Stan Son previews and breaks down everything you need to know about the Detroit Lions heading into the 2026 NFL Draft.
I’m old, so it doesn’t seem like that long ago when the Detroit Lions became the 12th team in NFL history to go winless in a season, but that was all the way back in 2008. Since then, it’s been an up-and-down journey, with eight losing seasons and five playoff appearances.
2021 was a watershed moment for the franchise, as Matthew Stafford was swapped for Jared Goff, and Dan Campbell was brought in to “bite a kneecap off.”
The Lions went 3-13-1 during Campbell’s first season, but improved to 9-8 the following campaign. The next two seasons featured double-digit wins and playoff appearances before returning to 9-8 last season.
Detroit made a bevy of moves in free agency, but most were on the margins.
The offensive line used to be one of the top units in the league, but fell off and ended 12th last season, per PFF. Frank Ragnow’s retirement didn’t help, while injuries were an issue. Penei Sewell is great, while Tate Ratledge is coming off a solid rookie season. Center Cade Mays was one of the bigger free agent acquisitions, but he graded out as the 24th-best center out of 40 qualified players, per PFF. Christian Mahogany and Larry Borom have been less than ideal, so it’s likely Detroit will address the position at some point during the draft.
Teddy Bridgewater was signed to back up Jared Goff, so the quarterback position looks fine.
Jahmyr Gibbs is one of the best running backs in the league. Former running mate David Montgomery is now in Houston, while Isiah Pacheco was signed in free agency to be the backup. Draft capital will likely be utilized to provide more depth at the position.
Sam LaPorta caught 86 of 120 targets in his rookie season for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns, but he only played nine games last season. He should remain a vital part of the passing attack. Tyler Conklin was signed in free agency, but he’s 30 years old and more of a possession receiver. Brock Wright is a blocking tight end.
Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams make up a dynamic duo at wide receiver. Isaac TeSlaa is a freak athlete who only catches touchdowns. But the position is thin behind them, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Detroit addressed its receiver room with this supposedly deep receiver class.
The Detroit defense was middle of the pack in both EPA per carry and dropback. Detroit was 10th in pressure rate and tied for fourth in sacks while blitzing at the 11th-lowest rate. Aidan Hutchinson is a beast off the edge and the main source of pressure, but the rest of the defensive line is questionable. This is definitely an area of need.
The linebacking crew is solid with Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez and All-Pro Jack Campbell leading the way.
Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch make for a formidable safety duo, but both have dealt with injuries, so depth is paramount at the position.
D.J. Reed was solid at cornerback, but running mate Terrion Arnold suffered an injury last season, forcing slot corner Amik Robertson to play out of position. Robertson is now in Washington after signing a two-year contract worth $16 million.
Cornerback and defensive line look to be the positions of greatest need for Detroit.
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