Pride of Detroit
We’ve reached the end of our 2026 Detroit Lions countdown of the roster. Eight members of the Pride of Detroit staff ranked the entire roster from 90 to 1 and we’re ready to reveal the top-five players.
Among this group, four of them are returning from last year’s top-five. The other, who was ranked in the 20-11 range last year, is replacing Brian Branch, who fell from five to eight this year largely because of his injury.
So let’s jump into the final installment of this countdown, and if you need some catching up, you can find the previous editions below:
Previously:
Last year’s ranking: 15
2024 ranking: 20
2023 ranking: 28
Campbell vaults into the top-five after an All-Pro breakout season. Now considered among the best linebackers in the NFL, Campbell will have even more put on his plate following the departure of Alex Anzalone. But Detroit showed full confidence in the former first-round pick by giving him a four-year, $81 million extension that will keep him in Detroit throughout the prime of his career.
Last year’s ranking: 3
2024 ranking: 4
2023 ranking: 4
2022 ranking: 5
Hutchinson slides a spot in this year’s ranking, but that has more to do with the player he traded spots with. In 2025, Hutchinson proved that his gruesome leg injury from 2024 was not going to slow down his career. The defensive end set career highs in sacks (14.5), forced fumbles (four), tackles (54), and even added yet another interception to his resume. Oh, and he also led the NFL in pressures (100), according to PFF.
Four seems awfully low for an elite pass rusher, but it speaks to the incredible high-end talent the Lions have on the roster.
Last year’s ranking: 4
2024 ranking: 6
2023 ranking: 12
Gibbs continues his ascent up our list after yet another strong season. While the overall running game took a step back in 2025, Gibbs proved he doesn’t need perfect conditions to be an explosive player. For the second straight season, he posted over 1,200 rushing yards, 13 rushing TDs, and at least 5.0 yards per carry. He also had more 40-yard rushes (six) than every other player in the NFL. In fact, no one else had five.
With a reformed offensive line and a new offensive coordinator who is committed to running the football, expectations are for Gibbs to build upon an already outstanding career.
Last year’s ranking: 2
2024 ranking: 3
2023 ranking: t-1
2022 ranking: 4
2021 ranking: 22
St. Brown is the model of consistency with the Lions....
