Detroit Lions

Three Detroit Lions Players at Risk of Losing Their Roles on Draft Night

Help could soon be arriving for the Detroit Lions’ roster.

The NFL Draft begins on Thursday, widely regarded as the most significant event of the offseason. It gives teams a chance to strengthen their rosters by bringing in promising young players. When those new additions arrive, some current veterans often find themselves battling to hold onto their starting roles.

With that in mind, here are three Lions players who could see their starting spots threatened depending on who Detroit selects during the draft.

OT Larry Borom

Detroit appreciates the versatility and experience Larry Borom brings, but he may not be viewed as the franchise’s long-term answer at offensive tackle. That situation could change quickly if the Lions land one of the premier tackle prospects available in this year’s draft class.

The tackle group is considered fairly top-heavy, which could motivate Detroit to target the position early. Holding the No. 17 overall pick gives the Lions a realistic chance to secure a high-end prospect, and the front office could even consider trading up the board if the right player starts to slip.

Borom will likely get the opportunity to compete for the starting job in training camp and could still win it outright. Still, if a rookie steps in and performs well, Borom might ultimately shift into a swing tackle role that provides depth across the line.

CB Terrion Arnold

Terrion Arnold’s offseason included some controversy tied to an alleged incident in Florida earlier in February. Arnold has denied wrongdoing, and there has been no verified evidence supporting the claims, so he is still expected to be part of Detroit’s plans for the 2026 season.

From a football standpoint, however, Arnold has struggled with consistency during his first two seasons with the team. Entering year three, the Lions will be hoping he can settle into a more reliable rhythm.

Detroit has also been connected to several cornerback prospects in the upcoming draft, including standout Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy. Arnold still possesses the talent that made him a first-round pick, but inconsistent performances could prompt the Lions to reinforce the position by adding another highly regarded corner this week.

EDGE D.J. Wonnum

D.J. Wonnum joined the Lions earlier this offseason on a one-year contract after the team lost a veteran contributor along the defensive front. The expectation is that he can help replace some of the production that Al-Quadin Muhammad previously provided, even though their playing styles differ.

That said, Detroit’s edge-rusher depth remains somewhat thin, making the position a possible priority during the draft. Adding another young pass-rusher would help strengthen the rotation and provide long-term potential.

If the Lions wait until the later rounds to address the position, Wonnum’s role should remain secure. But if Detroit uses one of its early picks on an edge defender, his hold on a starting spot could quickly become less certain.

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