Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions are coming out of the 2026 NFL draft in style, and the grades are rolling in on their rookie draft class.
The Lions need a turnaround. After last season, where they ended the year at the bottom of the NFC North, Detroit is looking to make a comeback during the 2026-27 season. They have talented players and the pieces in place to be a championship team, but something was missing last season. Perhaps the draft class, with their eagerness and readiness to get to work, will be the missing piece of the puzzle.
Now, the Detroit Lions are getting solid grades for their 2026 NFL draft picks, and we’re here for it.
Dan Campbell and Detroit Lions Receive Praise Following 2026 NFL Draft for Their Picks
Remember when you would get a report card in school? That’s what the Lions are getting as grades roll in for their draft picks.
Over at CBS Sports, Ryan Wilson loves Brad Holmes and Campbell’s selection of Blake Miller, especially. He gives the Lions an overall “B” grade.
“If Dan Campbell played right tackle I feel like he would be Blake Miller,” he says in the piece. “This is the most Lions pick since… well, the last time they drafted the most Lions player, which could be Tate Ratledge or Jack Campbell or Aidan Hutchinson or Penei Sewell.”
He also likes the value of Skyler Gill-Howard. “Fantastic story, even better person and someone you want to pull for,” he says.
His most surprising pick is Derrick Moore, noting that his podcast co-host, Ran Carthon, really likes the player. “I thought he was more of a Day 3 player but clearly the Lions agreed with Ran, taking him 44th overall,” he notes.
Wilson adds, “There’s no disputing that Moore is a power-based edge rusher who weaponizes an elite bull rush and explosive speed-to-power to overwhelm OTs – I just wanted to see more as a run defender.”
Jacob Camenker and Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA Today also give the Lions a “B” grade.
“The Lions’ need and desire to address the void at offensive tackle after Taylor Decker’s release was obvious,” they state in their draft grades. “Less clear, however, was just whom Brad Holmes would zero in on. Perhaps more people should have seen this one coming, though.”
They add, “Miller is experienced, astute and athletic with an optimal frame for handling NFL edge rushers. With the bulk of his experience coming at right tackle, however, this signals that Penei Sewell should be making the switch to the left side.
Anne’s Grade for Detroit Lions’ 2026 NFL Draft Class
So, what grade do I give the Detroit Lions? For me, it’s an “A-” grade. I’ve been covering the Detroit Lions, and other franchises, for years, and this is the first time in too long that I’ve seen Holmes put value in the edge position with his trade up to get Moore. It’s even better that Moore is a Michigan product. They also took care of business with the Miller pick.
So, yes, I think this draft class deserves better than a “B,” and I’m going with an “A-.” It’s great, however, to see the Detroit Lions at least getting good grades across the board for these picks. Reach out to me with your thoughts.
Dan Campbell and Detroit Lions Get Props After 2026 NFL Draft