Building through the trenches has long been the Detroit Lions’ blueprint, and Matt Miller’s latest mock draft doubles down on that philosophy with two picks designed to shape the franchise’s future on both sides of the ball.
In his latest two-round mock draft projection, ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller has the Detroit Lions selecting edge rusher Keldric Faulk in Round 1 and offensive tackle Max Iheanachor in Round 2 — a pairing that attempts to address two of the franchise’s most pressing roster needs.
A Game-Changer Off the Edge: Keldric Faulk
At 6-foot-6 and 285 pounds, Auburn’s Keldric Faulk has emerged as one of the most intriguing defenders in the 2026 NFL Draft class. The Highland Home, Alabama, native combines size, physicality, and football instincts in a way that has NFL evaluators bullish on his pro potential.
Faulk’s college resume reflects consistent production and growth. Over his first two full seasons as a starter, he recorded 80 career tackles, including 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks in 2024, while grading among the top edge defenders nationally in run defense. Analysts point to his run-stopping ability as one of his strongest traits — he led all FBS edge defenders in run stops over a recent span, showcasing a rare blend of strength and pursuit ability for the position.
What really makes Faulk a first-round talent is his rare physical profile. Standing 6-6 with explosive power, he pairs elite strength (including a reported 700-pound squat) with long arms and violent hand use that can disrupt both run and pass plays. His alignment versatility — capable of playing from 5-technique wide end to interior roles — adds schematic flexibility that NFL defenses covet.
Still, Faulk isn’t without questions. A shift in role and scheme in 2025 led to a dip in his sack numbers compared to earlier seasons, raising concerns about consistent pass-rush production. But many scouts believe that with refined technique and a tailored development plan, Faulk’s upside far outweighs the risks — particularly when projecting him as a three-down defender whose impact starts against the run and grows as a pass rusher.
For a Lions team that has needed a disruptive presence off the edge, Faulk checks nearly every box: size, tenacity, and a leadership mentality that could help anchor Detroit’s next wave of defensive front playmakers.
Protecting the Pocket: Max Iheanachor
In Round 2, Miller projects the Lions to add a massive, athletic offensive tackle in Max Iheanachor from Arizona State — a developmental but supremely intriguing prospect.
Iheanachor’s journey to NFL consideration is unconventional. Born in Nigeria, he didn’t play high school football, instead focusing early on soccer and basketball before discovering the gridiron at East Los Angeles College. His athletic background shines through in his play: at 6-6, 325 pounds, he moves with fluid feet and remarkable balance for his size, traits that immediately caught scouts’ eyes.
Despite limited football experience, Iheanachor quickly earned a starting role at Arizona State, eventually locking down right tackle duties and earning Second-Team All-Big 12 honors in 2025. His performance at Senior Bowl practices further elevated his stock, particularly his ability to handle top pass rushers without allowing a sack over extensive snaps, an impressive feat given his relatively short football history.
Iheanachor’s strengths are clear: elite movement skills, natural balance, and the ability to climb to the second level in run schemes — all rare traits for a tackle with his frame. However, he remains a work in progress. Scouts note that his technique — especially in hand timing, leverage consistency, and reaction to speed rushes — can be inconsistent, reflecting both his rapid rise and limited time in the sport.
Still, this rawness is part of what makes him so intriguing: coaches love to “coach up” a high-ceiling talent who already possesses elite physical tools.
Bringing It Together
If the Lions do select Faulk and Iheanachor, they would be making a statement about the kind of roster identity they want to build — powerful in the trenches, disruptive at the point of attack, and forward-looking in development philosophy. Faulk addresses a defensive need that has long been a priority for Detroit, while Iheanachor offers the type of athletic profile that, with the right coaching, could protect the quarterback’s blind side for years to come.
Only time will tell how accurate Miller’s projections prove to be, but one thing is clear: these two prospects represent the type of foundational talent every contender wants on its roster.