The 2026 NFL Draft is fast approaching which makes it a good time to review the Lions’ positional needs and how it may impact their draft strategy. Last year, defensive tackle got the biggest combined need score, and the Lions indeed filled that position in the 1st round with Tyleik Williams.
For the complete defensive positional breakdown, read Detroit Lions 2026 Draft Needs: DEFENSE Positional Rankings + Injury Impact. For the offensive positional breakdown, read Detroit Lions 2026 Draft Needs: OFFENSE Positional Rankings + Injury Impact.
The following is the review of the Lions’ EDGE position.
The combined need score is the summation of positional need (0-5) plus medical concern level (0-5). The higher the score, the greater the need. I’m reserving the focus to the starters and key backups here, with health of the starters weighted more heavily.
(In parentheses are player age at the start of the 2026 season, signed-through year, and medical concern level.) *Projected starters.
Edge
Positional need 5/5
Thankfully, the Lions have Hutchinson, otherwise the EDGE need would be off-the-charts. Even with Hutch, there is still a major need for a quality, long-term, starting EDGE as well as solid backups. Only Hutch is signed past 2026.
Medical concern 2/5
The starters should be fine but the backups have some medical concerns.
TOTAL 7/10
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft Needs: EDGE injury report
Reporting by Jimmy Liao, MD, Lions Wire / Lions Wire
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