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Detroit Lions 2026 Defense: Unit Rankings & Outlook
Jul 1, 2026Raymond SummerlinSharp Football Analysis
Getting things ready
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The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2026 Football Preview . In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps, as well as defensive analysis from Raymond Summerlin. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2026 Football Preview . With the 2026 NFL season fast approaching, let's look at the defense of the Detroit Lions and preview how it might perform this season. Detroit Lions 2026 Defense Preview: A Unit-by-Unit Breakdown Detroit’s run defense took a step back in 2025, finishing 18th in yards per carry allowed to running backs (4.3) and 30th in negative run rate on those carries. They likely expected more given the talent available, but injuries limited the defensive line group last year. Alim McNeill did not play until Week 7 because of a knee injury suffered in 2024, and Levi Onwuzurike missed the entire year because of a knee injury of his own. The Lions also spent a first-round pick on Tyleik Williams last year. With DJ Reader and Roy Lopez gone, the Lions need Williams to take a step forward and Onwuzurike to stay healthy. The Lions finished 17th in pressure rate last season (36.8%), but they ranked fourth with 49 sacks. Aidan Hutchinson continues to be an elite pass rusher, posting a 17.5% pressure rate and finishing fourth in the league with 14.5 sacks last year. The spot opposite him is the concern, so it is not a surprise Detroit added Derrick Moore in the second round. Still, the pass rush is a concern. Alex Anzalone left in free agency, opening up a big hole in Detroit’s linebacking corps. Jack Campbell established himself as an elite linebacker last season, finishing fifth among qualifying linebackers in run stuffs (19), ranking first among that group in tackle rate against runs (27.6%), and allowing just 5.8 yards per target in coverage. Derrick Barnes is also back after starting 17 games last season. The questions start after Barnes for a team that used three linebackers more than any other team in the league last season. Detroit re-signed Malcolm Rodriguez to a one-year deal, and Damone Clark was added in free agency. The Lions finished 24th in yards per pass attempt allowed (7.3) last season, but they were 15th in EPA allowed per pass. After cutting Terrion Arnold following his arrest, the Lions are in a tough spot at cornerback. D.J. Reed will return, but he missed time in his first season with the Lions, something that has been a concern throughout his career, and also was not at his best in 2025. Roger McCreary was brought in during free agency, and Detroit has names like Rock Ya-Sin and former second-round pick Ennis Rakestraw Jr. on the depth chart. It would not be surprising if Detroit tried to make a move ahead of Week 1. The Lions would be set at safety if everyone were healthy, but unfortunately, that is not a given heading into the 2026 season. Brian Branch suffered an Achilles tear in December, putting his availability for Week 1 in doubt. Kerby Joseph played his final game in Week 6 of last season, and the discussion about his recovery has raised concerns that his knee injury could continue to linger into 2026. The Lions were active in free agency, re-signing Avonte Maddox while adding Chuck Clark and Christian Izien. This analysis continues in the 2026 Football Preview Order Warren Sharp's 2026 Football Preview to Get Penalty Analysis for All 32 NFL Teams Warren Sharp’s 600+ page full-color PDF…