NFL draft injury analysis: Justin Joly, TE - NC State

The Lions could use a TE for insurance in case Sam LaPorta's herniated disc recovery has any setbacks. While the 2nd round seems high given the Lions other needs, it's not out of the question. Justin Joly is a TE candidate projected to go in that range.

Here is the excerpt of my medical report on Joly : (Ages in parentheses are at start of 2026 season and are factored into the concern level. Injury info and ages based on available public information are unverified and subject to update. Games played data courtesy of sports-reference.

com . ) Justin Joly, TE (22) - NC State Projected round 2. #53 on Jeff Risdon board Feb 19.

Concern level 1/10 2025: 12/13 games. Injured left leg (quad strain? ) in Game 8, missed next game.