The Lions Have More All-Pro Talent Than You Think
With the Myles Garrett trade sending him to Los Angeles, Lions fans are getting that familiar pit in their stomach. The Rams are making moves while we’re over here in Allen Park doing what, exactly? Retaining our own guys and calling it an offseason?
Look, I get it. When you’ve watched this franchise step on rakes for decades, any sign of other teams improving feels like a personal attack. But sometimes being this close to the team makes you forget just how loaded this roster actually is.
We shouldn’t be comparing this Lions team to the talent-free wastelands of the past three decades. The bar is higher now. But it’s still worth remembering that Brad Holmes has assembled something we haven’t seen around here in a very long time.
The Pro Bowl Collection
Nine current Lions have Pro Bowl selections on their resume. Nine. That includes Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, Penei Sewell, Aidan Hutchinson, Jack Campbell, Brian Branch, and Jack Fox.
But Pro Bowls are popularity contests. All-Pro selections are where the real respect lives.
Five Lions have earned All-Pro honors: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell, Jack Campbell, Kerby Joseph, and Jack Fox. Not bad for a franchise that used to send nobody to these things.
Who Makes the Jump in 2026?
Here’s my prediction: five Lions earn All-Pro recognition in 2026. St. Brown, Sewell, and Campbell are locks. They’ve proven it already.
But Jahmyr Gibbs and Aidan Hutchinson? They’re ready to join that group.
Gibbs has averaged 5.3 yards per carry for his career, which is borderline absurd. With his increased role, Gibbs gets the workhorse opportunity he was born for. Add an offensive line that looks better on paper, and you’re looking at a guy who could blow past his career high of 1,412 rushing yards. By a lot.
Hutchinson is two years removed from that Dallas injury, and his supporting cast has never been better. DJ Wonnum and rookie Derrick Moore give him legitimate help on the other side. A healthy Alim McNeill, the developing Tyleik Williams, and Levi Onwuzurike provide interior pressure that should make life easier for everyone.
The Dark Horse Candidates
Sam LaPorta could absolutely make another leap. Jameson Williams has the talent if he puts it all together. McNeill might be the most underrated player on this roster. Joseph and Branch are both capable if they stay healthy.
Hell, Jack Fox might just keep punting his way to more hardware, and Jake Bates could kick his way onto the list if the field goal attempts are there.
But I’m not ready to crown anyone beyond those five. Not yet.
Five All-Pros would be a statement. It would mean Brad Holmes built something that can compete with anyone, arms race or no arms race. And honestly? After watching this franchise trot out rosters that couldn’t compete with college teams, five All-Pros sounds pretty damn good to me.
Think I’m underselling this roster or getting ahead of myself? Who are your five All-Pro picks for this Lions squad?
Five All-Pros would legitimately change how people talk about this team and I’m here for it. Gibbs is about to go off this year if our line holds up like it should, and watching Hutch finally get the help he deserves on the edge is gonna be special.
I want to believe this so bad but my heart’s been broken too many times to just assume it happens. That said, I do think the guys already on the All-Pro list earned it, so if Gibbs and Hutch get there that’s cool. Just need to see it actually happen first.
You know what’s wild? I’ve been watching this team since way back and I genuinely never thought I’d be reading articles about multiple guys having All-Pro potential at the same time. Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have built something different here, something that actually feels legit. It’s been a long time coming.
Aidan’s about to have a monster year with that pass rush help, I’m calling it now. The guy’s too talented and too hungry to stay overlooked, and finally having some real backup on the D-line is gonna unlock him.