Saturday, July 11, 2026

Lions Links for Friday 7-10-26

Articles:




Deep 49ers CB Room Could See Detroit Lions Make Phone Call:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/deep-49ers-cb-room-could-see-detroit-lions-make-phone-call







Who are the NFL's best tight ends? Execs, coaches and scouts rank the top 10 for 2026 (4. Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions - Highest ranking: 3 | Lowest ranking: Unranked.  Age: 25 | Last year's ranking: 3.  Despite LaPorta's low production due to injury, evaluators did not see a drop-off in his play. He appeared in nine games and produced a career-low 40 catches for 489 yards and three touchdowns.  But his playmaking was evident in the open field. LaPorta averaged 2.25 yards after first contact per reception, leading the top-10 group. His 6.9 yards after the catch per reception topped all tight ends.  "He's got great hands -- he'll make a lot of circus, contested catches, especially in the red zone -- and his blocking is high level," an NFC scout said. "Just an all-around problem."):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49267903/ranking-nfl-top-10-tight-ends-2026-execs-coaches-scouts

5 NFL players set to return in 2026 after missing all of last season (Dl Levi Onwuzurike, Detroit Lions:  It can be easy to overlook Onwuzurike on a talented Lions defense. However, Detroit will definitely welcome back his production in 2026 following an ACL tear suffered last July.  After assuming more of a rotational role across his first two seasons, Onwuzurike was a regular contributor in 2024 by appearing on a career-high 697 snaps. That increased volume led to better results: Onwuzurike sported a 70.2 overall PFF grade, generating 47 pressures in the process. In fact, his 11.9% pass-rush win rate tied for 13th among qualified interior defenders that season.  With D.J. Reader gone, the Lions’ interior defensive line primarily consists of Alim McNeill, Tyleik Williams and the re-signed Onwuzurike. Given McNeill’s inferior pass-rushing production in 2025, Onwuzurike is in line to quietly play a massive role in the middle of Detroit’s defense — specifically, a group that tied for 13th in PFF pass-rushing grade):  https://www.pff.com/news/5-nfl-players-set-to-return-in-2026-after-missing-all-of-last-season

2026 NFL All-Breakout Team, Offense: Cam Ward and Gunnar Helm to fuel Titans; Ashton Jeanty will rise (WR
Isaac TeSlaa:  The Lions' desire to live in 11 personnel makes TeSlaa's promotion to WR3 a significant development for the second-year pro. Checking in at 6-4 and 214 pounds, he is the big-bodied pass catcher Jared Goff needs in the red zone. A third-round pick in 2025, TeSlaa tallied six touchdowns on just 16 catches as a rookie, exhibiting exceptional hand-eye coordination and body control with defenders nearby. Most importantly, TeSlaa has earned the trust of the five-time Pro Bowl quarterback, which will lead to more opportunities when opponents roll the coverage to Amon-Ra St. Brown and/or Jameson Williams. Considering how opponents must also defend a potent running game anchored by Jahmyr Gibbs, the Lions' WR3 could play a major role in a bounce-back campaign for Detroit.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2026-nfl-all-breakout-team-offense-cam-ward-and-gunnar-helm-to-fuel-titans-ashton-jeanty-will-rise

Posted by LionsFan at 4:18 PM

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