Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft Need Analysis: Wide Receiver

Q: What is the combined need score for the Detroit Lions' wide receiver position in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The combined need score for the wide receiver position is calculated by summing the positional need and medical concern levels, both rated from 0 to 5.

Q: How did the Detroit Lions address their positional needs in the 2025 NFL Draft?

In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Lions focused on filling their defensive tackle position by selecting Tyleik Williams in the first round.

Q: What factors are considered in the Lions' draft strategy for wide receivers?

The Lions' draft strategy for wide receivers considers the health of starters and key backups, with a greater emphasis on the health of the starters.

Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft Need Analysis: Wide Receiver

TL;DR

The Detroit Lions are assessing their wide receiver needs ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, following a successful 2025 draft where they addressed defensive tackle. The analysis includes a combined need score based on positional need and medical concerns.

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 offensive positional breakdown, read Detroit Lions 2026 Draft Needs: OFFENSE Positional Rankings + Injury Impact.

The following is the review of the WR 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. I’m 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.

Wide Receiver

*Amon-Ra St. Brown (26, 2028, 2/10) - There were hand or wrist issues that may have led to uncharacteristic drops. Knee surgery last offseason was a concern, but he put together a really reliable season.
*Jameson Williams (25, 2029, 0/10) - Since his college ACL, he’s been as reliable as they come.
Isaac TeSlaa (24, 2028, 0/10) - Young, with no concerns.
Greg Dortch (28, 2026, 2/10) - A season-ending chest injury last year is a concern, but the Lions think he’s healthy now. The intestinal perforation in his past isn’t an issue.
Tom Kennedy (30, 2026, 1/10) - A bit older, but still very reliable.
Dominic Lovett (23, 2028, 0/10) - Healthy, entering his 2nd season.

Positional need 0/5

The top two WR’s are stars and are still very young. TeSlaa is looking like a future star given his rookie-season highlight reel. Those top three are all signed long-term. The backups include a solid, reliable mix of youth and veterans.