The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a thrilling event, especially with the spotlight on standout prospects from the upcoming College Football Playoff National Championship between Indiana Hoosiers and Miami Hurricanes. Scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, this game isn't just about college pride — it's a showcase of potential NFL stars that can ignite the interest of teams like the Detroit Lions. And here's where it gets interesting: many of these athletes could very well be selected early on in the upcoming draft, or could become key free agents waiting to make their move.
In this detailed overview, we’ll highlight a wide selection of players from both teams who might be drafted in 2026 or become prime targets as priority free agents. Keep in mind, some underclassmen still have until January 23 to decide whether to declare for the NFL or stay in school to refine their skills.
Please note: Players highlighted in bold are those the Lions should keep a close eye on.
Miami Hurricanes
Potential First-Round Selections
- Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE (6-foot-2, 277 pounds, Junior)
- Francis Mauigoa, Right Tackle (6-foot-6, 325 pounds, Junior)
- Akheem Mesidor, EDGE (6-foot-2.5, 273 pounds, Senior)
Bain and Mauigoa might be off the board before the Lions even get their turn, as both are projected to be among the first players chosen at their respective positions. Their skill sets align well with what NFL teams like Detroit look for — versatility, production, and high potential. Bain, with his explosive ability to disrupt plays, would be a natural fit opposite Aidan Hutchinson, providing the Lions with a formidable pass-rushing duo. His strength is stopping the run and creating chaos in opponents’ backfields.
Mauigoa is proven to be one of the most consistent and talented offensive tackles, with the versatility to slide inside to guard if needed — a major advantage for a team like Detroit, which values flexible linemen. Whether or not Taylor Decker opts to retire, Mauigoa's credentials make him a tempting early pick.
Mesidor, starting on the opposite edge from Bain, offers comparable skills and more positional flexibility. Despite being perhaps overlooked due to his age (turning 25 just before the draft), his style and fit could see him in the first round. He’s already planning to attend the Senior Bowl, which will be an important chance to impress scouts, whether he participates or just observes.
Day 2 (Rounds 2-3)
- Keionte Scott, DB/Nickel Back (5-foot-11, 195 pounds, Senior)
- Carson Beck, Quarterback (6-foot-4, 220 pounds, Senior)
Scott is an aggressive, physical nickel corner with the potential to transition to safety, known for making impactful plays and blitzing with purpose. His versatility and impact against the run could make him a top-50 pick.
Beck, a towering quarterback at 6’4” and 220 pounds, is likely to be a bit expensive for the Lions unless they decide to significantly revise their approach at quarterback and trade into the third round to land him.
Day 3 (Rounds 4-7)
The Day 3 group contains prospects like bruising running back Mark Fletcher Jr., versatile wide receivers CJ Daniels and Keelan Marion, and several linemen and safeties — including freshman safeties James Brockermeyer and Zachariah Poyer, who are committed to upcoming all-star events. Fletcher, in particular, stands out due to his power and versatility, though rumors suggest he might choose to return to college.
While watching Fletcher, pay close attention to Indiana’s safety duo — James Thomas and Poyer. Thomas operates as a hard-hitting safety with the ability to play both deep and in the box, fitting well into the Lions’ defensive schemes. Poyer, with his range and ball skills, could be a great fit at free safety, though he remains a redshirt sophomore and might choose to stay in school for an extra year.
Indiana Hoosiers
First-Round Pick
- Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback (6-foot-5, 225 pounds, Redshirt Junior)
If you’ve followed Indiana’s playoff run, you’ve seen Mendoza emerge as the standout signal-caller, confidently showcasing skills that hint at a potential top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. His talent and poise have earned him that nickname — the future No. 1 overall pick, perhaps.
Day 2 prospects
- Carter Smith, Left Tackle (6-foot-5, 313 pounds, redshirt Junior)
- D’Angelo Ponds, Cornerback/Nickel (5-foot-9, 173 pounds, Junior)
- Omar Cooper Jr., Wide Receiver (6-foot, 200 pounds, redshirt Junior)
- Elijah Sarratt, Wide Receiver (6-foot-2, 206 pounds, Senior), who’s committed to the Senior Bowl.
Smith is a promising offensive lineman who has shown resilience and skill, making him a potential early pick, though he might need some time adjusting to the faster NFL game. Ponds displays exceptional feistiness for his size, playing with a fearless attitude similar to that of top-tier slot corners — worth watching for a top-100 draft spot.
The wide receivers Cooper and Sarratt are projected for Day 2 but may not end up in Detroit with the Lions already investing heavily in their receiving corps.
Day 3 possibilities
Among the Day 3 candidates are versatile running backs Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black, fullbacks and tight ends like Riley Nowakowski and Pat Coogan, and defensive linemen and safeties. Coogan’s gritty style and athletic potential could make him an interesting addition for the Lions' offensive line depth. Linebacker Aiden Fisher offers both intelligence and agility, reminiscent of some of Detroit’s current role players.
Similarly, safety Louis Moore fits into the Lions’ defensive scheme with his ball skills and range, though he might be better suited to a free safety role.
In Summary: This upcoming draft could be pivotal for the Lions' roster building, especially considering the talented prospects from both these college standouts, many of whom might be chosen early in the process or develop into key free agents. The main question remains: Will these rising stars fulfill their potential and become immediate contributors, or will some choose to perfect their game in college for another year? And importantly, do you agree with the evaluations here, or do you see these players fitting differently into NFL strategies? Share your thoughts below — the draft’s future success might depend on it!**
