Detroit Lions draft shocker highlighting Texas Tech’s David Bailey as a pass-rush solution
The Detroit Lions are bracing for a pivotal offseason, with their eyes set on the NFL Draft following the conclusion of their game against the Chicago Bears. General manager Brad Holmes is tasked with addressing personnel shortcomings and continuing to build a competitive roster. As the draft approaches, speculation surrounds Detroit’s potential picks for 2026.
Aiming for Pass-Rush Power with David Bailey
With the 15th overall pick, the Lions are projected to select David Bailey, an EDGE rusher from Texas Tech. The team desperately needs a spark in their pass-rush, a facet that has struggled in recent seasons. Al-Quadin Muhammad had a notable year, finishing with his first career double-digit sack total, but he will turn 31 soon and is set to hit free agency. The Lions’ investment in Marcus Davenport has not yielded the expected returns, and Josh Paschal missed the entire season due to injury.
Bailey emerges as a promising solution for Detroit’s defensive line. With an impressive 13.5 sacks heading into the College Football Playoff quarterfinals against Alabama, his stock could rise even further if he performs well. His experience in a hybrid EDGE-outside linebacker role at Texas Tech offers the Lions versatility, allowing them to adapt their defensive schemes effectively. Even if they manage to retain Muhammad, bringing in a young player with Bailey’s potential represents a strategic move for Holmes and his team.
Reinforcing the Offensive Line with Gennings Dunker
As they head into the second round with the 50th pick, the Lions could turn their attention to bolstering their offensive line by selecting Gennings Dunker, an offensive tackle from Iowa. Last offseason, the Lions faced a significant setback when Frank Ragnow, a top-tier center, retired, leaving a void they struggled to fill. With rumors surrounding Taylor Decker’s potential retirement, adding young talent to their tackle depth becomes crucial.
Dunker is a sizable and physically imposing tackle who has garnered positive evaluations, earning an overall offensive grade of 81.7 and an 80.9 run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus. His performance suggests he could make an immediate impact if Decker departs or if injuries strike the line. Furthermore, Dunker has proven to be a reliable pass protector, allowing just three sacks on 302 pass-protection snaps this season.
Addressing Safety Depth with Keon Sabb
In the fourth round, at pick 116, the Lions may consider Keon Sabb, a safety from Alabama, to further solidify their secondary. The team finds itself in an interesting situation at the safety position. Kerby Joseph recently signed a long-term contract, while Brian Branch is entering the final year of his rookie deal, making an extension a possibility. However, both players are currently dealing with injuries that could affect their performance in the upcoming season.
As the Lions prepare for the draft, these selections reflect a balanced approach to improving their roster. With a focus on enhancing both the defensive and offensive lines, along with addressing critical depth at safety, Detroit aims to build a more formidable team for the future.
