As the Detroit Lions prepare for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, roster competition is expected to intensify. Teams across the league typically reshape their rosters during the draft, and Detroit is no exception. After finishing near the bottom of their division in 2025, the Lions are widely expected to focus heavily on strengthening both their offensive and defensive lines.

With hopes of returning to the postseason following last year’s disappointing campaign, several current players could see their roles reduced—or potentially face uncertain futures in Detroit—as the team looks to add fresh talent through the draft.

1. Alim McNeill — Defensive Tackle

Defensive tackle Alim McNeill enters the offseason with questions surrounding his performance and health. After suffering an ACL injury in December 2024, McNeill appeared in only 10 games during the 2025 season. In those appearances, he recorded nine solo tackles, one sack, and forced a fumble. According to Pro Football Focus, he finished the season with a 52.1 overall grade, placing him in the lower half among players at his position.

McNeill is still under contract for three more seasons with roughly $55 million guaranteed, a deal he earned after an impressive 2023 campaign in which he totaled five sacks and ranked sixth among defensive tackles in PFF’s evaluations. However, his most recent season has raised concerns about whether he can consistently return to that level of production.

Head coach Dan Campbell has publicly supported McNeill, acknowledging that returning to peak form after a major injury often takes time. Campbell expressed confidence that the defensive tackle will continue improving as he moves further away from the rehab process.

Even so, Detroit may look to reinforce the defensive interior in the draft. Prospects such as Dontay Corleone from the Cincinnati Bearcats or Peter Woods from the Clemson Tigers could attract interest, particularly if the Lions use their No. 17 pick on a defensive lineman. While McNeill is still expected to play a role in coordinator Kelvin Sheppard’s defense, adding another tackle could create long-term competition and possibly open the door for a future trade if his performance rebounds.

2. Giovanni Manu — Offensive Tackle

Offensive tackle Giovanni Manu may also face uncertainty heading into the draft. The Lions recently added Larry Borom to the roster, a move that creates additional competition along the offensive line.

Whether Borom is competing directly with Manu or providing depth alongside players like Penei Sewell, the situation leaves Manu needing to prove he deserves a spot in the lineup. During the 2025 season, he struggled at times against faster and more athletic edge rushers, which exposed weaknesses in pass protection.

With quarterback Jared Goff moving into the later stages of his career, protecting the passer remains a top priority for Detroit. Because of that, the team cannot afford inconsistent offensive line play.

Even before injuries limited his opportunities last year, Manu’s pass-blocking grades were underwhelming. Detroit holds nine selections in the draft, and if the front office decides to add another tackle, Manu could find himself fighting to secure a roster spot when training camp arrives.

3. Levi Onwuzurike — Defensive Tackle

Another defensive lineman facing an uncertain outlook is Levi Onwuzurike. The former second-round pick spent the entire 2025 season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, which effectively paused his contract. As a result, the 2026 season will serve as a contract year for him.

Onwuzurike is scheduled to earn a base salary of about $1.5 million with the possibility of an additional $500,000 in bonuses. That relatively modest contract likely ensures he remains on the roster for depth purposes, but it does not guarantee a significant role.

Detroit’s defensive tackle group is widely viewed as an area that needs improvement, which could prompt the front office—led by general manager Brad Holmes—to target reinforcements in the draft or through undrafted free agents.

Despite the lost season, Onwuzurike previously showed encouraging flashes. In 2024, he generated 45 quarterback pressures, three quarterback hits, and 20 defensive stops while posting a pass-rush win rate of 12.5 percent—good for a top-15 ranking among interior defenders. However, returning after missing an entire season creates uncertainty, especially at a position where the team may feel pressure to upgrade.

With the organization eager to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season, competition across the roster will likely intensify. For players like McNeill, Manu, and Onwuzurike, the 2026 NFL Draft could significantly shape their roles—or even their futures—with the Detroit Lions.