Detroit Lions Could Hit Draft JACKPOT if Trend Continues

Sometimes the NFL Draft gets out of your way, not because you planned it, but because the league tells you who it values.

If history repeats itself in the 2026 NFL Draft, detroit lions Might be eyeing a rare opportunity: If a top 5 talent ranks 17th overall Ohio State University Safety Caleb Downs slideshow.

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At first this may seem impossible. Towns is widely regarded by scouts as one of the five best overall players in the class. But the safety position he plays has quietly become one of the most undervalued positions on draft night.

Why Caleb Downs is declining

One thing the NFL has made painfully clear over the past five years: Elite safeties no longer appear too early, no matter how good they are.

here it is first The past five drafts have all involved safety:

• 2025: Round 1, Pick 27 – Malachi Starks (Ravens)

• 2024: Round 2, Pick 47 – Tyler Nubin (Giants)

• 2023: Round 2, Pick 45 – Brian Branch (Lions)

• 2022: First round, No. 14 pick — Kyle Hamilton (Ravens)

• 2021: Round 2, Pick 36 – Jevon Holland (Dolphins)

Even rising stars of the generation like Hamilton and Branch failed to crack the top ten.

If the team again prioritizes quarterback, edge rusher, offensive tackle and receiver early on, Towns could actually drop into the teens — which is where Detroit plans to choose.

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Caleb Downs: Top 5 Players

This is where the Lions might hit the jackpot.

Not only is Towns the best safety in the class, he is also one of the most complete defensive players in college football.

Reconnaissance Assessment:

• Elite range and closing speed

• Rare football IQ and anticipation

• A downhill tackle with excellent physical fitness and guard-like instincts.

• Whether in the slot or at the foul line, play deep safety comfortably

• Natural leader, second-string quarterback

At Ohio State, Towns consistently eliminated mistakes before they turned into explosive performances. He handles throws faster than most quarterbacks and has the versatility to excel at both single-high and split safety.

Simply put: He plays faster than anyone else on the field.

Why Towns makes sense for Detroit right now

The Lions’ safety room suddenly has more questions than answers.

• Kirby Joseph is dealing with a lingering knee issue that raises long-term durability concerns

• Brian BranchAlthough an elite player, he is currently recovering from an Achilles injury, which is a serious obstacle for any defensive back.

Even if both men return healthy, Detroit won’t be able to maintain the status quo at one of the most demanding positions on defense in Aaron Glenn.

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Towns would give the Lions:

• Safe instant insurance

• long term defensive center

• Flexibility to reposition Branch into battle-intensive roles

• A steady presence behind an aggressive front seven

This will be a luxury option that feels like a necessity.

Brad Holmes has been here before

This scene should be familiar to Lions fans.

In 2023, Detroit drafted Brian Branch, considered by many to be a top-15 talent, in the second round as the league once again fell short of safeties.

Holmes did not hesitate.

If Caleb Downs lands at No. 17, the value is too great to ignore. The draft board doesn’t win the game, the players win the game.

bottom line

If the NFL continues to undervalue safeties, the Detroit Lions could steal one of the five best players in the entire 2026 draft without making a trade.

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Caleb Downs, the 17th overall pick, is more than just a solid pick.
It would be a franchise-changing gift wrapped in league-wide draft bias.

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