The Detroit Lions' draft position is locked in, with the franchise holding the 17th overall pick in this year's draft. It is exciting to consider the potential additions in what appears to be a deep first-round class. It should be noted that projections of who will be within Detroit's reach are likely to change in the next two months. However, fans at least have an idea of the names expected to be on the board when their team's number is called.
With this in mind, let's look at three prospects that would be exciting additions in the 2026 offseason. Starting with a corner who would help patch a position that seems to be consistently dealing with injuries when the games matter most, each of the past two seasons.
1. Avieon Terrell
The younger brother of Atlanta Falcons corner A.J. Terrell, the Clemson product, would be the perfect fit for Detroit. If the corner is still on the board when Detroit's number is called, it is difficult to find a reasonable argument against the Lions improving a secondary that continues to be ravaged by injuries. While the Lions have Terrion Arnold and D.J. Reed both under contract, the lack of healthy options each of the past two seasons has to change the perspective on what positions the Lions are willing to target.
Terrell's ability to mirror routes and willingness to attack the receiver or add support in the run game will unquestionably fit well with Dan Campbell's system. However, one counter to this is pointing out that the corner isn't physically imposing, standing at 5'11 and 180 pounds, there are slight durability questions.
Still, of all the corners that could be on the board when Detroit's number is called there is zero question that Terrell is the best fit and has a chance to consistently contribute to a defense badly in need of life.
2. CJ Allen
The talented linebacker is just the latest Georgia product that is expected to be taken in this year's first round. Allen is incredibly enticing due to his ability to be used in run support, coverage, or getting after the quarterback. Wherever you plug Allen in on the field, he is going to find a way to make plays with speed that would fit incredibly well in the middle of Detroit's defense. The Lions need a physical tone setter in the middle of the defense, and Allen unquestionably fits the bill.
It is another prospect as well that fits Dan Campbell's preferred style of play and comes from an incredible system. Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart has stepped into the void filled by Nick Saban's retirement and become the best college-to-pro pipeline, having 20 first-round selections during his tenure.
Allen will be the latest and would be an incredible addition to the Detroit defense. There really aren't any concerns in the linebacker's game or with his potential fit with the Lions. The only question is whether or not Allen is still going to be on the board when Detroit's number is ultimately called.
3. Makai Lemon
As the Lions continue to search for answers after losing play-caller Ben Johnson, taking another playmaker cannot be totally discounted. While it seems more likely the franchise will add to the defense, Lemon is a tempting addition and would give the Lions a scary trio of starting receivers. Drafting the pass catcher gives Detroit a lineup of Sam LaPorta at tight end with Jameson Williams, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Lemon as the starting receivers.
Add in the promising Isaac TeSlaa as the primary backup, and it is impossible not to get excited about the potential of an offense that fell short of expectations in the 2025 season. What stands out about the receiver the most is his impressive footwork, giving him the ability to instantly stop and create space in the middle of a route.
Having a wealth of riches at the position should help continue to support Jared Goff and perhaps answer some of the questions left after John Morton and Dan Campbell both failed as offensive play callers in the 2025 season. While a defensive pick remains far more likely, Lemon is too tempting an addition to completely discount.