Lions projected to secure huge draft steal in latest 2026 NFL mock draft
After a quiet trade deadline, Bleacher Report's Scouting Department unveiled another mock draft for the 2026 NFL Draft. The department projects that the Detroit Lions will be picking at 21st overall, and will continue to build on the defensive side of the ball come Spring.
After extending Aidan Hutchinson to a 4-year, $180 million dollar contract that keeps him in Detroit until 2030, Bleacher Report has the Lions finding his running mate for the foreseeable future. GM Brad Holmes is predicted to select Oregon EDGE Matayo Uiagalelei - the brother of D.J. Uiagalelei.
The Lions have been looking for a complimentary piece for Hutchinson, and may have one falling into their lap with the Oregon product. The Lions have done a good job selecting EDGE rushers with Ziggy Ansah in 2013, and Hutchinson in 2022. The problem is that Detroit hasn't been able to repeat the success with a secondary rusher while having both players on the roster.
Lions predicted to snag a steal of a pass rusher in 2026 NFL Draft
The Lions currently have Al-Quadin Muhammad under contract till the end of the season, and the 30-year-old veteran has been extremely serviceable as a rotational piece through eight games. He's already registered six sacks. However, he doesn't offer a lot of upside from a long-term perspective.
With the ability to add to a defense that can utilize a friendly rookie contract, the first-round investment in Uiagalelei gives the Lions a much stronger, younger, and financially responsible presence that earned All-Big Ten honors in 2024, and has totaled 16.5 sacks through two and a half collegiate seasons.
"The Lions locked Hutchinson down contractually for the foreseeable future, but the defense still needs a secondary threat coming off the edge. At 6'5", 275 pounds, Uiagelelei fits the size profile that Detroit looks for in a defensive end. He also has the skills as a pass-rusher to help take some of the pressure off of Hutchinson,"
With the Lions having Hutchinson under contract, and seemingly looking to secure Jack Campbell, Brian Branch, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Sam LaPorta, the ability to bring in the Oregon pass rusher could give Kelvin Sheppard's defense a strong hold on opposing offenses for at least the next five seasons.
The Lions currently also have D.J. Reader, Levi Onwuzurike, Pat O'Connor, Josh Paschal, and Marcus Davenport with expiring contracts at the end of the 2025 season, as well. This opens the door wide open for Holmes and the Lions' scouting department to go all in on a talent like Uiagalelei.
NFL Hammers Frankie Luvu With Severe Punishment After Suspension Overturned
Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu won’t face a one-game suspension for his history of on-field behavioral issues, but the NFL is going to make its punishment hurt nonetheless.
The league fined Luvu $100,000 on Saturday, November 8, following a hip-drop tackle he made on wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba during the first quarter of the Commanders’ Week 9 game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Luvu was facing a one-game suspension and a fine north of $46,000 from the league for repeated hip-drop tackle offenses, for which the NFL has fined him three different times over the last year. However, the linebacker appealed the ruling and the league overturned the suspension, but increased the fine.
“#Commanders LB Frankie Luvu’s one-game suspension has been reduced to a $100,000 fine after his appeal,” Ari Meirov reported on November 4. “Luvu is eligible to play on Sunday.”
Luvu’s initial punishment would have been a historic one in the context of the NFL.
Frankie Luvu plans to appeal his one-game suspension — believed to be the first for hip-drop tackles since the NFL outlawed action a couple years ago. https://t.co/Ii8Li2TnDM
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero)
November 4, 2025
“Frankie Luvu plans to appeal his one-game suspension — believed to be the first for hip-drop tackles since the NFL outlawed action a couple years ago,” Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported via X on November 3.
Luvu’s six-figure fine became official on Saturday, one day before the team takes on the Detroit Lions in Washington in a crucial game. The Commanders, who bested the Lions at Ford Field in January to earn a berth in the NFC Championship Game, are 3-6 through nine games this season.
Commanders Could Get Jayden Daniels Back After Missing Just 2 Games Due to Elbow Dislocation
GettyWashington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Washington will host Detroit on November 9 without star quarterback and reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels.
Daniels left last week’s contest against Seattle with a dislocated elbow on his non-throwing arm, playing late into the second half despite the Seahawks blowing the Commanders out at the time. Washington entered the week uncertain about how it would proceed with Daniels, as putting him on the injured reserve list (IR) would necessitate that he miss at least four games.
Then, on Saturday, the Commanders got a somewhat surprising update on Daniels’ health.
“I’m told Jayden Daniels could potentially be back after three weeks on that elbow issue,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported. “Not gonna need surgery. They’re not putting him on injured reserve.”
Washington plays the Miami Dolphins at home on November 16 and then has a bye in Week 12. If Daniels returns after three weeks, he would do so during a home game against the Denver Broncos after missing just two actual contests due to the elbow injury.
Frankie Luvu Among Commanders’ Better Defenders as Team Hits Must-Win Stretch in Regular Season
GettyWashington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu.
Given Daniels’ uncertain status and the urgency with which Washington must pursue wins, hanging onto Luvu for this weekend’s game against the Lions is a meaningful boost for the Commanders.
Luvu has tallied 50 combined tackles, including four tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, two sacks, two pass breakups and a forced fumble in nine games played this season.
Luvu, 29 years old, is on a three-year deal worth $31 million total that runs through next season. He earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2024.
