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Tag: Mel Kiper

  • Detroit Lions Hold Formal Meeting With Zion Young

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    The Detroit Lions continue to cast a wide net at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, and one of the most intriguing names to emerge from their formal interview list is Missouri defensive end Zion Young.

    According to combine reports, the Lions held a formal meeting with Young in Indianapolis, adding real weight to the idea that Detroit could be eyeing an edge rusher early in the 2026 NFL Draft.

    That interest was echoed shortly after when ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. projected Young to the Lions with the No. 17 overall pick in his latest first-round mock draft.

    Why Edge Rusher Is Squarely on Detroit’s Radar

    For several seasons now, the Lions have been searching for a consistent, long-term pass-rushing partner opposite Aidan Hutchinson. While Detroit received a surprising boost last season from Al-Quadin Muhammad, who finished with 11 sacks, his future with the team is uncertain as he heads toward free agency.

    Beyond Hutchinson, Detroit’s edge production remains thin. Kiper pointed out that Tyrus Wheat was the next most productive pure edge rusher on the roster, finishing with just 1.5 sacks. That lack of depth has left the Lions vulnerable when Hutchinson is chipped, doubled, or schemed against.

    As Kiper wrote in his analysis, Detroit’s need is clear—even with potential interior line options available in the draft.

    What Zion Young Brings to the Table

    Young, who began his college career at Michigan State before transferring to Missouri, has steadily developed into a disruptive edge presence. During the 2025 season, he recorded 6.5 sacks and 46 total pressures, flashing the kind of hand usage and first-step quickness that NFL teams covet.

    Kiper specifically highlighted Young’s strong hands and burst, traits that would pair well with Hutchinson’s power-based approach. In Detroit’s defensive scheme, Young profiles as a rusher who could win one-on-one matchups while benefiting from the attention Hutchinson commands on the opposite side.

    Draft Connection Worth Monitoring

    While a formal combine meeting doesn’t guarantee draft intent, it often signals legitimate interest—especially when paired with a first-round projection from one of the league’s most recognizable draft analysts.

    Between Detroit’s ongoing search for edge help, Muhammad’s uncertain status, and Kiper’s projection at No. 17, Zion Young has quickly become a name Lions fans should circle as the draft process continues.

    With free agency looming and draft boards still shifting, the Lions appear to be laying the groundwork for a potential first-round investment in their pass rush—one that could shape the defense for years to come.

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    Jeff Bilbrey

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  • Mel Kiper Has Lions Fixing a Big Weakness in First 2026 Mock Draft

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    If you’re a Detroit Lions fan hoping for another flashy skill-position weapon in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Mel Kiper might be asking you to pump the brakes.

    In his first mock draft of the 2026 cycle, the longtime ESPN analyst has the Lions using the No. 17 overall pick on Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane, a move that might not light up social media, but could pay massive dividends where it matters most: in the trenches.

    Why Mel Kiper Has the Lions Going Offensive Line

    Kiper’s reasoning is pretty straightforward. Yes, the Lions invested in the interior offensive line by drafting Tate Ratledge in the second round in 2025, but the numbers from last season show there’s still work to be done.

    Detroit ranked 31st in the NFL in pass block win rate (55.5%), a jarring stat for an offense built around a timing-based passing game and a lethal run duo.

    As Kiper explained, “With all their skill on offense, that has to be fixed.”

    Who Is Olaivavega Ioane?

    The Penn State standout has quietly built a reputation as one of the most dependable interior linemen in college football.

    He hasn’t allowed a sack since 2023, consistently sustains blocks in pass protection, and brings the kind of power and mobility that offensive line coaches love. In a Lions offense that asks its guards to protect Jared Goff while also getting out in space for Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery (if he is still a Lion), Ioane’s skill set checks a lot of boxes.

    Why Jared Goff (and the Running Game) Would Love This Pick

    It’s easy to picture why Goff would be thrilled with this selection. Clean pockets mean more time to let Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta work downfield.

    It’s just as easy to see why the running backs would be excited. Ioane’s ability to climb to the second level and move defenders out of rushing lanes could unlock even more explosive runs for Gibbs and Montgomery in 2026 and beyond.

    Not Flashy, But Very “Lions”

    Is taking a guard in the first round the most exciting move on draft night? Probably not.

    There won’t be a jersey-selling wide receiver or a viral highlight package attached to the pick. But for a team that believes its Super Bowl window is wide open, investing in protection and physicality up front makes a lot of sense.

    Brad Holmes has never been shy about building through the trenches, and Dan Campbell’s identity is rooted in dominating the line of scrimmage. A pick like Ioane would fit that philosophy perfectly, even if it doesn’t come with fireworks.

    Bottom Line

    Sometimes the smartest picks are the ones that don’t make the biggest headlines — but end up making the biggest difference on Sundays.

    If Mel Kiper’s early projection is right, the Lions could be setting themselves up for long-term success by making sure Jared Goff stays upright and the running game stays lethal.

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    Jeff Bilbrey

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