The Detroit Lions didn’t make a long list of splashy offseason additions, which means the 2026 season may hinge on something a lot less glamorous and a lot more important: players already in the building taking a real step forward.
That’s the thinking behind this round of staff picks for the Lions’ breakout player of the year, and the answers lean heavily toward the trenches and the young core around them. There’s also a clear thread running through the predictions: if Detroit is going to level up, it probably starts with homegrown talent and a few players who are ready to turn promising flashes into steady production.
Tyleik Williams drew the most support. Erik Schlitt pointed to the second-year defensive lineman after seeing steady growth from Williams as a rookie and a strong camp that suggested a big jump could be coming.
Morgan Cannon also went with Williams, noting that while the rookie out of Ohio State didn’t post huge statistical production in 2025, the tape showed plenty of signs that he can become a real force inside. Cannon highlighted Williams’ work against double teams and his ability to help collapse the pocket, especially if Alim McNeill returns to pre-injury form.
Tate Ratledge was another popular choice. John Whiticar backed the guard, saying he could climb into the top 10 at his position and show he wasn’t just riding shotgun next to Penei Sewell last season. Al Karsten also tabbed Ratledge, pairing him with Williams as part of what he sees as a new wave of young, homegrown pillars for the roster.
Karsten’s pick came with a bigger-picture view of the line as a whole. He also named Blake Miller, Derrick Moore, and Skyler Gill-Howard as breakout rookies who should add dynamic flashes in the trenches while working through the usual early rookie bumps. In his view, that group helps bring back the kind of tough, physical identity Dan Campbell wants.
Not everyone stayed on the interior. Ryan Mathews went with DJ Wonnum, arguing that his spot on a defensive line featuring Tyleik Williams, Alim McNeill, and Aidan Hutchinson gives him a prime chance to stand out. Jeremy Reisman chose DJ Reed, saying the corner was limited by an early hamstring injury in 2025 but has looked explosive again in camp and could benefit from an improved pass rush.
There were also some less conventional picks. Anthony Balaj selected Sione Vaki, predicting a Pro Bowl nod as a special teamer and multiple offensive touchdowns.
Brandon Knapp split his vote between Isaac TeSlaa and Nick Whiteside. He expects TeSlaa to settle into the WR3 role and grow after a rocky preseason, especially with less pressure if LaPorta is back.
On Whiteside, Knapp said his preseason was strong enough that a practice squad start shouldn’t last long, and that he could earn real chances as a corner.
A few other names surfaced in the discussion too, including Isaac Teslaa, Tyleik Williams, Blake Miller, Derrick Moore, and Abney as players who could make noise this season. But if the staff consensus says anything, it’s this: the Lions’ breakout candidate is most likely already on the roster, and more than a few of the best bets are lining up in the trenches.
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Lions Make An Unexpected Week 1 D Line Move Before Saints
The Lions made an early defensive line adjustment ahead of their season opener, releasing Levi Onwuzurike from the active roster and rookie Tyre West from the practice squad. Onwuzurike had spent much of training camp on the roster bubble after dealing with injuries, but he still broke camp on the initial 53-man roster, making the move a notable shift this close to Week 1.
It is the kind of transaction that suggests Detroit is still fine-tuning the back end of its defensive front while the games now count for real. Dan Campbell also addressed the teams travel plans for an upcoming game in Germany, another reminder that the Lions are already juggling more than just the Saints and the usual opening-week prep. [Read more 🡒]
Lions Part Of A Bills Gameday Twist Detroit Fans Will Notice
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It also fits with the Bills broader push to deepen ties with Canadian fans, including an expanded radio network now reaching three major Canadian markets. For Detroit, it is just another wrinkle in a road trip that already comes with plenty of attention, because the atmosphere around this game is shaping up to be about more than what happens once the opening whistle finally sounds. [Read more 🡒]
Lions Are Taking A Real Gamble With One Starting Spot
The Lions are heading into Week 1 with an open question on the left side of their offensive line, and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing says the team plans to keep leaning into it. Christian Mahogany and Ben Bartch are set to share the work at left guard as Detroit tries to sort out who fits best in the spot, with the competition framed less as a setback than as a chance to sharpen the depth chart before the season settles in.
Petzing stressed that the rotation is part of the process and is expected to keep going unless something breaks down. For Detroit, it is a calculated gamble at one of the most important spots up front, because the Lions are still trying to determine whether they already have the answer on the roster or whether the job will eventually belong to one player alone. [Read more 🡒]