Our countdown of the 2026 Detroit Lions roster continues with players we ranked 40-31. None of the players in this range are slated to be starters this year, but most of them will contribute either on special teams, as a rotational player, or a primary backup. In other words, the players below will likely have a significant impact on whether Detroit succeeds or not this year.
Before we jump into this segment of our countdown, make sure you’re caught up with the previous installments below.
Previously:
- Players ranked 90-81
- Players ranked 80-71
- Players ranked 70-61
- Players ranked 60-51
- Players ranked 50-41
40. C Juice Scruggs (Highest: 32 Lowest: 46)
Last year’s ranking: N/A
Scruggs was part of the David Montgomery trade, and, admittedly, I figured he was just a throw-in. However, based on spring practices, the Lions seem to like him as the primary backup center with versatility to play any interior spot. With 20 career starts and at just 26 years, Scruggs could low-key be important depth in Detroit for years to come.
39. RB Sione Vaki (Highest 27; Lowest: 45)
Vaki stays put in his rankings this year after an injury-filled season. I get that some fans are frustrated with his development as a running back, but he’s so valuable as a special teamer, that I think some don’t realize how much Detroit still likes him. While challenging for the RB2 role still feels like it’s a year away (if it ever happens), Vaki will still be an important player as a four-core specialist.
38. QB Teddy Bridgewater (Highest: 26; Lowest: 50)
Last year’s ranking: N/A
Bridgewater is back after a year in Tampa. The 33-year-old quarterback has only thrown 15 passes in the last three years (all coming in 2025), and it’s unclear how much he actually has in the tank. But Bridgewater said last year really lit a fire underneath his competitive spirit, and the leadership he brings on the field is undoubtedly valuable.
37. CB Keith Abney (Highest: 34; Lowest: 42)
Last year’s ranking: N/A
It’s interesting to see Abney—the Lions’ fifth-round pick—rank higher than Jimmy Rolder (42), their fourth-round pick. But Abney was thought by many draft analysts to be a Day 2 (or even Round 2) talent. And given Detroit’s shortcomings at corner, it’s entirely possible Abney finds the field before Rolder. Whether he shifts back to the outside after Terrion Arnold’s departure or competes for the starting nickel role, Abney just became a little more important to Detroit.
36. TE Brock Wright (Highest: 30; Lowest: 47)
Wright has never been a flashy TE2 for Detroit, and even his blocking seems inconsistent at times. But when both Wright and Sam LaPorta were out of the lineup because of injury, it helped give some perspective on how much Detroit needs a reliable backup tight end. Despite his struggles, Wright is an important part of this offense, but it will be interesting to see how much the addition of Tyler Conklin (ranked 44 on our list) will push him for playing time.
35. WR Greg Dortch (Highest 31; Lowest: 47)
Last year’s ranking: N/A
There is no such thing as a one-to-one replacement in the NFL. Players just have too unique of a skillset. However, Dortch is about as close as you can get to finding a younger, cheaper Kalif Raymond. In Detroit, Dortch should be considered the heavy favorite to take the vacant punt returner position, and given his experience with new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, it would not be surprising to see him carve out a niche offensive role, as well.
34. iOL Miles Frazier (Highest: 28; Lowest 42)
Frazier was considered a steal in the 2025 NFL Draft, but an injury cost him all of training camp and about half of his rookie season. With an opportunity to truly ramp up for the season in Year 2, there’s a real chance Frazier could compete for the starting left guard position. However, he’ll likely enter camp behind both Christian Mahogany and Ben Bartch on the depth chart.
33. S Thomas Harper (Highest: 28; Lowest: 54)
Last year’s rankings: N/A
Harper was a savvy waiver claim at the end of last preseason, and ended up starting nine games for Detroit. For a 24-year-old who didn’t spend the offseason with the Lions, Detroit had to be happy with what Harper gave them. He remains a real option to be a long-term starter in Detroit, and he’ll only benefit from another year in this system. That said, Detroit added several insurance options in the midst of injuries to Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. Harper will have to battle for a role with Chuck Clark, Christian Izien, and…
32. S Avonte Maddox (Highest: 23; Lowest: 48)
Maddox climbs a few spots after a very promising first season in Detroit. With the versatility to play pretty much any position in the secondary, Maddox was able to find a role in 2025 as the primary backup at safety. That is obviously a very important role this season. He’ll have a lot of competition this year, but I view that as the front office trying to have insurance plans rather than viewing Maddox as a poor player.
31. K Jake Bates (Highest: 24; Lowest: 52)
Bates falls a few spots this year after a step back in accuracy. After making 26-of-29 field goals in 2024 (89.7%), Bates made just 27-of-34 last season (79.4). However, he improved when it comes to landing kickoffs just outside the end zone, and he remains flawless in clutch situations.
