Pride of Detroit
As we have learned plenty of times over recent years, an NFL roster isn’t just about the star-level talent at the top. Throughout an arduous season, each team’s depth is challenged, and players who were thought of as reserves or roster bubble players become critical parts to a team’s success.
So to assess the depth and overall well-being of the Detroit Lions’ 2026 roster, our staff ranked the entire 90 players from best to worst. I’ll be honest, too. It’s a fun little time-waster during the slow part of the offseason.
Here’s how it works:
This year we had eight staff members provide their full rankings of the roster from 90 to 1: Jeremy Reisman, Erik Schlitt, John Whiticar, Ryan Mathews, Morgan Cannon, Meko Scott, Brandon Knapp and Al Karsten.
After everyone submitted their rankings, we averaged each player out and re-ranked them based on consensus rankings.
[Note: We did not include Kendrick Law (out for season) or Terrion Arnold (released) in our rankings]
Over the next two weeks, we’ll release our list 10 players at a time until we get to the top 10. Then we’ll drop 10-6, followed by 5-1.
If you’re interested in comparing this year’s list to previous installments, you can find the archives here: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019.
Alright, let’s get started with the bottom-10 players on the list. Don’t completely count out this group. Last year, Zach Horton (82 on our 2025 list) eventually made his way onto the 53-man roster and played in two games. He remains on the roster today.
Last year’s ranking: N/A
Just as Mandatory Minicamp was finishing up, the Lions added four receivers from the UFL. Unsurprisingly, all four players finished in the bottom five of this year’s rankings.
Martin just had a very strong season with the Columbus Aviators, catching 42 passes for 483 yards and two touchdowns, ranking him among the top-10 receivers for the 2026 UFL season. At 6-foot-3, he brings some length, but he’s only listed at 186 pounds.
Last year’s ranking: N/A
Keys was the Lions’ final addition this spring, but he may have a better chance than the other three UFL receivers because of his special teams experience. Detroit is in need of returners, and Keys just finished his UFL season with 518 kick return yards (27.3 average per kick) and 134 punt return yards (12.2).
Last year’s ranking: N/A
Browns is the lowest ranked undrafted rookie on this year’s list. He received just $105,000 in guarantees from the team (second lowest among Lions UDFAs).
Brown does have a lot of playing experience from college, and he was used both on the outside and the slot. While he’s a long-shot to make the roster, he certainly fits Detroit’s profile of a physical, gritty corner that would help in the run game.
