There’s a not-so-friendly rivalry between the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears, since both franchises are in the NFC North, but it goes beyond that. Bears head coach Ben Johnson, of course, hails from the Detroit Lions, so whenever Lions coach Dan Campbell can sock it to him, it makes Detroit happy.
Now, Campbell and Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes have the chance to spoil things for Johnson in the 2026 NFL draft. The question is, will they take advantage of this opportunity?
Holmes has repeatedly said that he goes with the best available player when his number is called, regardless of position. That’s not the most analytical approach to draft day moves, but he’s the general manager, so it’s his call. But, he’d be wise to snag a player that would help Detroit and hurt Chicago if the opportunity is there at pick No. 17.
Detroit Lions and Dan Campbell Projected to Take Budding Edge Ahead of Chicago Bears and Ben Johnson in NFL Draft
Keldric Faulk is an edge out of Auburn, and he’s one of the most elite in his position in the 2026 NFL draft. “At 6-foot-6 and 276 pounds with longer than 34-inch arms, Faulk has the kind of frame and athleticism the Lions like to deploy in their big end role opposite Aidan Hutchinson,” Tim Twentyman of the Detroit Lions’ official website states in a draft piece.
Faulk would be a fantastic pick for the Detroit Lions, and I hope they take him. He’s only 20 years old and has the ideal frame for an edge. He’s only had 10 career sacks at Auburn, according to college football research, but he has the God-given build and skillset to grow with the Lions.
“Faulk played up and down Auburn’s defensive front the last four years so he’s got the versatility to play inside in certain pass-rush packages,” Twentyman adds. “Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard loves that kind of versatility in his defensive players.”
Both Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears Seem Interested in Promising Edge
But, Johnson and the Bears likely want him, too. Lucky for Detroit, they pick before the Bears.
“It sounds like there might be a race for Faulk’s services, with a pair of division foes firmly in the mix,” Lior Lampert of Bear Goggles On states in a Friday, April 17 piece on the prospect. “The Bears and Lions, among other clubs, can both greatly benefit from adding a high-profile prospect of his caliber.”
He adds that it’s a given Faulk’s name will be called in the first round of the draft. “The Bears are hoping they at least have the option to take him No. 25 overall. However, he’s listed on both Chicago and Detroit’s shortlist of targets on FanSided’s Big Board — and the Lions hold the 17th pick,” he adds.
There’s obvious interest from both the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears for Faulk. Considering that one of Detroit’s biggest weaknesses has always been edge, Faulk is my No. 1 pick for the Lions. But, knowing that Holmes likes to avoid the team’s edge needs, I don’t have much belief that it will happen.
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