By Blessing 
The Detroit Lions are grappling with depth issues at cornerback and edge rusher this season, prompting speculation about their 2026 NFL Draft strategy. In his latest mock draft, Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings predicts Detroit will bolster both positions early, targeting Arizona State’s Keith Abney II in the first round and Tennessee’s Joshua Josephs in the second.
Cummings sees Abney as a solution to the Lions’ secondary woes, especially with Terrion Arnold’s uncertain future. “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,” Cummings wrote. “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, a 6’0”, 195-pound corner, has recorded 29 tackles, seven pass defenses, one sack, and an interception in 2025.
The Lions’ secondary has been hit hard by injuries, with 2024 draft picks Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw sidelined. Rakestraw’s season ended after shoulder surgery, while Arnold’s recovery timeline remains unclear. Arnold’s struggles in coverage, with a PFF grade of 44.6, rank him 111th among qualifying cornerbacks.
On the edge, Cummings projects Josephs, who has four sacks and three forced fumbles this season, to address a persistent need. Despite injuries to Marcus Davenport, Detroit’s front seven ranks third in sacks. However, with the trade deadline looming on November 4, 2025, the Lions may act sooner.