
Sam Laporta is dealing with a spine injury, which has created a greater need for tight ends on the team.
Dallen Bentley is a tight end from Utah who is expected to be available in the mid-rounds of the NFL Draft, though he has a moderate medical concern level.
The Lions are likely to consider adding a tight end like Dallen Bentley in the draft to strengthen their roster following Laporta's injury.
The Detroit Lions may target tight end Dallen Bentley in the upcoming NFL Draft due to an unexpected need at the position following Sam Laporta's spine injury. Bentley is projected to be available in the mid-rounds but carries a moderate medical concern level.
The tight end position is a bigger need than expected due to the injury to Sam Laporta's spine. The Lions may choose to add to the TE room in the draft. Dallen Bentley is a prospect who should be available in the mid-rounds but has a moderate medical concern level.
Here is the excerpt from my medical report on Bentley:
(Ages in parentheses are at start of 2026 season and are factored into the concern level. Injury info and ages based on available public information are unverified and subject to update. Games played data courtesy of sports-reference.com.)
Projected round 4-5. Ran 4.62 40 at combine. Matt Miller’s #181 overall player.
Concern level 4/10
Lions’ fans are all too familiar with tib/fib fractures after Aidan Hutchinson’s in 2024. The good news is that bones generally heal very well with minimal to no residuals. The final two seasons in college appear to have been healthy for Bentley.
The biggest concern is his advanced age which is explained by an LDS mission.
Bentley finished college with 51 receptions for 640 yards.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions NFL Draft Injury Report: Utah TE Dallen Bentley
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