Looking at the Lions Roster Post-Draft
The 2026 NFL Draft is in the books. Time to see what Brad Holmes built this time around.
The Lions sit at 76 players with 14 spots still available for free agents. This depth chart shows where everyone lands right now, with projected starters in bold and the new rookies marked with asterisks. And yes, I know what you’re thinking. This roster looks different than anything we’ve seen in Ford Field in decades.
Quarterback
Jared Goff leads the way with Teddy Bridgewater backing him up. Two quarterbacks on the roster. That’s it. Holmes trusts his starter and kept it simple at the position.
Running Back Depth
Jahmyr Gibbs remains the featured back with Isiah Pacheco behind him. The depth gets interesting with Sione Vaki, Jacob Saylors, Jabari Small, and Kye Robichaux rounding out a six-man room. This group has speed and versatility written all over it.
Wide Receiver Room
Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams anchor the outside with Isaac TeSlaa projected as the third starter. Greg Dortch provides veteran depth while fifth-round pick Kendrick Law from Kentucky joins the mix. Tom Kennedy, Dominic Lovett, Jackson Meeks, and Malik Cunningham fill out a nine-man group that should give Dan Campbell plenty of options.
Tight End Situation
Sam LaPorta leads a five-man room that includes Brock Wright, Tyler Conklin, Zach Horton, and Thomas Gordon. LaPorta is the star, but this group has enough depth to keep the passing game moving.
Offensive Line Overhaul
Here’s where things get really interesting. Penei Sewell holds down left tackle while first-round pick Blake Miller is projected to start at right tackle immediately. Christian Mahogany, Cade Mays, and Tate Ratledge fill out the interior. The depth chart shows 15 linemen total, giving the Lions plenty of bodies to work with up front.
Defensive Line Additions
Alim McNeill and Tyleik Williams start inside with a deep rotation behind them. The Lions added sixth-round pick Skyler Gill-Howard and seventh-rounder Tyre West to the interior mix. This defensive line should be able to rotate fresh bodies all game long.
Edge Rush Gets Help
Aidan Hutchinson leads the way with second-round pick Derrick Moore projected to start opposite him. DJ Wonnum, Payton Turner, and Ahmed Hassanein provide the depth. Moore starting as a rookie tells you everything about what Holmes thinks of this pick.
Linebacker Core
Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, and Malcolm Rodriguez form the starting trio. Fourth-round Michigan product Jimmy Rolder joins Damone Clark and Trevor Nowaske in the rotation. This group has the athleticism Campbell wants in his system.
Secondary Depth
The cornerback room features Terrion Arnold and D.J. Reed outside with Roger McCreary in the slot. Fifth-round pick Keith Abney from Arizona State adds to a group that includes Rock Ya-Sin and Ennis Rakestraw.
At safety, Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph start with deep veteran depth behind them including Thomas Harper, Christian Izien, and Avonte Maddox.
Special Teams
Jack Fox punts, Jake Bates kicks, and Hogan Hatten snaps. Simple and reliable.
This roster has talent at every level and depth most Lions fans have never seen before. Holmes built this thing to compete at the highest level, and the draft additions suggest he’s not done improving it.
So what do you think? Does this depth chart scream championship contender or are we setting ourselves up for another Lions-esque letdown? Drop your take below.
