​With training camp fast approaching, anticipation for the Detroit Lions’ 2026 season is intensifying. The Lions’ first official report dates are two weeks away, and Detroit’s preseason slate effectively begins in about a month. Football is nearly here in full.
As the buzz around Detroit grows, ESPN has released its 2026 NFL roster rankings, and the Lions earned high marks. ESPN ranks Detroit as the league’s sixth-best roster. This aligns with NFL.com’s post-draft roster rankings, where Eric Edholm also placed the Lions at No. 6. According to ESPN’s 2026 rankings, only five teams ahead of the Lions boast stronger rosters: the Los Angeles Rams (No. 1), Philadelphia Eagles (No. 2), Seattle Seahawks (No. 3), Buffalo Bills (No. 4), and Baltimore Ravens (No. 5).
Mike Clay of ESPN highlighted the Lions’ biggest strength as their offensive playmakers. He pointed to a dynamic group consisting of running back Jahmyr Gibbs, wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, and tight end Sam LaPorta as among the league’s best at the skill positions. This corps has helped Detroit finish in the top five in both offensive yards and touchdowns in each of the past four seasons. Gibbs stands out as the only back in NFL history to post at least 11 rushing touchdowns, 1,200 rushing yards, and 50 receptions in each of his first three seasons. St. Brown is the only player in NFL history with 90-plus receptions in each of his first five seasons. Williams has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in each of the last two campaigns. LaPorta, despite missing half of 2025 due to injury, sits third among tight ends in touchdowns (20) since entering the league in 2023.
On the other side of the ball, ESPN notes the Lions’ secondary as their clearest weakness. Talent is not the issue, but availability and durability are. Cornerback D.J. Reed missed roughly half of last season with injuries, and the opposite starter position is unsettled following the 2024 first-round pick Terrion Arnold’s release amid alleged involvement in a felony kidnapping case in Tampa, Florida. Veterans Rock Ya-Sin and Roger McCreary are among those competing for every-down roles. In the safety position, Kerby Joseph (knee) and Brian Branch (Achilles) remain uncertain for Week 1 after suffering major injuries last season. The potential is there for a very solid group, but health and consistency will ultimately determine its effectiveness.
Rounding out the NFC North, the Green Bay Packers sit at No. 10, the Chicago Bears at No. 17, and the Minnesota Vikings at No. 22 in ESPN’s roster rankings. This cluster underscores the overall strength and depth of the division as it heads into a pivotal season for each franchise.
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