Before the Roar: Detroit Lions FULL 7-Round Mock Draft 1.0
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In this episode of 'Before the Roar,' hosts Miko and Morgan Cannon of Pride of Detroit dive into a comprehensive 7-round mock draft for the 2026 NFL Draft, focusing on how the Detroit Lions can best address their roster needs. The duo uses the PFF mock draft simulator to guide their selections, emphasizing a strategy of taking the best available player while prioritizing immediate needs at tackle and edge rusher. They open with a strong first-round pick of Caden Proctor at 17, citing his elite traits and versatility, followed by Gabe Yacus at 50 to bolster the defensive edge. The draft continues with a balanced approach, adding depth at linebacker, tight end, running back, and defensive line, while avoiding trades to maintain flexibility. The hosts reflect on the Lions' current roster depth, especially in the secondary, and acknowledge the importance of developmental players and special teams contributors in later rounds. They conclude with a B- overall grade from PFF, praising the draft’s focus on foundational needs and long-term roster building. The episode sets up a compelling narrative for the upcoming draft season, with the hosts teasing a follow-up episode where they’ll adopt Brad Holmes’ perspective—potentially embracing trades and more aggressive moves. They also highlight the importance of player fit, character, and versatility, especially in a draft class they believe is underappreciated by some analysts. The mock draft serves as both a fan engagement tool and a strategic thought experiment, illustrating how the Lions might balance immediate impact with future flexibility. The hosts encourage listeners to share their own mock drafts and engage with the Pride of Detroit community.
Prioritize tackling and edge rusher needs early, with Caden Proctor and Gabe Yacus as top picks.
Use later rounds to add depth and developmental talent, especially on special teams and in the interior defensive line.
Avoid trades in this mock draft to simulate a 'best player available' approach, reserving trade strategy for future episodes.
Focus on versatility and fit—players like Yacus and Boudicca offer multiple roles and adaptability.
The Lions’ secondary depth allows for a more defensive-heavy draft without overloading the position group.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introducing the 2026 Mock Draft Series
Miko and Morgan introduce the 'Before the Roar' mock draft series, explaining their approach to simulating the Lions' 2026 draft strategy. They outline the rules—only one trade allowed—and set the stage for a 'best player available' approach, contrasting it with future episodes where they’ll simulate Brad Holmes’ decision-making style.
First-Round Decision: Caden Proctor at 17
“I think we're in agreement there. I think I'd be content just standing pat and taking Proctor because put him on the right side, you move Pineda left, and now you got dude.”
Second-Round Pick: Gabe Yacus at 50
“This man can set an edge. He plays hard with a capital H.”
Mid-Draft Strategy: Building Depth and Versatility
The Lions continue drafting with a balanced approach, selecting Bryce Boudicca (LB), Jack Endries (TE), Katron Allen (RB), Zane Durant (DT), and TJ Hall (CB). The hosts emphasize adding depth, developmental players, and special teams contributors, especially in later rounds.
Final Picks and Draft Evaluation
The Lions wrap up the draft with Parker Brailsford (C) in the seventh round, focusing on practice squad development. The hosts evaluate the draft as a B-, praising the focus on core needs and long-term roster building, while acknowledging the lack of a high-profile receiver pick.
“This man can set an edge. He plays hard with a capital H.”
“If you want to find a way of pissing off this franchise after you took Isaac Teslo last year, go ahead and take Makai Lemon.”
“I think we're in agreement there. I think I'd be content just standing pat and taking Proctor because put him on the right side, you move Pineda left, and now you got dude.”
Hosts
detroit lions
other
caden proctor
person
gabe yacus
person
miko
person
morgan cannon
person
pff
organization
righteous felon craft jerky
brand
brad holmes
person
jared goff
person
dan campbell
person
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