32/32)

• Pick 18: DI Caleb Banks, Florida Gators

• Pick 51: LB Jake Golday, Cincinnati Bearcats

• Pick 82: DI Domonique Orange, Iowa State Cyclones

• Pick 97: T Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern Wildcats

• Pick 98: S Jakobe Thomas, Miami (FL) Hurricanes

• Pick 159: TE Max Bredeson, Michigan Wolverines

• Pick 163: CB Charles Demmings, Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks

• Pick 198: HB Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest Demon Deacons

• Pick 235: C Gavin Gerhardt, Cincinnati Bearcats

Player Snapshot

1. Banks: Banks is the Brian Flores fit, a long, strong defensive lineman who can move across fronts. The value is rich, but the alignment flexibility gives Minnesota a useful chess piece.

2. Golday: Golday is a long, athletic linebacker with starter traits if the instincts catch up. His floor is strong special teams and defensive depth.

3. Orange: Orange is a massive power lineman with speed-to-power potential. Hand speed and pass-rush finesse remain developmental concerns.

4. Tiernan: Tiernan is a smart, experienced tackle with technique and balance. High pads and shorter arms cap the ceiling.

5. Thomas: Thomas is a physical safety with size and enforcer traits. Inconsistency likely makes him rotational early.

6. Bredeson: Bredeson is a blocking tight end with strong run-game efficiency. Receiving value is limited, but the role is clear.

7. Demmings: Demmings is an explosive small-school corner with ball skills and testing numbers. Development will decide the payoff.

8. Claiborne: Claiborne is a speed back with zone-run value and receiving upside. He profiles as an RB3 and return option.

9. Gerhardt: Gerhardt is a developmental center with interior depth value. He must prove strength and protection consistency.

Denver Broncos: C-

Picks: 7 | WAA added: 1.145 (Rank 16/32)

• Pick 66: DI Tyler Onyedim, Texas A&M Aggies

• Pick 108: HB Jonah Coleman, Washington Huskies

• Pick 111: T Kage Casey, Boise State Broncos

• Pick 152: TE Justin Joly, North Carolina State Wolfpack

• Pick 246: S Miles Scott, Illinois Fighting Illini

• Pick 256: TE Dallen Bentley, Utah Utes

• Pick 257: LB Red Murdock, Buffalo Bulls

Player Snapshot

1. Onyedim: Onyedim is the rotational interior defender, built around run-game production, first-step quickness and active hands. The pass rush is secondary, but Denver gets early-down utility.

2. Coleman: Coleman is the efficient zone-run back with power, one-cut timing and third-down reliability. He is not flashy, but his game translates to structured rushing offenses.

3. Casey: Casey is a Boise State mauler with tackle experience and guard projection. Shorter arms and limited burst point him inside, where his strength can play.

4. Joly: Joly is a natural receiving tight end with hands, IQ and competitive toughness. He gives Denver offensive and teams value.

5. Scott: Scott is a depth safety with special teams value and matchup flexibility. He must prove range and tackling consistency.

6. Bentley: Bentley is a receiving tight end with athletic limitations. Route feel must carry him if he sticks.

7. Murdock: Murdock is a highly productive linebacker with run, coverage and tackling efficiency. He is a late steal if the testing translates.

Seattle Seahawks: B+

Picks: 7 | WAA added: 0.75 (Rank 25/32)

• Round 1, Pick 32: RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

• Round 2, Pick 64: S Bud Clark, TCU Horned Frogs

• Round 3, Pick 99: CB Julian Neal, Arkansas Razorbacks

• Round 5, Pick 148: G Beau Stephens, Iowa Hawkeyes

• Round 6, Pick 199: WR Emmanuel Henderson Jr., Kansas Jayhawks

• Round 7, Pick 236: CB Andre Fuller, Toledo Rockets

• Round 7, Pick 242: NT Deven Eastern, Minnesota Golden Gophers

• Round 7, Pick 255: CB Michael Dansby, Arizona Wildcats

Player Snapshot

1. Price: Price is the explosive backfield swing, a big-play runner with burst, receiving value, and three-down flashes. Workload durability and down-to-down rushing consistency decide the ceiling.

2. Clark: Clark is a ball-hawking safety with range, instincts, and turnover production. Tackling consistency and run-fit discipline are the concerns.

3. Neal: Neal is a long corner with press traits and developmental outside value. Recovery speed and transition quickness must hold up.

4. Stephens: Stephens is a physical guard with Iowa toughness and run-game value. Lateral agility and pass-protection range cap the ceiling.

5. Henderson: Henderson is an athletic receiver with speed and special teams upside. Route polish and offensive consistency determine the role.

6. Fuller: Fuller is a developmental corner with coverage experience and depth value. Special teams impact is the first path to the roster.

7. Eastern: Eastern is a nose tackle with size, anchor, and early-down run-game value. Pass-rush impact is the limitation.

8. Dansby: Dansby is a late corner swing with traits and competition upside. Technique and consistency decide whether he sticks.

More Info Here »»»»»» LINK

Jacksonville Jaguars: D+

Picks: 10 | WAA added: 1.548 (Rank 7/32)

• Pick 56: TE Nate Boerkircher, Texas A&M Aggies

• Pick 81: DI Albert Regis, Texas A&M Aggies

• Pick 88: G Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon Ducks

• Pick 100: S Jalen Huskey, Maryland Terrapins

• Pick 119: ED Wesley Williams, Duke Blue Devils

• Pick 164: TE Tanner Koziol, Houston Cougars

• Pick 191: WR Josh Cameron, Baylor Bears

• Pick 203: WR CJ Williams, Stanford Cardinal

• Pick 233: ED Zach Durfee, Washington Huskies

• Pick 240: LB Parker Hughes, Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

Player Snapshot

1. Boerkircher: Boerkircher is an older tight end with blocking toughness and better athleticism than production suggests. He profiles as Day 3 depth with heavy-personnel value.

2. Regis: Regis is a steady nose tackle who wins with leverage, positioning and consistency. He lacks penetration, but the floor is useful.

3. Pregnon: Pregnon is the best value, a guard who made a major 2025 jump with high-end pass protection and zone-blocking impact. Jacksonville gets a legitimate interior starter candidate.

4. Huskey: Huskey is a productive, versatile safety with ball production and alignment flexibility. The coverage numbers support a movable defensive back role.

5. Williams: Williams is a run-defense edge with strong stop production. Limited pass rush and shorter arms cap the ceiling.

6. Koziol: Koziol is a big-slot tight end with catch-radius and red-zone value. He needs a creative offense.

7. Cameron: Cameron is a punt-return path receiver with explosiveness. Separation must improve for offensive snaps.

8. Williams: Williams is an outside receiver with contested-catch production. Route nuance and consistency are the questions.

9. Durfee: Durfee is a developmental edge with size and rotational traits. He needs rush-plan growth to stick.

10. Hughes: Hughes is a linebacker depth swing with special teams value. Coverage consistency will decide his path.

San Francisco 49ers: C-

Picks: 8 | WAA added: 0.697 (Rank 27/32)

• Picks: 8 | WAA added: 0.697 (Rank 27/32)

• Pick 33: WR Denzel Stribling, Oklahoma State Cowboys

• Pick 70: DL Romello Height, Texas Tech Red Raiders

• Pick 90: RB Kaelon Black, Indiana Hoosiers

• Pick 107: DL Gracen Halton, Oklahoma Sooners

• Pick 127: OL Carver Willis, Washington Huskies

• Pick 139: CB Ephesians Prysock, Washington Huskies

• Pick 154: LB Jaden Dugger, Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns

• Pick 179: T Enrique Cruz Jr., Kansas Jayhawks

Player Snapshot

1. Stribling: Stribling is a perimeter receiver with size and catch-point value. He must separate more consistently to justify the early investment.

2. Height: Height is a rotational defensive-line piece with rush tools and length. He needs better bend, counters, and early-down toughness.

3. Black: Black is a compact back with burst, toughness, and contact balance. His concern is role clarity in an already-structured backfield.

4. Halton: Halton is the best value, an interior disruptor with quickness and pocket push. Size and anchor limit his every-down projection.

5. Willis: Willis is a developmental offensive lineman with guard/tackle flexibility. Technique, hands, and anchor strength must improve.

6. Prysock: Prysock is a long corner with size and coverage upside. Consistency, footwork, and route recognition are the concerns.

7. Dugger: Dugger is a physical linebacker depth piece with special teams value. Coverage reliability and processing speed will decide his path.

8. Cruz: Cruz is a developmental tackle with length and swing-line potential. He needs more power, anchor, and technical consistency.

Will Rock is an independent journalist covering the NFL for the Detroit Football Journal. Contact him at Mailbag@Rockedon.Com, join the chat or Follow him on X - don’t forget to catch the live Rise & Grind Morning Show Monday-Friday starting at 8am on Rocked On Detroit Lions Youtube channel.

Thank you for reading and please send it to a friend! ~ ~ Will Rock

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#1 | RB | Jeremiyah Love | Notre Dame

Ht: 6’ 0” (6000) | Wt: 212 | Hand: 9.125” | Arm: 32” | Wing: 78.625” | Ape 1.09 (RARE!)

2025 Stats: 163 / 1,372 Yds | 21 Total TDs (18 Rush / 3 Rec) | 1 Fumble

Key Stats: 127.5 Elusiveness | 56 Forced Missed Tackles | 4.5 YDs After Contact

PFF: 72.7 Rec Grade | 93.7 Rush Grade | 93.1 Overall | 84.5 Gap | 92.8 Zone

Draft Stock: ↗️↙️ No Change | Previous Top-25 Rank: #1 | SIS Big Board #1

Jeremiyah Love is a 21-year-old, high-cut backfield weapon who pairs a dense 212-pound frame with a verified 4.36 40-yard dash and a remarkably rare 1.09 Ape Index. He operates as a schematic trump card, utilizing a devastating second gear that completely shatters pursuit angles and turns marginal creases into breakaway runs. During his dominant 2025 campaign at Notre Dame, he racked up 1,372 rushing yards and 21 total touchdowns while posting an elite 93.1 overall PFF grade. He solidified his blue-chip status during the pre-draft process by logging a 117.3 Speed Score, proving his track-star velocity translates seamlessly to his playing weight without any lingering medical red flags. Functioning as a multi-phase mismatch, his 92.8 zone-rushing grade and refined route-running nuance make him an ideal fit for modern, space-oriented NFL offenses.

The primary technical conflict in his evaluation stems from occasional processing delays at the mesh point, where he can lock onto his primary landmark and miss wide-open backside cutback lanes on gap concepts. However, his elite contact balance—averaging 4.5 yards after contact and forcing 56 missed tackles—ensures that even when his vision betrays him, he still generates positive yardage, and NFL coaching will quickly refine his raw anchor technique in pass protection to match his spotless zero-pressure-allowed collegiate resume.

Rock’s Take:

Love stands as the undisputed RB1 of the 2026 class and a plug-and-play, three-down starter. He mirrors the pure velocity of Jahmyr Gibbs but brings a denser frame built to survive interior NFL traffic. By forcing defensive coordinators into pre-snap alignment conflicts, he represents the most versatile and explosive backfield asset in this draft, fully cementing his value as a locked-in Day One selection.

Previous Top-25 Ranking #1

#2 | LB | Sonny Styles | Ohio State

Ht: 6’5” (6050) | Wt: 244 | Hand: 10” | Arm: 32.875” | Wing: 80.875” | Ape: 1.05

2025 Stats: 82 Tackles | 1 Sack | 6.5 TFLs | 1 INT | 11 Pressures

Key Stats: 38 Stops | 75.8 Passer Rate | 2.2% Missed Tackle Rate

PFF: 87.4 CG | 65.1 Pass RG | 87.8 RDG | 87.9 Overall

Draft Stock: ↗️↙️ No Change | Previous Top-25 Rank #2 | SIS Big Board #5

Sonny Styles is a 21-year-old linebacker at 6’5”, 244 pounds with a rare size-speed profile, verified by a 4.46 forty, 43.5-inch vertical, and 11-foot-2 broad that confirm the movement skills on tape. He posted 82 tackles in 2025 and paired that production with an 88.0 PFF overall grade, 87.8 run-defense grade, and 87.4 coverage grade, giving him one of the cleanest all-around résumés in the class. His game is built on range, downhill burst, coverage versatility, and striking power, allowing Ohio State to deploy him as a true second-level shape-shifter across Mike, Will, pressure looks, and matchup assignments. The former safety still carries defensive back movement into the box, showing real comfort in zone drops, man assignments on backs and tight ends, and disguised pressure roles. He profiles as a modern three-down linebacker who can erase space and expand a coordinator’s menu immediately.

The concern is role refinement more than talent. Styles is still relatively new to full-time linebacker play, and that shows when bigger interior bodies get into him early or when he is forced to consistently stack and shed in tight traffic. His long frame can run a little high, and while the athleticism masks a lot, he is better flowing clean than living in constant trench collisions. There is also some mild hip tightness when projecting him against quicker underneath route breaks, even if his overall coverage range is a major strength. Still, his tackling reliability, communication, and growth in block recognition give him one of the safer developmental floors among top defenders.

Rock’s Take:

Styles is one of the premier defensive assets in this class because he solves real NFL problems. He can cover, blitz, tackle, and play in space at a size most linebackers cannot match, and that kind of versatility changes how a defense can structure the middle of the field. The key is deployment: keep him clean, let him run, and do not force him into a static stack-and-shed role every snap. If a coordinator uses him as a free-flowing, multi-role weapon, this is a premium three-down starter with top-10 value.

Previous Top-25 Ranking #2

#3 | EDGE | David Bailey | Texas Tech

Ht: 6’ 3-1/2” (6034) | Wt: 251 | Hand: 10.25” | Arm: 33.625” | Wing: 79.625” | Ape: 1.05

2025 Stats: 52 Tackles 14.5 Sacks | 19.5 TFLs | 73 Pressures | 3 FF | 3 PBUs

Key Stats: 21.6% Pass Rush WR | 9.0% Run Stop | 32 Stops | 42 Hurries

PFF: 76.4 RDG | 93.3 Pass RG | 92.4 Overall

Red Flags: 2024 Missed Tackle Rate | 20.7% | Career 15.8%

Draft Stock: ⬆️ 1 | Previous Top-25 Rank #4 | SIS Big Board #2

David Bailey is a 21-year-old EDGE at 6’3½”, 251 pounds with rare first-step explosiveness, validated by a 1.51 10-yard split that immediately puts tackles in recovery mode. He produced like a premier disruptor in 2025, posting 52 tackles, 14.5 sacks, 19.5 TFLs, and 73 pressures with a 21.6% pass-rush win rate and a 93.3 PFF pass-rush grade. His game is built on burst, bend, and violent hand sequencing, pairing a long-arm stab, swipe, spin, and ghost variation to consistently win the high side and flatten to the quarterback. Texas Tech deployed him from wide alignments and two-point looks to maximize his space, cornering ability, and stunt value. He profiles as a pressure-first edge built for aggressive fronts that want their rushers attacking upfield and stressing protections early.

The concern shows up in the run game and overall play strength. Bailey can get overwhelmed at times by bigger bodies on the edge, and his 20.7% missed-tackle rate points to inconsistent finishing and breakdown control in space. He also has moments where he loses rush-lane integrity or over commits inside, opening the perimeter. Still, the issue is more about leverage, mass, and discipline than toughness or effort. He plays with urgency, sees screens and RPOs quickly, and flashes enough contact power to project improvement with coaching and added lower-body strength.

ROCK’S TAKE:

Bailey is a top-tier edge on my board because the most valuable part of his game already looks NFL-ready. This is a defender who changes protection plans before the snap and creates real stress with speed, bend, and sequencing. He may never be a true power-based edge setter, but that is not why you draft him. You draft him because high-end pass rush wins games, and Bailey has legitimate double-digit sack upside with immediate impact value on passing downs.

Previous Top-25 Ranking #4

#4 | LB | Arvell Reese | Ohio State

Ht: 6’4-1/8” (6041) | Wt: 241 | Hand: 9.5” | Arm: 32.5” | Wing: 79.5” | Ape 1.04

2025 Stats: 69 tackles | 6.5 sacks | 10 TFLs | 2 PBUs | 0 INT | 23 Pressures

Key Stats: 30 Stops | 100.9 Passer Rate | 6% Missed Tackle Rate

PFF: 56.6 CG | 72.6 Pass RG | 87.0 RDG | 76.1 Overall

Draft Stock: ⬇️1 | Previous Top-25 Rank #3 | SIS Big Board #4

Arvell Reese is a 20-year-old hybrid linebacker/edge at 6’3”, 241 pounds with rare range and explosive movement traits, validated by a 4.46 forty that matches the burst and closing speed on tape. He brings high-end versatility, aligning off the ball, on the edge, and in pressure packages while flashing the physical profile to develop into a full-time stand-up rusher. His game is built on first-step urgency, violent upper-body strike timing, and pursuit speed, allowing him to stack, shed, and erase space in a hurry. Ohio State leaned on him as a movable front-seven piece, trusting him in coverage, stunts, and edge-setting duties rather than just pure rush volume. He profiles as a pressure-versatile defender built for aggressive fronts that want speed, multiplicity, and range.

The concern is refinement, both mentally and mechanically. Reese is still relatively new to full-time front-seven play, and that shows when post-snap movement muddies his keys or when his pass-rush plan stalls after the initial burst. His toolbox is still developing, and while the traits scream upside, he is not yet a fully formed technician who consistently strings counters together. Coverage value is real, but his taller frame can tighten some transitions and limit how often teams will want him matched in space against quicker route-breakers. Still, the blend of burst, violence, and positional flexibility gives him one of the stronger developmental runways in the class.

Rock’s Take:

Reese is one of the premier traits bets in this draft, and I would rather bet on this kind of movement profile than chase a safer but lower-ceiling defender. He brings immediate sub-package value because the speed, range, and pressure versatility already translate. The long-term question is whether the processing and rush detail catch up enough for him to become a true every-down difference-maker. If they do, this is the kind of front-seven weapon who can tilt protection plans and become a top-10 caliber defensive piece.

Previous Top-25 Ranking #3

# 5 | Safety | Caleb Downs | Ohio State

Ht: 5’ 11-5/8” (5115) | Wt: 206 | Hand: 9.5” | Arm: 30.25” | Wing: 73.25” | Ape: 1.02

2025 Stats: 68 tackles, 1 Sack, 2 INTs, 2 PBUs, 5 TFLs

Key Stats: 7.7% Forced IR | 11.5% Missed Tackle | 47.9 Passer Rate Allowed

PFF: 83.0 RDG | 64.9 Pass RG | 87.0 CG | 83.9 Overall