Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft Needs: Linebacker injury report
Do the Lions need to grab a LB in the 2026 NFL draft? What are the injury concerns at that position?
The 2026 NFL Draft is fast approaching which makes it a good time to review the Lions' positional needs and how it may impact their draft strategy. Last year, defensive tackle got the biggest combined need score , and the Lions indeed filled that position in the 1st round with Tyleik Williams. For the complete defensive positional breakdown, read Detroit Lions 2026 Draft Needs: DEFENSE Positional Rankings + Injury Impact.
For the offensive positional breakdown, read Detroit Lions 2026 Draft Needs: OFFENSE Positional Rankings + Injury Impact. The following is the review of the Lions' linebacker position. The combined need score is the summation of positional need (0-5) plus medical concern level (0-5).
The higher the score, the greater the need. I’m reserving the focus to the starters and key backups here, with health of the starters weighted more heavily. (In parentheses are player age at the start of the 2026 season, signed-through year, and medical concern level.
) *Projected starters. Linebacker *Jack Campbell (26, 2026, 1/10) - Delivered an All-Pro season after an offseason hip surgery. Expect his 5th-year option to get picked and/or a contract extension soon.