From Best to Worst: Grading the Lions’ Defensive Position Groups
· Yahoo Sports
The Detroit Lions have built one of the most talented rosters in the NFL. Nearly every position features impact players capable of making game-changing plays. While the defense has undergone significant changes over the past two seasons, the talent is still undeniable.
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Here’s how Detroit’s defensive position groups stack up from strongest to weakest heading into the 2026 season.
1. Safeties
The safety room is led by arguably the best duo in football: Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph.
Unfortunately, both players suffered season-ending injuries last year, but when healthy, few teams can match their production. Branch has proven he can do just about everything, totaling seven interceptions and 4.5 sacks during his career while earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2024.
Joseph has been equally impressive. In 2024, he led the NFL with nine interceptions, earning First-Team All-Pro honors. Through just 55 career games (52 starts), Joseph has already recorded 20 interceptions and 35 pass breakups, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier ballhawks.
If both Branch and Joseph return to full health, they’ll provide a massive boost to Detroit’s defense and once again give the Lions one of the NFL’s most dangerous safety tandems.
2. Defensive Line
Led by Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill, Detroit’s defensive line has the potential to be the best it has been during the Dan Campbell era.
Hutchinson has already earned two Pro Bowl selections and has developed into one of the NFL’s elite pass rushers. He recorded 14.5 sacks last season after returning from the broken leg that ended his incredible 2024 campaign, when he had already totaled 7.5 sacks through five games and was firmly in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation.
Beyond rushing the passer, Hutchinson consistently creates turnovers, totaling five interceptions, five fumble recoveries, and eight forced fumbles during his career.
Detroit has also surrounded him with plenty of talent. Former first-round pick Tyleik Williams enters his second season alongside Alim McNeill, while free-agent addition DJ Wonnum and second-round rookie Derrick Moore will battle for snaps opposite Hutchinson.
McNeill returned from a torn ACL last season, and while he wasn’t quite himself, he’ll look to bounce back fully healthy in 2026. If everyone stays healthy, this could become one of the deepest and strongest defensive fronts in football.
3. Linebackers
A year ago, the linebackers may have ranked even higher, but the departure of Alex Anzalone drops this group slightly.
Malcolm Rodriguez is expected to step into Anzalone’s starting role after proving himself as a reliable contributor throughout his career.
Derrick Barnes has steadily improved every season and is playing the best football of his career. His signature moment remains the game-sealing interception against the Buccaneers in the NFC Divisional Round.
The star of the group, however, is Jack Campbell. Fresh off signing a contract extension that keeps him in Detroit through 2030, Campbell has quickly developed into one of the NFL’s top linebackers. It took him only three seasons to earn All-Pro honors, and he now enters his prime as the leader of Detroit’s defense.
4. Cornerbacks
Cornerback remains the biggest question mark on Detroit’s defense.
On paper, the Lions have an extremely talented group, but injuries have prevented the room from reaching its full potential.
DJ Reed and Terrion Arnold both missed significant time last season. Reed suffered a Grade 3 hamstring strain early in the year and, although he eventually returned, it was obvious he wasn’t playing at full strength.
This offseason, Reed traveled to Panama for advanced stem cell treatment after receiving the recommendation from 49ers All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner.
“It was tough, I’m not going to lie,” Reed told reporters. “Just with the severity of the strain. I thought that I initially needed surgery.”
Reed also told reporters during OTAs that his “extra gear” has returned, while Dan Campbell praised how freely he’s been moving throughout practices. Detroit signed Reed to a three-year, $48 million contract to become its long-term CB1, and if he returns to his previous form, he’ll significantly improve the secondary.
Terrion Arnold also battled injuries, suffering both a concussion and a season-ending shoulder injury after recording his first career interception.
Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard made it clear that expectations have changed for the young cornerback.
“There’s a difference talking about being great, and actually being great. He’s starting to understand that… TA knows I’m going to be very demanding of him this year. It’s no more of this, ‘Aw, he’s still a puppy.’ No, he’s not. He’s expected to play at a high level.”
Dan Campbell echoed those expectations.
“It’s just about competing,” Campbell said. “We’ve got a lot of good guys in that room… He’s got to go earn it.”
Ennis Rakestraw also provides intriguing upside. The former second-round pick has appeared in just eight games through his first two seasons due to injuries, but he added muscle during the offseason, and Campbell said he has no reason to believe Rakestraw’s body can’t withstand a full NFL season.
Veteran Rock Ya-Sin has also entered the competition for a starting role. Last season, he appeared in all 17 games, making six starts while recording a career-high nine pass breakups.
If Reed returns to form, Arnold takes the expected second-year leap, and Rakestraw finally stays healthy, this cornerback room could become one of the biggest surprises on Detroit’s roster. However, until that potential translates to consistent production on the field, it remains the Lions’ weakest defensive position group.