As we approach the 2026 NFL Draft, the talk around the Detroit Lions has surrounded two specific needs: offensive tackle and defensive end. The discussion is warranted, as the Lions find themselves thin at both areas. After moving on from Taylor Decker and watching Dan Skipper retire, the Lions have only added Larry Borom to the offensive tackle room. And while the Lions are professing a lot of confidence in Borom, tackle remains both a short and long-term need despite his addition. At defensive end, Marcus Davenport and Al-Quadin Muhammad are gone, and they’ve added just DJ Wonnum and Payton Turner. That hardly seems enough for a position that needed a clear upgrade from last year.
But it feels like we’ve already exhausted that talk with three weeks left until the NFL Draft. So let’s explore some of the Lions’ other biggest needs. Today’s Question of the Day is:
What is a Detroit Lions sneaky need?
My answer: There are a few choices. Linebacker seems not-so-sneaky, as they only have five under contract and it remains to be seen if they have an Alex Anzalone replacement. Cornerback could be a need with some offseason losses and some short and long-term questions with the players they already have.
But I’m going to go with nose tackle.
For a team that prioritizes stopping the run, I’m a bit surprised by how little attention has been given to this position. Roy Lopez returned to Arizona in free agency. DJ Reader remains unsigned, and the Lions have added… no one. That’s 1,008 defensive snaps from last year that the Lions will need to account for.
Now, a healthy Alim McNeill and developing Tyleik Williams will certainly make up for some of that. But that’s certainly not enough, and if one of those players gets injured, it’s unclear who the Lions would turn to.
I’m not necessarily advocating for a Day 1 or Day 2 draft pick at nose tackle. That’s a position that could be addressed early on Day 3 and still get a contributing-level talent. That said, I wouldn’t be completely surprised if Detroit opts to go in that direction in late-stage free agency or maybe even shock people with a heavier-than-expected investment in the draft.
What is a position of need that you think is being overlooked right now? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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