The Detroit Lions are officially out of the draft room and back in the light, and now it’s the time when everyone decides what it all meant. The draft always leaves a little buzz behind, some good and some not so much, but it shifts the conversation all the same.
Detroit added pieces, took a few swings and tweaked the roster in ways that’ll take a minute to sort out. That’s how this goes. You don’t win any games in April, but you can change how you’re viewed heading into the long stretch of summer.
So, this is where things stand now. Here’s a look at the latest NFL power rankings, how the Lions stack up and where the temperature sits after a weekend that always feels more dramatic than it probably should.
2026 NFL Power Rankings for Detroit Lions After Draft
Eric Edholm of the NFL’s official website likes what the Detroit Lions did in the draft enough to have them at No. 13. “It has been a bit quiet lately with the Lions, and their draft class wasn’t a fireworks affair, instead addressing some key needs and adding culture fits,” he states in his power rankings. “I wasn’t the biggest fan of trading up for edge rusher Derrick Moore, especially with Zion Young and Gabe Jacas on the board, but I did think offensive tackle Blake Miller was a smart selection in the first.”
Josh Kendall of The Athletic also has the Lions at lucky 13. “The second-rounder should not only step right into a starting role, but he’ll do it across from Aidan Hutchinson,” he notes. “Moore had 10 sacks last year at Michigan and has a high enough floor that he can be counted on as a multiyear starter. The Lions defense added free-agent depth, and Moore could help turn things around.”
It’s another No. 13 from Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report. “After going 15-2 and earning the NFC’s No. 1 seed in 2024, the Lions regressed badly in 2025, missing the playoffs altogether,” he states in the piece, keeping it real. “This offseason was all about getting Detroit back in the postseason tournament.”
Davenport kindly adds, “This Lions team isn’t markedly different from last year’s squad. But that team was better than its record. The Lions have weapons galore on offense, and if they can get some improvement on defense Detroit will absolutely be in the thick of the chase for the NFC North title.”
USA Today’s Nate Davis also has the team at No. 13. Surprised? “What seem like high-impact incomers, combined with a last-place schedule in 2026,” he says, “could very well translate into another impressive playoff entry.”
Pete Prisco of CBS Sports is a bit more dismal, putting the team at No. 18. “Is this team heading in the wrong direction? Some say the window has closed. I don’t believe that, but there are challenges going forward, including the offensive line.”
Overall Consensus on Detroit Lions After Draft
So, it’s almost as if these guys got together and all decided to make the Lions No. 13 on their tally. It’s actually a good spot, considering that the Vikings are down in the upper 20s.
I’d put the Detroit Lions at No. 12 in the rankings, not just to be different than No. 13, but because adding Moore was that important a move to beef up their defensive line.
The Lions aren’t watching any window slam shut. They’re still standing in it, taking in the view. The core is intact, the lines still have teeth and the offense hasn’t lost its rhythm. A draft like this patched the holes and reinforced what already worked.
The Detroit Lions came out of the draft looking sturdier and stronger with more speed, more edge and fewer soft spots. They didn’t just add bodies; they added intent. It’s a defense that should hold up longer and make life a little less comfortable. Reach out with your thoughts.
Detroit Lions Power Rankings After 2026 NFL Draft