The Detroit Lions have concluded their 2026 NFL Draft class with a seventh-round selection that has drawn a measured response from analysts, as the team added defensive tackle Tyrie West from the University of Tennessee with their final pick. The selection, made late on the final day of the draft, rounds out a class that one prominent Lions analyst has already declared his second favorite under general manager Brad Holmes, trailing only the highly regarded 2023 haul. The pick of West, a 6-foot-3, 290-pound interior lineman, comes as the Lions continue to fortify their defensive line depth, a priority that has been evident throughout the offseason. The move signals a clear strategy of targeting versatile, high-motor players who may not be immediate starters but could develop into rotational contributors over time.
The immediate reaction from the Lions community has been one of cautious optimism, with many acknowledging the inherent uncertainty of late-round selections. Mike Kimber of Lions Talk by Chat Sports, who provided a detailed breakdown of the pick, emphasized that seventh-round picks are often lottery tickets, and West fits that mold perfectly. Kimber noted that the Lions are essentially taking a flyer on a player who showed flashes of potential at Tennessee but never fully realized it in a consistent starting role. The analyst pointed out that West started only five games over four seasons with the Volunteers, a statistic that raises legitimate questions about his readiness for the NFL. However, the team’s scouting department clearly saw enough in his athletic testing and game tape to warrant a selection, betting on his upside rather than his collegiate production.
West’s athletic profile offers some intriguing elements that likely caught the Lions’ attention. He posted a 40-yard dash time of 4.84 seconds, a 10-yard split of 1.68 seconds, a vertical jump of 33 inches, and a broad jump of 9 feet 3 inches. His 20-yard shuttle was clocked at 4.84 seconds, and he recorded 20 reps on the bench press. These numbers suggest a player with decent explosiveness and functional strength, though they do not scream elite athleticism. His production at Tennessee was modest, with 12 solo tackles, four sacks, and one forced fumble in his final season. Over his entire college career, he accumulated 10 sacks and two forced fumbles, numbers that underscore his role as a rotational player rather than a dominant force. The Lions are clearly hoping that his best football is ahead of him, as he transitions to a professional environment with superior coaching and development resources.
Scouting reports from Tennessee-based analysts, including those from Sports Illustrated, paint a mixed picture of West’s potential. His strengths are highlighted as end-tackle flexibility, good first-step quickness, and proper pad level. He is praised for using blockers’ momentum against them, rushing with a consistent motor, and showing good chase quickness. He also demonstrated an ability to create lateral separation as an interior rusher, a skill that could translate well to the NFL if refined. However, the weaknesses are equally pronounced. He started just five games in four seasons, which is unusually low for a draftable prospect. Hip stiffness limits his change-of-direction fluidity, and blockers can easily get into his frame and engulf him at the point of attack. His stack-and-shed ability is below average when taking on single blocks, and he does not consistently use his hands to set blocks. These deficiencies suggest that West is a developmental project who will need significant work in the Lions’ training program.
The projection for West, according to multiple scouting sources, is that he is a practice squad candidate. This assessment aligns with Kimber’s own evaluation, as he stated unequivocally that he expects nothing from West in terms of immediate impact. The analyst gave the pick a B grade, a rating he applies to most sixth- and seventh-round selections unless there is something egregiously wrong with the player or the pick. Kimber argued that it is unreasonable to be upset about a seventh-round pick, as the difference between a late-round selection and an undrafted free agent is minimal. He noted that the Lions will likely sign around 16 undrafted free agents in the coming days, and West will be competing with those players for a spot on the practice squad or the back end of the 53-man roster. The key, Kimber emphasized, is that West brings Lions’ defensive line depth, but fans should not expect to see him on the field unless injuries mount.
The broader context of the Lions’ 2026 draft class provides a more optimistic picture for the franchise. Kimber graded the entire draft as an A-minus, his second-highest mark for a Holmes-led draft, trailing only the 2023 class. The analyst praised Holmes for cooking in the draft, particularly after a challenging free agency period that left the team with significant needs. The first-round selection of offensive tackle Blake Miller from Clemson received a B-plus grade, with Kimber noting that the Lions solidified their offensive line, a critical need for protecting quarterback Jared Goff and enabling running back Jahmyr Gibbs. The second-round pick of edge rusher Derek Moore was graded an A, as Kimber had specifically targeted Moore in his mock drafts and viewed him as the perfect fit for the Lions’ defensive scheme. Moore is expected to provide an immediate pass-rush presence opposite Aidan Hutchinson, addressing a glaring weakness from the previous season.
The third-round selection of linebacker Jimmy Rader from Michigan earned a B grade, with Kimber acknowledging that while Rader may not have been the best linebacker available, he fits the Lions’ culture of grit and relentless effort. The departure of Alex Anzalone and the uncertainty surrounding Malcolm Rodriguez made linebacker a priority, and Rader is seen as a player who can contribute immediately. The fourth-round pick of cornerback Keith Abney from Arizona State was the highlight of the draft for Kimber, who gave it an A-plus grade. Abney was projected as an early fourth-round talent, and the Lions landed him in a value pick that could yield a starter. Kimber compared him to Amik Robertson, noting that Abney can play both inside and outside, providing competition for DJ Reed and depth in the secondary. The fifth-round selection of wide receiver Kendrick Law from Kentucky was graded a B-plus, with Law expected to serve as a punt and kick return specialist, similar to Kalif Raymond, while also contributing on jet sweeps and special teams.
The sixth-round pick of defensive tackle Skyler Gil Howard received a B grade, consistent with Kimber’s approach to late-round selections. The analyst reiterated that he does not expect much from these players but views them as developmental depth. The seventh-round pick of Tyrie West rounds out the class, and Kimber’s B grade reflects a pragmatic acceptance of the limitations of late-round picks. He argued that it is pointless to get overly excited or overly critical about such selections, as the success rate is inherently low. The focus should be on the overall draft class, which Kimber believes has provided the Lions with multiple starters and contributors. He specifically highlighted the value picks of Abney and Moore as evidence that Holmes executed a strong draft strategy.
The Lions’ draft approach under Holmes has consistently emphasized athleticism, versatility, and character, and this class appears to follow that blueprint. The team addressed key needs on the offensive line, edge rush, linebacker, cornerback, and wide receiver, while also adding depth to the defensive line. The selection of West, while unspectacular, fits the pattern of taking calculated risks on players with physical tools who may have underperformed in college. The Lions’ coaching staff, led by Dan Campbell, has a track record of developing such players, as evidenced by the emergence of undrafted free agents and late-round picks in previous seasons. The hope is that West can follow a similar trajectory, contributing on special teams or as a rotational defensive lineman in the coming years.
The reaction from the broader Lions fan base has been mixed, with some expressing disappointment at the lack of a splashy pick in the late rounds, while others trust Holmes’ judgment after his successful tenure. Kimber’s video, which included a call to action for viewers to grade the pick, saw a range of responses, with many fans echoing his B grade. The analyst encouraged fans to keep perspective, noting that the draft is just one component of roster building. Free agency, undrafted free agent signings, and player development will all play roles in determining the success of this class. He emphasized that the Lions are in a strong position, with a core of young talent and a coaching staff that has proven its ability to maximize player potential.
As the Lions transition to the next phase of the offseason, all eyes will be on how these draft picks perform in training camp and preseason. For Tyrie West, the path to the roster is steep, but not impossible. He will need to demonstrate significant improvement in his hand usage, pad level, and ability to shed blocks to compete for a spot on the 53-man roster. More likely, he will spend the season on the practice squad, where he can refine his technique and build strength. The Lions have a history of developing defensive linemen, and West could benefit from that environment. However, the reality is that most seventh-round picks do not become long-term contributors, and West faces an uphill battle to defy those odds.
The broader implications of the Lions’ draft class will become clearer over the next few seasons, but the early consensus is that Holmes has again positioned the team for sustained success. The A-minus grade reflects a draft that addressed immediate needs while also adding depth and potential for the future. The selection of West, while not a headline-grabbing move, is a reminder that the draft is a marathon, not a sprint. Every pick, no matter how late, carries the possibility of uncovering a hidden gem. For the Lions, the hope is that West can be that diamond in the rough, but the expectations remain tempered. As Kimber concluded, the Lions cooked in this draft, and the seventh-round pick is simply the final ingredient in a recipe that looks promising for the 2026 season and beyond.
Early reactions are highlighting both steals and risks.
