Pride of Detroit
Our countdown of the 2026 Detroit Lions roster continues with players we ranked 40-31. None of the players in this range are slated to be starters this year, but most of them will contribute either on special teams, as a rotational player, or as a primary backup. In other words, the players listed below will likely have a significant impact on whether Detroit succeeds this year.
Before we jump into this segment of our countdown, make sure you’re caught up with the previous installments below.
Previously:
Last year’s ranking: N/A
Scruggs was part of the David Montgomery trade, and, admittedly, I figured he was just a throw-in. However, based on spring practices, the Lions seem to like him as the primary backup center with versatility to play any interior spot. With 20 career starts and just 26 years old, Scruggs could be low-key important depth in Detroit for years to come.
Vaki stays put in his rankings this year after an injury-filled season. I get that some fans are frustrated with his development as a running back, but he’s so valuable as a special teamer, that I think some don’t realize how much Detroit still likes him. While challenging for the RB2 role still feels like it’s a year away (if it ever happens), Vaki will still be an important player as a four-core specialist.
Last year’s ranking: N/A
Bridgewater is back after a year in Tampa. The 33-year-old quarterback has only thrown 15 passes in the last three years (all coming in 2025), and it’s unclear how much he actually has in the tank. But Bridgewater said last year really lit a fire underneath his competitive spirit, and the leadership he brings on the field is undoubtedly valuable.
Last year’s ranking: N/A
It’s interesting to see Abney—the Lions’ fifth-round pick—rank higher than Jimmy Rolder (42), their fourth-round pick. But Abney was thought by many draft analysts to be a Day 2 (or even Round 2) talent. And given Detroit’s shortcomings at corner, it’s entirely possible Abney finds the field before Rolder. Whether he shifts back to the outside after Terrion Arnold’s departure or competes for the starting nickel role, Abney just became a little more important to Detroit.
Wright has never been a flashy TE2 for Detroit, and even his blocking seems inconsistent at times. But when both Wright and Sam LaPorta were out of the lineup because of injury, it helped give some perspective on how much Detroit needs a reliable backup tight end. Despite his struggles, Wright is an important part of this offense,...
