The Detroit Lions did not experience the kind of success they expected in the 2025 campaign. After dominating the previous year with a 15–2 record and earning the top seed in the NFC, the team took a step back. Detroit finished the season with nine wins, missed the postseason, and ended up at the bottom of the NFC North standings.

Fortunately for Detroit, the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft offers a chance to improve the roster. Because the organization addressed some needs during free agency — including adding help at center — the front office has some flexibility heading into draft weekend. Offensive tackle appears to be the most pressing need, but strengthening the pass rush and adding depth in the secondary are also areas the team could target.

NFL insiders believe Detroit can bounce back

During a discussion on NFL Network this week, analysts Daniel Jeremiah and Gregg Rosenthal talked about which teams could quickly return to contender status with a strong draft class. Detroit was one of the first teams they highlighted.

Jeremiah pointed out that while the Lions do need to replace an offensive tackle, their overall list of roster needs is relatively manageable. He noted that the team could still improve the secondary and add another edge rusher, but with their current draft position and limited number of holes, Detroit is in a good position to address those issues. If they make the right selections, Jeremiah believes the Lions could quickly put themselves back into the playoff conversation next season.

Rosenthal also dismissed the idea that Detroit’s championship opportunity has already passed. He explained that the roster is filled with young, talented players who are either still on rookie deals or just beginning second contracts. In his view, the Lions already possess one of the strongest groups of top-tier talent in the league, meaning their competitive window should remain open for years rather than closing soon.

Because of that, both analysts feel Detroit only needs a couple of immediate-impact rookies from the draft to regain contender status in 2026. Ultimately, it will depend on whether the team’s leadership makes the right decisions when selecting players.

A scheduling edge could help Detroit

Another factor that might benefit the Lions next season is their schedule. Despite finishing with the same 9–8 record as the Minnesota Vikings, Detroit lost a tiebreaker and ended up finishing fourth in the division.

That outcome has two small advantages. First, the Lions will pick slightly earlier in the first round of the draft — holding the No. 17 selection compared to Minnesota’s No. 18 pick. Second, Detroit will face a fourth-place schedule in 2026.

While the difference in scheduling only impacts a few matchups, it could still provide a helpful edge. In a division widely expected to remain one of the toughest in the NFL, even a small advantage might help Detroit climb back to the top of the standings. Regardless, the Lions will still face a challenging path if they want to return to contention next season.