
Sources: Collier back to Lynx on supermax deal
Napheesa Collier signs supermax contract to return to the Lynx
The Detroit Lions are assessing their linebacker position as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, focusing on injury impacts and positional needs. The combined need score for linebackers will influence their draft strategy.
The 2026 NFL Draft is fast approaching which makes it a good time to review the Lions' positional needs and how it may impact their draft strategy. Last year, defensive tackle got the biggest combined need score, and the Lions indeed filled that position in the 1st round with Tyleik Williams.
For the complete defensive positional breakdown, read Detroit Lions 2026 Draft Needs: DEFENSE Positional Rankings + Injury Impact. For the offensive positional breakdown, read Detroit Lions 2026 Draft Needs: OFFENSE Positional Rankings + Injury Impact.
The following is the review of the Lions' linebacker position.
The combined need score is the summation of positional need (0-5) plus medical concern level (0-5). The higher the score, the greater the need. Iâm reserving the focus to the starters and key backups here, with health of the starters weighted more heavily.
(In parentheses are player age at the start of the 2026 season, signed-through year, and medical concern level.) *Projected starters.
The two starters are solid and are under team control beyond 2026. Rodriguez is a good 3rd LB, so the need here is mostly for long-term backups.
The starters are young and healthy. The backups are young but have some concerns.
For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Jimmy on X, @JimmyLiaoMD
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft Needs: Linebacker injury report
The combined need score for the linebacker position is calculated by summing positional need and medical concern levels, with higher scores indicating greater need.
Injuries to starters and key backups will heavily influence the Lions' draft strategy, as health concerns are weighted more significantly in their assessment.
The article focuses on starters and key backups, but specific player names are not provided in the excerpt.

Napheesa Collier signs supermax contract to return to the Lynx

NWSL Board to Decide on Major Calendar Change This Month
Virginia Tech secures commitment from 4-star DL James Buchanan!
Flamengo thrashes MedellĂn 4-1, stays perfect in Libertadores!
Marc-André ter Stegen is determined to return to the German national team before the World Cup.
NHL playoffs begin April 18: Check out the first round schedule!
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.