Story perspectives

Lions draft OT Blake Miller, DE Derrick Moore.

4/29/2026

Summary

Lions Draft

The Detroit Lions selected offensive tackle Blake Miller with the No. 17 pick and edge rusher Derrick Moore with the No. 44 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. graded the draft B and reported Miller allowed 1.8% pressure in college.
The Athletic ranked Detroit 13th, Fox Sports 15th, and CBS 18th in power rankings.
The Lions’ OTA workouts run May 27-29, June 2-4, June 9-11, with a mandatory minicamp June 16-17.

Summary

Lions Launch Program

The Detroit Lions scrapped the rookie minicamp and launched a year-long development program for 2026 rookies.
Veteran offensive tackle Giovanni Manu, wide receiver Dominic Lovett and defensive tackle Mehki Wingo each face multiple competitors for roster spots.
The Lions skipped rookie-minicamp tryouts and targeted veterans Isiahh Loudermilk and Jay Tufele.
Jared Goff’s restructured deal freed $32 million for 2026 but left $62.6 million in 2027 cap hits.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 the NFL introduced a hard salary cap of $34.6 million, raised from an expected $32 million after lucrative TV contracts. The cap forced teams like the Detroit Lions, whose GM Brad Holmes cut veteran salaries by $12 million that offseason, to prioritize roster efficiency. This fiscal discipline now shapes rookie development and draft strategies through 2026.

1 of 3

Lions Draft

The Detroit Lions selected offensive tackle Blake Miller with the No. 17 pick and edge rusher Derrick Moore with the No. 44 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. graded the draft B and reported Miller allowed 1.8% pressure in college.
The Athletic ranked Detroit 13th, Fox Sports 15th, and CBS 18th in power rankings.
The Lions’ OTA workouts run May 27-29, June 2-4, June 9-11, with a mandatory minicamp June 16-17.

1 / 3