Photo Credit: Stacy Revere/Getty Images.

I was lucky enough to be at the 2026 NFL combine in Indianapolis this past weekend, to get eyes on the prospects. The event concluded Sunday night, after a long week of interviews and workouts. There were many great performances, and a few that left more to be desired. Either way, we learned a lot about these prospects, at least when it comes to measurements and athletic ability. Overall, it was a great combine, as multiple positions broke multiple records, and some positions were more athletic than ever before.

With that being said, the Lions don’t need every position, and they have real holes on the roster. Here are my five big takeaways from the combine.

Extremely Deep Defensive Back Class.

This defensive back class is very good, and very athletic. Overall, it was one of the most athletic showings by the position in the history of the combine, which made it a lot of fun to watch. Obviously, the Lions already have two elite players at the safety position, but both Joseph and Branch are dealing with injury issues. Kerby with his arthritic knees, and Branch tore his Achilles late in the season. With both players likely being down to start the year, the Lions would be smart to draft a safety late who can actually play right away. Luckily for us, this class is very deep, featuring players all the way through the draft that the Lions could get immediate help with. Also, there have been concerns over our cornerback room, which is very deep this year too. With Terrion Arnold’s on and off field struggles, Reed not quite living up to his contract, and guys like Rock Ya-Sin hitting free agency, the Lions have a need at corner, even if it’s just depth. The Lions will have plenty of options at both defensive back spots in both the draft and free agency. Hopefully, Detroit will grab one or two and give themselves some flexibility at the position. Unfortunately for Lions fans, it seems unlikely either star safety will be ready to go by week one, and Branch will be gone for quite a while. As far as safety, I am a fan of AJ Haulcy, Kamari Ramsey, Zakee Wheatley, Genesis Smith, Bishop Fitzgerald, Bud Clark, Jalen Huskey, and more. For corner, I like Chris Johnson, Keith Abney II, Daylen Everette, Julian Neal, Tacario Davis, Malik Muhammad, and more. The Lions will have some good options in the draft, and should probably take one of each to help their overall depth.

Really Solid Offensive Line Class.

As a whole, this offensive line class has a lot of talent, which the Lions need an influx of. There were multiple players who flew up draft boards for their showing at the combine, but my big takeaway here is that the class is pretty deep, and we will likely see a lot of linemen drafted in the first round, which probably helps the Lions as they will likely look elsewhere at pick 17. I feel pretty good about the Lions’ chances of snagging a high quality player, even in the middle rounds. Depending on what we do in free agency, I could see both second and fourth round picks being offensive linemen. However, I would prefer to sign a center in free agency, that way we have the ability to pick the best player available. A veteran at the position would be better anyway, as the Lions are contending, and center is a focal point of the offensive line. I don’t love the idea of taking one in the first round, as we have other needs but if it’s the best player available, go for it. I am a fan of Emmanuel Pregnon, Gennings Dunker, Jake Slaughter, Connor Lew, Chase Bisontis, Logan Jones and much more from the mid to late rounds. It is highly likely the Lions will double dip at offensive line, just depends where and when. I could see a tackle and guard, or a tackle and center. Either way, the Lions will need to look to replace Taylor Decker for the future.

EDGE Class is Not Elite, But Solid Players Throughout.

There are a few very good prospects at the top of the draft, but no true elite prospect, as they all have question marks. However, the EDGE class, much like the aforementioned classes in this article, is pretty solid all around. I don’t think this is necessarily a class you get a legit starter in the fourth round or anything, but I do think there are guys in the back-end of the first, going all the way to the third, that could be high impact players early. I also think the Lions specifically will have a lot of players they like, as their run stopping, power rushing preference can be seen in a plethora of players this year. Overall, it’s a good, but not great edge class the Lions should be able to get some needed help from. My favorites for the Lions are TJ Parker and Keldric Faulk, but it’s not likely Faulk makes it to 17. I am also intrigued by the mid to late round possibily of Joshua Josephs, Derrick Moore, Dani Dennis-Sutton, Mikhail Kamara, Jashawn Barnham, and more. Either way you slice it, Detroit should be able to get some early production if they draft an edge early.

Linebacker Is VERY Deep.

As I’ve mentioned throughout this article, this class is pretty solid at a lot of positions the Lions need, with linebacker being another one. As we all know, Alex Anzalone is unlikely to return to Detroit next year, and Malcolm Rodriguez is also a free agent, leaving the Lions with just Campbell and Barnes. This means Detroit will not only need to find another starter, but they need to find depth as well. I think this draft class offers both, and while I don’t necessarily think we will draft multiple, free agency will be another key part in filling out this room. There are speed types, prototypical linebacker types, coverage types, and more. Basically, if you’re looking for a linebacker, there will be an abundance of ones you like, regardless of play style. I like Anthony Hill Jr, Jake Golday, Gabe Jacas, Deontae Lawson, Jacob Rodriguez, Harold Perkins Jr, Kyle Louis, Red Murdock, and more for the Lions. There are many names that intrigue me for the Lions, all the way through the draft. I do feel this class offers a plethora of mid to late round difference makers at the linebacker spot. A lot of big name analysts have regarded the class as “one of the best they’ve ever scouted” which is a very good sign that Detroit will find one late.

There Are Many Solid Tight End Options.

With new Offensive Coordinator Drew Petzing joining the staff, I expect the Lions to look to add at least one tight end in the draft, as he loves to use 13 personnel, or 3 tight ends. Luckily, this is a really solid class if you’re looking for a backup tight end that can do it all. You’re not that likely to find an elite tight end, outside of a few, but depth is abundant. I really want a backup tight end that has some receiving potential, but is an above average blocker. I would be willing to bet the Lions agree, and will be scouring the draft class for late round guys that fit that mold. I am a big fan of Tanner Koziol, Max Klare, Sam Roush, Jack Endries, Eli Raridon, Merlin Klein, Oscar Delp, and more as mid to late round prospects. It will be fun to see who the Lions add, especially considering Sam Laporta is coming off of a back injury, which is hard to come back at 100%.

The NFL Combine tells us some things, but it doesn’t really give the full picture. However, there was a lot to like from all of the positions that came to Indianapolis last week. Luckily for the Lions, a lot of the good we saw came from positions we need.

Stay tuned for more draft and free agency articles as the off-season keeps rolling. It is one of the best parts of the football season!

This brand new software allows fans to be the GM of their favorite team, track fantasy stats, betting lines, and much, much more. Use our link below and our code “MFN2026” to save 10% on your order! https://sticktothemodel.com/?via=MFN

Follow us on X/Instagram @MiFBNetwork , @JaceOSweet and (insert your @ here) for all of your Lions, Wolverines, and Spartans news! Subscribe to the site so you don’t miss an article!

If you like video content, Subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we host a live show every week at 6PM, all about Football! https://www.youtube.com/@MiFBNetwork

If you’re here, you love sports. Why not show that love with some new gear? Fanatics has it all, on sale! Click our link to help support us, as we will receive a small payment. Can’t go wrong with new gear! https://fanatics.93n6tx.net/K0XnLn