The Detroit Lions and NFL coverage outline the 2026 NFL Draft, taking place in Pittsburgh from April 23–25, featuring 257 prospects and a shortened pace for Round 1 (eight minutes) with progressively shorter intervals in later rounds. Detroit will be watching nine chosen spots across rounds 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7, with comprehensive team coverage, live media availability from GM Brad Holmes, and a multi-platform broadcast across ABC, ESPN networks, NFL Network, and radio/podcast outlets. The event includes extensive fan resources such as a Draft Tracker and Lions Mobile App takeover to follow picks, highlights, and analysis. Ahead of the draft, Tim Twentyman and NFL Media analysts discuss top prospects and strategic themes on podcasts and articles. The outlook emphasizes structured, media-driven coverage and viewer engagement as teams shape their rosters through the weekend.
Dive Deeper:
Draft logistics specify 257 prospects will be selected over three days in Pittsburgh, with Round 1 length reduced to eight minutes, followed by seven-minute Round 2 and five-minute limits for Rounds 3–6 and four minutes for Round 7.
The Detroit Lions hold nine picks this year, distributed across rounds 1 (17th overall), 2 (No. 50), 4 (two selections), 5 (two selections), 6 (two selections), and 7 (one selection).
Television and radio coverage spans ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes, NFL Network, with national radio on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Westwood One, and ESPN Radio; streaming is available via NFL+, ESPN, and the ABC apps.
Brad Holmes is expected to speak to the media at the end of each draft day, following up on his pre-draft comments made in a prior press conference.
Detroit Lions fans can track every selection through the team's Draft Tracker and the Lions Mobile App, which will host a dedicated NFL Draft takeover with highlights, analysis, and photos.
Prospect rankings and top players are highlighted by NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah and Tim Twentyman, including a ranked Top 50 list led by players such as Fernando Mendoza (No. 1) and Jeremiyah Love (No. 2).
Tim Twentyman also hosts pre-draft content, including a preview episode with Brian Hudspeth and Jeremiah, and additional coverage across DetroitLions.com featuring mock drafts, position analyses, and running-down-the-board coverage.