The Den's Annual NFL Mock Draft 2026 Edition - Lions Selection at 17

[stephenboyd57]

Vikings will select early.

[Davicus]

I honestly hate that we’re sitting at 17 and there isn’t a guy left that I don’t think has a major, concerning wart. If this is how our draft falls, I’ll be hoping that we either traded up or traded back if we were in this exact position lol

[Thats2]

Yeah if you think he’s an iOL I get it. I think the same of Proctor, he’s iOL only for me.

Honestly I like Fano less as an OG. His lack of girth makes him an odd fit inside. The only reason I like him at C is because most teams use double teams/duo off the snap - mitigating that issue - then they send them to the second level, where Fano should kill it.

But at OT I think he’s got the chance to be a Rashawn Slater type. His arms were only 1/8 of an inch longer, similar height, similarly lithe build. I think Slater has a little more mass and I think Fano is a touch better athlete, but that is the bull case argument.

[stephenboyd57]

Fano gotta be the pick in my opinion

[Davicus]

@Jman

I don’t know much about the DE you drafted… player comp Za’Darius well that’s a big parallel there for us

I think this is a guy Dan and Brad are going to fall in love with. He’s violent, high-energy, high-motor, absolutely a monster against the run and a power pass rusher. Team captain. Good senior bowl. We’ve formally met with him. He did have a DWI somewhat recently (probably why we met with him lol) and was part of the tunnel incident in the MSU/UM game years ago. I don’t think he’s everyone’s cup of tea, but man, I think he’s a guy who fits what the Lions want to do opposite Hutch to a T. 17 might be a bit of a reach for him, but he’s been climbing and I don’t know if he makes it out of the 1st round anymore.

[Sofatso]

@CuriousHusker

It seems that a mistake was made with the poll. It doesn’t include a trade down option.

[Sofatso]

I’m going to sleep on it, but I’m going Blake Miller because his floor is Taylor Decker, IMO, and our OT backups will be Larry Borom and a still ascending pair, GioMan and Miles Frazier. OT problem solved.

I feel confident an edge option like DDS will be available at #50, so it’s a no brainer…perfect for my factory settings…

[BubbaBaker60]

@Sofatso

Blake Miller because his floor is Taylor Decker,

You must think Miller is really good?

[JD9]

I don’t know if I’d even want Proctor at 50

[jane_doe]

I think it has to be between Miller and Mesidor. Of all the flawed candidates, they’re the most ready to play Day One. I’m going Miller, as I think there are other options to find for Edge at 50.

[JerseyJungle]

@Davicus

Yeah, that’s all fair. I’m just taking that into consideration when I’m drafting a mid-round pick. To me, it’s a tough sell for Fano at 17 because I don’t see him as an OT. I’m sure some team will, and maybe even the Lions will…I just hate the value there at 17 haha

Yes, all fair. Worst case - you have a dominant left side with Fano and Penei who will be brothers. And as @Thats2 said, an interesting option at C (which I did not know).

[farmerted]

@Davicus

honestly hate that we’re sitting at 17 and there isn’t a guy left that I don’t think has a major, concerning wart. If this is how our draft falls, I’ll be hoping that we either traded up or traded back if we were in this exact position lol

This has been my issue since day one, but also I’ve mentioned that a good front office skilled in evaluating talent and projecting players is going to eat this draft. Hopefully that is us.

[Lionsfansincebirth]

Jeff Risdons recent realGM update says teams and league are much higher on Procter than he is, likely top 10-15 pick. I hope his sit down wasn’t with a Lions source.

[Sofatso]

@BubbaBaker60

You must think Miller is really good?

I think he’s as risky and unsatisfying at #17 as Decker was at #16 in 2016. I think he’s a slightly better athlete than Decker was coming out.. I think it’s possible that Ohio State prepared Decker better for the pros than Clemson prepared Miller, leaving more upside.

Do not mark my words.

[bdub13]

I’m really torn here between Miller and Fano. I really like Fano’s versatility across the line and the temperament he plays with, but he seems like a much better fit for IOL, where Miller is a true RT. I am much more comfortable with an ironman, plug and play RT. We have versatility along the IOL with Tate and Frazier (though you can never have too much), and so I lean toward Miller.

[Blizer]

Will say, will give this more time, we are pretty even, though Fano with a slight lead rn.

might give this until Noon atleast, then continue on with the draft.

[farmerted]

Fano looked really good in the drills at the combine, and he plays well from what I see. Good movement skills. But I am taking Max Iheanachor because with Jeremiah saying he is a day one starter at RT I just think his upside is something we don’t want to pass on - and I do wonder if we’ll continue to see a rise up the draft board for him. Measurables to Measurables I don’t have to worry about kicking Max inside and wondering if he is a tackle…

[Mike0618]

@Sofatso

@BubbaBaker60

You must think Miller is really good?

I think he’s as risky and unsatisfying at #17 as Decker was at #16 in 2016. I think he’s a slightly better athlete than Decker was coming out.. I think it’s possible that Ohio State prepared Decker better for the pros than Clemson prepared Miller, leaving more upside.

Do not mark my words.

If miller is a rt version of decker he is well worth the 17th pick. A solid 10 yr veteran tackle is what you a hoping at the middle of rd 1.

[Thats2]

@HSVLion

I really don’t like any of these players except Ponds, and I don’t like Ponds at 17.

I wouldn’t take Ponds in this spot for us specifically, but I love him and think he goes in the first, and really quickly from here on. I’m glad he’s in the poll and we can see past the downside noise about his size. I mean just check it out

[CuriousHusker]

@Sofatso

Blake Miller because his floor is Taylor Decker

See, I think his ceiling is peak Taylor Decker.