Ranking the Detroit Lions’ top 7 needs in the 2026 NFL Draft

The Lions don’t just need a starter at edge; they need depth and reserves to help protect the roster in case of injury.

3. Linebacker

Players under contract: Jack Campbell (2026 – team holds a 5th year option), Derrick Barnes (2027), Malcolm Rodriguez (2026), Trevor Nowaske (2026), Damone Clark (2026)

Long-term need: 7/10
Short-term need: 7/10

When the Lions established their 90-man roster following the 2025 NFL Draft, they rostered 10 linebackers. As of right now, they have half of that. And while they could very well re-sign players like Zach Cunningham and Ezekiel Turner, the truth of the matter is that they have yet to find a replacement for Alex Anzalone. They’ve only added Damone Clark, and he’s probably closer to a replacement for Grant Stuard.

Looking into the future, while Campbell is a lock to receive an extension, no one else is guaranteed to be on the team in 2027. Only Barnes is under contract for that season, but if he doesn’t take a step this year, Detroit could move on before his $6.145 million 2027 option bonus kicks in.

So Detroit could both use a starting-capable talent in the draft and some serious long-term depth.

4. Tight end

Players under contract: Sam LaPorta (2026), Brock Wright (2026), Tyler Conklin (2026), Zach Horton (2026), Thomas Gordon (2026)

Long-term need: 7/10
Short-term need: 3/10

Detroit is probably in an okay position for 2026 with LaPorta, Wright, and Conklin. There’s certainly some unknown with LaPorta and Wright finishing the season on injured reserve, but as of now, there’s no indication it could threaten time in 2026. It’s a relatively thin room, and they could stand to benefit from more competition, but the need here is really more long-term.

LaPorta seems destined for an extension, but Wright and Conklin could be gone in 2027. Detroit could use another well-balanced tight end, although this year’s draft class isn’t exactly chock-full of them.

5. Nose tackle

Players under contract: Tyleik Williams (2028), Alim McNeill (2028), Chris Smith (2026)

Long-term need: 4/10
Short-term need: 5/10

The departure of Roy Lopez—and potentially DJ Reader—should be partially offset by a healthy Alim McNeill and some Year 2 growth from Tyleik Williams. Still, it’s a bit surprising the Lions didn’t add a run-stuffer on the defensive line this free agency.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Lions add some Day 3 talent along the interior defensive line to ensure that their stop-the-run-first identity remains intact along the interior.

6. Cornerback

Players under contract: D.J. Reed (2027), Terrion Arnold (2027), Rock Ya-Sin (2026), Roger McCreary (2026), Ennis Rakestraw (2027), Khalil Dorsey (2026), Nick Whiteside (2026)

Long-term need: 6/10
Short-term need: 2/10

The Lions’ cornerback room actually looks adequately filled out for the 2026 season, with starting competition and depth. But the outlook could look much different next year. Reed and Arnold have yet to solidify their place as long-term starters after a bumpy 2025 season, Rakestraw has yet to stay healthy enough to know what the Lions have in him, and everyone else is only signed through this year.

Detroit could choose to both raise the ceiling of this room and provide some long-term depth early in this draft, and it would not surprise me.

I thought about putting safety on this list, too, but without clarity on Kerby Joseph’s situation—and some decent depth options while Brian Branch may be out—I think corner may be the slightly more pressing issue.

7. Running back

Players under contract: Jahmyr Gibbs (2026 – team holds a 5th year option), Isiah Pacheco (2026), Sione Vaki (2027), Jacob Saylors (2026), Kye Robichaux (2027), Jabari Small (2026)

Long-term need: 5/10
Short-term need: 3/10

It’s hard to know how much the Lions should be trusting Pacheco to fill David Montgomery’s role this year. Pacheco’s recent injuries should certainly spark some skepticism, especially with his physical running style. The Lions are still openly excited to see what Vaki can bring in a bigger role, too, but Detroit would be wise to consider a more long-term solution to back up Gibbs, who is expected to sign an extension this offseason.