Andrew Buller-Russ
After a few key departures, the Detroit Lions have some clear needs ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Finding another starting-caliber offensive tackle is certainly one of them, even with Penei Sewell switching from right to left tackle. Another potential need involves strengthening the team’s running back room after trading David Montgomery to the Texans.
While some would argue that the arrival of free agent signee Isiah Pacheco makes up for the loss of Montgomery, the Lions love to run the football, and they may want more than two reliable backs. Another solution could arrive in the NFL Draft, where the Lions have nine selections.
Recently, ESPN’s NFL analyst Ben Solak suggested that Notre Dame backup RB Jadarian Price is a “dream fit” for the Lions, where he’d play second fiddle to Jahmyr Gibbs, much like he did with the Fighting Irish behind star RB Jeremiyah Love.
“But teams that already have a receiving back that they want to protect from 300-plus carries over the course of a season should prioritize Price. He’d be a great running mate for, say, Bucky Irving in Tampa Bay or Tony Pollard in Tennessee, but the dream landing spot is alongside Jahmyr Gibbs in Detroit. Price, who ran for 674 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, is a reliable singles and doubles hitter, and pairing him with a home run threat like Gibbs would bring out the best in him.”
ESPN’s Ben Solak on Jadarian Price/Detroit Lions
The Lions obviously won’t be spending the 17th overall pick on a running back this year. However, Price could be in play with their next selection, No. 50 overall. But again, the Lions may not want to commit another high pick to a running back when they’re already heavily invested in Gibbs remaining their starter for the foreseeable future.
Solak calls Price a “tricky projection” because he is not known to be a strong pass-blocker or pass-catcher, meaning his best asset is as a rusher.
Price may not be available by the time the Lions are on the clock with the 118th overall pick, but there’s no doubt he could be a difference-maker in Detroit, or wherever he lands.
Related: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: End of March Edition
