Because the Detroit Lions didn’t make a ton of offseason adds, in order to improve in 2026, they’ll need several players to take the next step. The good news is there are plenty of candidates to have a breakout season this year.
Our 2026 Detroit Lions season predictions series continues today with our staff picks for 2026 Detroit Lions Breakout Player of the Year. And don’t forget you have the opportunity to cast your own vote at the bottom of the story.
Previously:
- Offensive MVP predictions
- Defensive MVP predictions
Who will be the Lions’ breakout player of the 2026 season?
Al Karsten: Tate Ratledge, Tyleik
Williams
I’m going to keep it in the trenches, where the Lions’ first two draft choices of 2025, Tate Ratledge and Tyleik Williams, will transform their games by becoming more consistent overall while emerging as difference-makers on the interior of their respective sides of the ball. In the process, they’ll prove to be the next wave of young, homegrown pillars on this roster.
With both players approaching the idealized versions of themselves already in Year 2, they’ll also be complemented by a trio of breakout rookies turning heads in the trenches: Blake Miller, Derrick Moore, and Skyler Gill-Howard. All three should provide dynamic flashes alongside an above-average level of play throughout the season as they steamroll past minimal early-season rookie bumps in the road.
Together, that young group will help restore the identity of Dan Campbell’s gritty, tough, physical sons of guns—the type of team opponents don’t want to play because of the physical toll they’ll feel long after the final whistle.
Erik Schlitt: Tyleik Williams
The Lions’ defensive line showed a lot of improvement in training camp, and the play of second-year defensive lineman Tyleik Williams was a big part of that. Williams showed steady growth throughout his rookie season, but he looks like he’s capable of a huge sophomore jump in production this season.
John Whiticar: Tate Ratledge
There are a few returning players (Isaac Teslaa, Tyleik Williams) and a few rookies (Miller, Moore, Abney) that could stand out this year. However, I give the nod to Ratledge. I think this year, he could jump into the top-10 guards in the league and prove that he was not merely benefitting from playing next to Penei Sewell last season.
Ryan Mathews: DJ Wonnum
DJ Wonnum will be the Lions’ breakout player of 2026. Even though he just arrived in Detroit, Wonnum finds himself in one of the most coveted spots on a defensive line in the NFL, playing alongside Tyleik Williams, Alim McNeill, and Aidan Hutchinson.
Anthony Balaj: Sione Vaki
Vaki, the best pick of the 2024 draft class, earns a Pro Bowl nod as a special teamer, but also scores multiple offensive touchdowns.
Brandon Knapp: Isaac TeSlaa, Nick Whiteside
TeSlaa gets bumped up to the WR3 spot and with a rocky preseason, I think he can overcome those struggles and grow as a player. With LaPorta back, there should be less pressure from TeSlaa to excel, and less eyes focused on him. Defenses will overlook him still and I think he could have a solid contribution to the offense in 2026.
Whiteside starts the year on the practice squad, but I don’t think that stay is long-term. He had an excellent preseason and deserves to be on the 53-man roster, arguably as the team’s CB3. I believe Whiteside will be given chances to play and excel with the chances he’s given.
Morgan Cannon: Tyleik Williams
I am going with defensive tackle Tyleik Williams. In terms of statistical production, the rookie out of Ohio State didn’t make massive waves during his 2025 rookie year. Still, there were plenty of flashes for Williams. Especially when you turn on the all-22 and watch how he takes on double teams and is able to help the interior defensive line collapse the pocket around opposing quarterbacks.
If fellow defensive tackle Alim McNeill can return to pre-injury form and Williams takes the next step or two in his development, the Lions’ defensive front could be fun to watch.
Jeremy Reisman: DJ Reed
I feel we were robbed of seeing what DJ Reed is truly capable of due to his early hamstring injury in 2025. Thus far in camp, it looks like he has his explosiveness back. Plus, with—hopefully—an improved pass rush, it can take some pressure off of Reed and force some errant throws. I wouldn’t be surprised if he tallied a few interceptions this year while remaining a strong presence in the run game.
