Lions Projected to Double Dip on Defense in 2026 NFL Draft
The Detroit Lions continue to have depth concerns at cornerback and edge rusher this season. So fitting, in his latest predictions for the 2026 NFL Draft, Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings predicted the Lions to address both positions in the first two rounds.
Cummings projected the Lions to first select Arizona State cornerback Keith Abney II. Then in the second round of his new mock draft, the Lions picked Tennessee edge rusher Joshua Josephs.
“Less than two years into a career that’s been riddled with medical questions and inconsistent play, the Lions have to at least hedge for Terrion Arnold’s eventual departure. Even if Arnold stays long-term, a third high-quality CB can take the pressure off,”
“With Arnold and Keith Abney II on the boundary, and DJ Reed manning the slot, the Lions could have one of the better CB rooms in the league. Abney is a fleet-footed, smooth operator at 6’0″, 195 pounds, with impressive processing and playmaking ability.”
In eight games this season, Abney has posted 29 combined tackles and seven pass defenses. He also has one tackle for loss, one interception and one interception for Arizona State.
Abney was the fourth cornerback off the board in Cummings’ new mock draft released Saturday.
Lions Predicted to Draft CB Keith Abney II
It’s not shocking that the PFN draft analyst would peg a cornerback to the Lions in the first round.
The past two games, Detroit has been dealing with major cornerback injury issues. Perhaps most notably, both cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw, who were the team’s top two picks in 2024, are sidelined.
Rakestraw has been out since August 7. He underwent shoulder surgery and is done for the 2025 season.
Arnold also sustained a shoulder injury during Week 5. The Lions have received differing recovery timetables for Arnold from doctors. The second-year cornerback could be back after the team’s bye week, but he hasn’t played the past two games.
Even so, Arnold has yet to live up to his first-round expectations. According to Pro Football Focus player grades, the same problems are hindering Arnold that did when he was a rookie.
Arnold has significantly struggled in coverage. His PFF coverage grade as a rookie was 50.2 (out of 100). His grade has dropped to 44.6 this season.
Among the 119 cornerbacks who have played at least 25% of his team’s defensive snaps,
Lions also Projected to Grab Another Edge Rusher
Edge rusher has been an area pundits have been encouraging the Lions to upgrade for a long time. It’s possible that still happens for Detroit before the 2025 NFL trade deadline.
The deadline for the Lions to acquire an edge rusher is November 3 at 4 pm ET.
If the Lions do trade for an edge rusher, perhaps it will no longer be necessary for the team to draft one. But as of October 26, Cummings sees the Lions addressing the need in the second round.
Josephs has four sacks and six tackles for loss this season. He also has three forced fumbles, two pass defenses and 29 combined tackles in eight games.
Based on the Lions depth chart, it’s not surprising Cummings has an edge rusher pegged to the team in the second round. With
But the Lions are having success in their front seven this season. Entering October 26, Detroit is ranked
Underrated Falcon Who Could Flip Week 8 on Its Head
In the Atlanta Falcons' Week 8 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, one player who could make a significant impact is safety Richie Grant. Often flying under the radar, Grant’s role in the secondary has been vital to the team’s defensive success. With the Falcons preparing for a crucial game, Grant's ability to step up and take control could be the difference-maker.
Grant has been a key piece of the Falcons' defense, known for his ability to read the quarterback and make timely interceptions. “I’ve always prided myself on being in the right spot at the right time,”
Despite not always getting the recognition he deserves, Grant's playmaking ability has helped the Falcons stay competitive in close games.
Against the high-powered Dolphins' offense, Grant’s instincts could be key to disrupting their rhythm. Head coach Jeff Ulbrich has been vocal about the importance of Grant's versatility in their defensive scheme.
If Grant can deliver a game-changing performance against the Dolphins, it could be a defining moment for the Falcons' season. “Every game is an opportunity to prove ourselves,” Grant remarked.
As the Falcons look to maintain their momentum in the NFC South, Richie Grant’s performance could be the spark they need to turn the game — and potentially the season — in their favor.
