Brad Holmes may have entered the 2026 NFL Draft with a directive to improve the health of the team. Upon review of the draft class as a whole, it appears the Lions have indeed accomplished that mission.
The following is from my Detroit Lions 2026 complete draft recap:
Did the Lions get healthier in the draft?
Here are the medical concern levels along with age at start of 2026 season:
• 1/10 - Blake Miller (22)
• 2/10 - Derrick Moore (23)
• 3/10 - Jimmy Rolder (22)
• 0/10 - Keith Abney (21)
• 1/10 - Kendrick Law (22)
• 4/10 - Skyler Gill-Howard (23)
• 2/10 - Tyre West (23)
All the Lions’ draft picks were on the lower side of concern on my medical Big Board, topping out at a 4/10 concern. Five of the seven were 2/10 or less, which is a low-to-minimal concern.
The Lions added a significant number of healthy players to the team and avoided taking any chances on high-risk prospects.
Did the Lions get younger in the draft?
All the Lions’ draft picks are 23 or younger, with four of the seven at 22 or younger.
The 2026 NFL Draft had a high percentage of prospects who were at least 24-years-old. According to Ravens GM, Eric DeCosta, 18% of the 2026 prospects were age 24+.
The absence of any older draftees by the Lions seems likely an intentional plan to prioritize youth.
Bottom line for Lions' 2026 NFL Draft
The Lions filled their top two needs in this draft while also prioritizing youth and health. Looking at it from a medical and fan perspective, this was a successful draft.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Lions 2026 NFL Draft medical recap: Did Detroit get healthier?
