The two biggest upcoming items in the NFL offseason are free agency, which opens next week, and the NFL Draft, which is under two months away.

After an NFL free agency cycle that's been largely without splashes and defined by a series of cheap, short-term deals, the Detroit Lions really need to make the 2026 NFL draft count.

With the departure of Harrison Smith, there is now a huge void that must be filled back there, and Thieneman's athleticism and aggressive playstyle would blend perfectly in this Brian Flores defense.

Despite his small-school status, Hurst brings a big-time game to the field that surprises defenders who are unable to handle his rare combination of size, speed and skill.