Five Lions About to Be Much Bigger Names Than You Think
The 2026 season is less than 100 days away, and while everyone’s focused on the obvious stars, there are Lions quietly positioned to matter way more than most fans realize. These aren’t your Pro Bowl locks or household names. These are the guys who could reshape how this team operates in ways that might surprise you.
S Thomas Harper
Harper might be the most underrated player on this roster right now. One of the highest-graded safeties in the NFL during his nine starts this year, and somehow half the fanbase still doesn’t know his name.
He’s likely to be the Lions’ starter at the beginning of the season. If Kerby Joseph can’t return to the field or to form, Harper isn’t just keeping the spot warm. He’s keeping it, period. This isn’t a bridge situation. This is a guy who can actually play at a high level when given the chance.
WR Greg Dortch
Sure, he’s the Lions’ WR4. But Drew Petzing brought Dortch with him from Arizona for a reason, and it wasn’t to ride the bench.
The Lions’ new OC used Dortch a lot and in a lot of different ways in Arizona. Expect gadget plays, motion concepts, and designed touches that go way beyond what you’d normally see from a WR4. Plus he’s likely to be a return man as well on special teams. This guy is going to be all over the field in ways that might catch people off guard.
WR Isaac TeSlaa
TeSlaa should be expected to be a big part of the Lions’ offense this year in that Josh Reynolds/Tim Patrick role. Deep throws over the middle, red zone targets due to his contested catch ability.
Don’t expect a third 1,000-yard receiver. But expect a guy who shows up in key situations and gives Jared Goff another reliable target when the Lions need to move the chains or punch it in.
DT Tyleik Williams
Williams is stepping into the starting role full-time this year, and a lot of fans slept on how good Williams was in his rookie year. He didn’t break records or make highlight reels, but when he was on the field, he was playing well.
He should be expected to help out a lot with pass rushing from the interior this offseason, as well as the expected run-stuffing. Williams becomes a much more important piece of the defense.
LB Malcolm Rodriguez
The Lions lost Alex Anzalone, and while they drafted Jimmy Rolder to replace him, that’s not something that is likely to happen right away.
This will give Rodriguez his first chance to be the full-time starter at the Will until Rolder is ready. How he handles the expanded role could determine whether the Lions miss a beat at the second level or if they have to lean harder on the rookie than they planned.
Which one of these guys do you think has the biggest impact this season, or are we setting ourselves up for disappointment again? Drop your take below.
