Detroit Lions’ 6 draft ‘reaches’ offset by one major ‘steal’

Key Points:

• The Detroit Lions made several draft picks in the 2026 NFL Draft that were generally considered reaches compared to the media consensus big board, though many filled key team needs at premium positions like offensive tackle and edge rusher.
• First-round pick OT Blake Miller was selected 17th overall despite being ranked 31st on the consensus board; he is expected to compete for the starting right tackle job.
• Second-round DE Derrick Moore was acquired by trading up to No. 44 and was ranked 63rd, but he fills an important edge defender role and is projected to develop into a three-down player.
• Mid to late-round picks like CB Keith Abney II (ranked 61st but selected 157th) represented strong value selections, while others such as LB Jimmy Rolder and WR Kendrick Law were slight reaches intended to address roster needs.
• The biggest reach was seventh-round DI Tyre West, who was selected well ahead of his consensus ranking outside the top 300, highlighting some risk-taking by the Lions in later rounds.