Jul 10, 2026, 1:12 PM CUT

Key Lions position just got exposed in the latest ESPN rankings

ALLEN PARK, MI - JULY 24: Detroit Lions quarterback 16 Jared Goff during training camp for Detroit Lions on July 24, 2025 at Detroit Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI Photo by Allan Dranberg/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JUL 24 Detroit Lions Training Camp EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon20250724020

After missing the 2025 NFL playoffs with a 9-8 record, the Detroit Lions are preparing for their redemption path to the Lombardi Trophy, and the latest ESPN rankings revealed the weak spots on their roster.

With the 2026 NFL training camp just around the corner, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler released his rankings of the league's top defensive tackles, and surprisingly, no Detroit Lions player made the list.

It is concerning news for the Motor City team, as back in 2025, statistically, they had a strong and dynamic defensive lineup, but they struggled to hold the line.

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 21: Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff 16 and Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell 58 lead the team out of the tunnel during pregame introductions the Detroit Lions versus the Pittsburgh Steelers game on Sunday December 21, 2025 at Ford Field in Detroit, MI. Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 21 Steelers at Lions EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2582025122101335

Per Pro Football Focus, the Lions allowed 413 total points over 17 games, averaging 24.3 points against per game, which ranked 22nd out of 32 teams in the NFL.

This is not the only concerning news. Per Side Lion Report, half of the names in the list are considered contenders for the Lions.

The list is dominated by Leonard Williams of the Seattle Seahawks, then No.3 Jalen Carter of the Philadelphia Eagles, followed by No. 4 Chris Jones, No. 8 Zach Allen, No. 9 Milton Williams, and No. 10 Joran Davis.

For a team to win, its defensive lineup must have disruptive tackles, and the franchise's top DT, Alim McNeill’s name is missing from the list.

His return from a torn ACL hampered his last season suffered in the 2024 season, McNeill appeared in 10 games for the Lions and recorded only five tackles for them.

If McNeill can return to full health, Detroit could quickly erase one of the few question marks on an otherwise talented roster as it begins another push toward the Lombardi Trophy.

But for the Lions, it is not the only issue. Their secondary’s fate is also in limbo.

Detroit Lions looking to strengthen their secondary

The release of cornerback Terrion Arnold after his arrest has left the Motor City’s secondary vulnerable ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

Based on the insights from many NFL analysts, he was projected to start for the Lions. But the struggles do not end here.

Lions star Kerby Joseph is still dealing with his lingering knee issues, and the same is for Brian Branch is recovering from a torn ACL and is expected to miss the start of the regular season.

The Lions lost their elite cornerback, Amik Robertson, to the Washington Commanders, removing a gritty and dependable presence from the secondary.

However, GM Brad Holmes has tried his best by signing DJ Wonnum, Rock Ya-Sin, Christian Izien, etc and drafting Derrick Moore.

Detroit has added reinforcements, but whether they can overcome those losses will be one of the biggest storylines to watch entering the 2026 season.

Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker