It’s the preseason. That can’t be stated enough. Which means making proclamations in August is foolhardy.
So, take this with that in mind: The Detroit Lions’ draft class this year might be the best since the 2023 group that changed the ceiling of this franchise.
No, that doesn’t mean that the 2026 haul will produce four All-Pro or Pro Bowl-level players.
That isn’t likely – at all.
2023's group – featuring Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch – is one of the best in recent NFL history, assuming Branch returns and finds his level pre-Achillies injury. (That's a big assumption, obviously.)
Also, it’s too soon to say what the 2025 class will be,
especially if Ahmed Hassanein makes the team and starts to make plays on the defensive line, and wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa builds on the playmaking ability he showed as a rookie.
If those two become productive game-day contributors and Tyleik Williams turns into a solid starter, the 2025 class could surpass what the 2026 class could become, especially considering Tate Ratledge looks like a future Pro Bowl-type guard.
Still, after watching the Lions' first two preseason games – last week at Cincinnati, and then home against Washington on Saturday, Aug. 22 – it's clear there is intriguing potential among four of the Lions' first six picks of the 2026 class: Right tackle Blake Miller (at No. 17 overall), edge rusher Derrick Moore (No. 44), slot cornerback Keith Abney (No. 157) and defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard (No. 205).
Another pick, Jimmy Rolder (at No. 118), looked promising in training camp before straining his hamstring on July 31. (The former Michigan linebacker isn’t too far away from returning to practice, though the Lions don’t expect him back in practice until the regular season begins.)
Again, even the most optimistic (read: delusional) among us wouldn’t suggest these rookies will reach the level of Branch, Campbell, Gibbs and LaPorta this year. That would be silly, even cynical, and might appear like someone searching for readership for a column off a preseason game.
(Oh ... wait.)
And yet?
Miller has shown the feet and hands of a more-than-sturdy foundational piece at right tackle in two preseason games. Yes, he has been beat. He has also shown he’s nimble and strong.
Moore collapsed the pocket on the Lions' first defensive play, sacked the quarterback in the third quarter; In between, he speed-rushed, bull-rushed, and generally showed what he showed during camp before a groin injury.
He missed the preseason opener. He was back Saturday, though, and was easy to spot.
Abney had the toughest day of the rookies, negating a sack with a holding penalty in the secondary. But he also helped blow up a few plays, as he did against the Bengals, and showed – again – the football instincts his college coaches at Arizona State raved about.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes helped rebuild this team with stellar draft classes his first three seasons, but for the Lions to keep their playoff window open, he has to keep hitting.
Last year’s class may not stack up with those first three, but it could produce a few starters and a standout (Ratledge). This year’s class has a chance to do the same, with maybe an extra standout.
Again, it’s early – probably too early – but both classes have the chance – the chance! – to surpass the 2024 class. That may not be saying much, considering the bar to clear: sixth-round pick Christian Mahogany might be the only starter this season to come out of that slate.
But it’s saying something. It also reminds us of what has to happen for Holmes and Dan Campbell to keep this thing rolling.
Contact Shawn Windsor: swindsor@freepress.com. Follow him @shawnwindsor.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Lions 2026 draft class already looks off to a strong start
