With the Detroit Lions eliminated from the 2025-26 playoffs, many fans have turned their attention to the offseason—and for many, that means turning their attention to the NFL Draft. Whether you’re just getting into the process or have been studying this draft class all year, the College Football Playoffs are an excellent opportunity to watch several of this year’s top prospects, while also consuming some entertaining football.
We already previewed 12 prospects to watch during the Miami vs. Ohio State
playoff game on New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day gives Lions’ fans another three College Football Playoff games to scout. Here’s a look at Thursday’s schedule of games:
- Oregon vs. Texas Tech at noon, ET
- Alabama vs. Indiana at 4 p.m. ET
- Ole Miss vs. Georgia at 8 p.m. ET
For this NFL prospect preview, we’ll highlight players from all three games at projected positions of need for the Lions.
Fixing the offensive line
Detroit will enter the offseason looking to add talent to its offensive line, and depending on a few potential retirements, the Lions may need to replace multiple starters or secure future starters, both at tackle and on the interior.
Top prospect: Kadyn Proctor, LT, Alabama (6-foot-7, 360)
Proctor possesses tremendous size and athleticism (Alabama ran a screen play to him this season), but he’s being reported as a polarizing prospect because of inconsistencies in his game film. While he looks to have found his groove at the right time, there’s a possibility that he slides in this draft class and could be the exact type of player the Lions need.
Other players to watch:
- Emmanuel Pregon, LG, Oregon (6-foot-4, 320) is one of the top guards in this draft class and could be a plug-and-play option in the second round.
- Carter Smith, LT, Indiana (6-foot-5, 313) is an ascending prospect who looks like a Day 2 prospect who could compete for a starting role early in his career.
- Monroe Freeling, LT, Georgia (6-foot-7, 315) like Smith, has starter-level appeal but may need time to develop and could go on Day 2.
- Isaiah World, LT, Oregon (6-foot-5, 321) entered the season with high expectations but has fallen short due to inconsistency in his technique. There are top-level traits there, but he needs development.
- Parker Brailsford, C, Alabama (6-foot-2, 290) is a center-only prospect who looks like he could be a solid Day 3 backup.
Finding an EDGE
How the Lions address the edge position this offseason is going to be highly debated. Will the Lions roll back the scheme they’ve used over the past few seasons? Or are they due for an upgrade that features the pass rush more?
Top prospect: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech (6-foot-3, 250)
Bailey won’t be a fit for every team—which is why he may slide a bit in the first round—but he looks like a Nic Bonito (Broncos pass rusher) clone, with a lethal first-step and the ability to convert speed to power. His improvement as a run defender will surely appeal to a Lions team in need of heat off the edge.
Other players to watch:
- Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon (6-foot-5, 270) is a stout run defender who plays with maximum effort and fits what the Lions have preferred opposite Aidan Hutchinson in recent seasons.
- LT Overton, DL, Alabama (6-foot-3, 274) is another edge player who fits the style of what the Lions like on their defensive line. Overton can play on the edge, at the 4i, and even inside at the 3-technique.
- Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech (6-foot-2 1/2, 240) is a pass rushing linebacker who should have a Donovan Ezeiruaku-like role in the NFL. His ability to also contribute against the run could make him appealing to the Lions if they’re willing to expand their defense.
- Teitum Tuioti, EDGE, Oregon (6-foot-3, 263) is a stand-up pass rusher who has shown the versatility to drop into coverage comfortably—a true hybrid player.
Replacing Alex Anzalone?
With Alex Anzalone on an expiring contract—and coming off a recent contract dispute with the Lions—Detroit may be in the market to find a starting WILL linebacker.
Top prospect: CJ Allen, LB Georgia (6-foot-1, 235)
A Roquan Smith-type of linebacker who combines elite instincts, athleticism, and physicality. His positional versatility will make him appealing to all teams, as will his ability to produce in all phases of the defense. The only obstacle that could impede the Lions from considering Allen would be if his draft stock rises into the first round—which seems highly possible.
Other players to watch:
- Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech (6-foot-0, 232) is a true WILL linebacker, has thrived against the run and in coverage this season, forcing multiple turnovers and making big plays.
- Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama (6-foot-2, 230) is a modern-day linebacker who is fast, athletic, and can live in coverage, but is lighter and lacks the power that the Lions typically look for in their linebackers.
Enhancing the secondary
The Lions will enter the offseason with a potential starting slot/nickel role to fill (Amik Robertson is a pending free agent), as well as needing a starting-level safety (or two) to carry the load while Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph recover from injuries.
Is that you Amik?: D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana (5-foot-9, 173)
Ponds has a lot of Amik Robertson-like fire to his game, and he uses it to play much bigger than his size. While he looks like a slot corner, he’s got plenty of experience on the outside and doesn’t shy away from taking on WR1s in one-on-one man coverage. Like Robertson, Ponds is active as a tackler, plays fearlessly, and has the positional range to appeal to NFL teams.
Other players to watch:
- Dillon Thieneman, SAF, Oregon (6-foot-0, 205) is a good athlete with positional range, but he is typically at his best roaming at single-high. He’s physical with his tackles and pursues the football with tenacity.
- Keon Sabb, SAF, Alabama (6-foot-1, 195) has starts at Michigan and Bama under his belt, but when you’re an athlete with NFL instincts, you’re going to find the field. Comfortable in single-high, two-high, split-zone, and in the slot, he’d be a great fit in the Lions’ secondary.
- Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia (6-foot-0, 193) is a long, press-man corner with good instincts and technical skills, but only average size-speed combination.
- Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama (6-foot-1, 196), is a press-man corner with an NFL size and track speed. He needs to clean up some of his technique, which may push him into Day 3, but there’s developmental upside to work with.
Don’t be surprised if…
While Oregon Kenyon Sadiq (6-foot-3, 245) will top the tight end class—because of his elite combination of size, athleticism, and pass catching skills—the price on him (projected first-rounder) will likely be too high for the Lions to consider. However, if the Lions are looking for a tight end who can contribute as a rookie, there is a player who has caught my attention:
- Lawson Luckie, TE, Georgia (6-foot-4, 240), has speed and athleticism to contribute in the passing game; however, his blocking will get him on the field quickly during his rookie season. He could land a TE2 role early in his NFL career.
