Lions 2026 draft preview: Multiple styles of DT available on Days 1-3

Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft (April 23-25 in Pittsburgh), we'll be taking a position-by-position look at the Detroit Lions ' roster and how the team's needs can be met on draft weekend. Today: Defensive tackles. Previously: Quarterbacks , running backs , wide receivers , tight ends , interior offensive linemen , offensive tackles Current roster outlook The Lions have been interestingly quiet at defensive tackle this offseason, signing an external free agent at every position group except the interior of their defensive line.

They've suffered one loss ( Roy Lopez returned to the Arizona Cardinals on a lucrative two-year deal) and have one player from last season still without a home, in veteran DJ Reader , who took a visit with the Baltimore Ravens in March and the New York Giants on Monday. Lopez (425) and Reader (583) combined to play more than 1,000 defensive snaps in 2025. On track to return to Detroit's lineup in 2026 is Levi Onwuzurike , a second-round selection in 2021 who missed all of last season with an ACL injury , resulting in his one-year contract tolling (meaning that it rolled over into next season).

Onwuzurike is a versatile piece who plays multiple positions on the defensive line for Detroit. He was solid for a battered Lions defense in 2024, totaling 28 tackles and a team-high 45 pressures. Onwuzurike has been a helpful player when on the field, but he's made more than 10 appearances only twice since entering the league.

Alim McNeill and Tyleik Williams top the depth chart at defensive tackle. McNeill, who played in 10 contests last season in his return from the torn ACL he suffered in December 2024, hopes to get back to his previous form. He flashed in moments in 2025, disruptive versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Week 7) and Green Bay Packers (Week 13), but lacked week-to-week consistency.