2026 Detroit Lions Draft Picks and Trade Recap

The Detroit Lions are expected to receive additional compensatory draft picks this year, with projections indicating an extra third-round pick and a sixth-round pick. The team lost three compensatory free agents but only added two, resulting in the net gain of one additional projected compensatory pick. The third-round compensatory pick gained for Aaron Glenn's departure was traded away in a 2025 draft trade with the Jaguars, which led to the selection of wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa. General manager Brad Holmes was willing to part ways with draft capital to secure TeSlaa, emphasizing the importance of being at peace with such decisions. The Lions will have the 17th overall pick in the first round of this year's draft, following a 9-8 record in the 2025 NFL regular season. The last five players chosen at that spot include defensive end Shemar Stewart, defensive end Dallas Turner, cornerback Christian Gonzalez, guard Zion Johnson, and tackle Alex Leatherwood.