Exploring Detroit Lions' long-term outlook at LB and highlighting some prospect fits from the 2026 draft

For a team with a good plan for how to utilize him, Pitt’s Kyle Louis might be undersized, but he’s a uniquely gifted cover and blitz option. (Getty Images)

Allen Park — When considering how an NFL team will approach the upcoming draft, you have to look beyond the immediate roster needs. Each selection should be viewed as a four-year investment. Therefore, we must weigh the bigger picture with each possible choice.

Heading into the 2026 NFL draft, we’re taking a position-by-position look at Detroit’s roster, focusing on areas where the team might add talent in the event. Today, we’ll look at off-ball linebackers.

Current roster: Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, Damone Clark, Trevor Nowaske

Short-term need: 4.5/10

Long-term need: 8/10

Analysis: The Detroit Lions used base defense more than any team in the league last season, leaning heavily on the trio of Campbell, Barnes and Alex Anzalone.

However, after five productive seasons, the Lions parted ways with Anzalone this offseason, unwilling to match the market for the longtime defensive captain in free agency.

Some of that decision was related to his price tag. The Lions are up against it after handing out several top-of-the-market extensions in recent years, with more on deck, including an anticipated new deal for Campbell after he earned first-team All-Pro honors last season.