While the Detroit Lions’ offense is filled with proven talent, the defensive side of the ball has a few more questions than answers. That said, there is still some top end talent. In total, five Lions defenders have earned All Pro or Pro Bowl honors: Aidan Hutchinson, Jack Campbell, Devin White, Brian Branch, and Kerby Joseph. That’s actually the exact same number as the defense (Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, Penei Sewell).
So, maybe there are more candidates for the 2026
Detroit Lions defensive MVP than you think.
As we continue our 2026 NFL predictions, here are our picks for Lions 2026 defensive MVP. Don’t forget to cast your vote at the bottom of the page!
Previously:
- Offensive MVP predictions
Who will be the Lions’ defensive MVP in 2026?
Morgan Cannon: Jack Campbel
Obviously, there is an argument to be made for the monster on the edge that wears #97, but I am going with Campbell because I think by end of season, he will be the unquestioned heartbeat of the defense. From racking up tackles, forcing fumbles, and being a general game-wrecker against opposing team’s running games, he is also a seasoned veteran in defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard’s defense. Being able to ensure everyone is where they need to be, while also being in control of pre-snap checks and shifts is going to pay huge dividends for the Lions in 2026.
Al Karsten: Alim McNeill
It hasn’t exactly been a fairytale 20-plus months for Alim McNeill since tearing his ACL in Week 15 of 2024, just two months after signing his blockbuster contract extension. But for the hip-hop artist who goes by “Dream,” the nightmare appears to be over—and his dreams are very much at the forefront of reality after a remarkably strong bounceback during Lions training camp.
While the expectation is for Aidan Hutchinson and Jack Campbell to continue their All-Pro-level play, McNeill has an opportunity to completely shapeshift this defense if he can consistently maximize his talents. If the version of McNeill who flashed from 2022-24 returns for a career year, Detroit suddenly has the makings of a lethal defensive front capable of helping propel this unit into the top 10.
Like his draft classmate Milton Williams did for the Patriots after joining them last offseason, McNeill could provide the type of uplifting impact that helps spearhead a defense on a run to the Super Bowl. A season with 7+ sacks, 20+ quarterback hits, and 10+ tackles for loss would make Detroit a force to be reckoned with come January and February.
Erik Schlitt: Aidan Hutchinson
The Lions’ defensive line looked great in training camp and could be a huge catalyst in their defensive success. Hutchinson is already one of the best defensive players in the NFL, but with a healthy Alim McNeill, improved Tyleik Williams, along with DJ Wonnum and Derrick Moore splitting time on the opposite edge, Hutchinson should see his opportunities increase and could be in for a monster season.
Jeremy Reisman: Aidan Hutchinson
I believe Hutchinson is in for a career year. While I think his supporting cast is better, I don’t think that will draw any attention away from Hutch. But with some of the things we’ve seen in training camp, I don’t believe defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard is just going to let teams add an extra tight end or running back to Hutchinson’s side and make him fight off double and triple teams every play. No, the Lions are committed to keeping their pass rush creative this year, and Hutchinson is going to EAT.
John Whiticar: Jack Campbell
In the past, Aidan Hutchinson was the clear-cut MVP on defense, but Campbell has now become 1B to his 1A. However, I think the Lions have added a lot of good defenders to pair with Hutchinson (Wonnum, Moore, Gill-Howard) and with Alim McNeill back and healthy, Hutchinson will no longer be leaned on as the only reliable lineman on the roster. Campbell, meanwhile, is far and away the Lions’ best linebacker, a position that is vital to every part of the defense.
Ryan Mathews: Aidan Hutchinson
Aidan Hutchinson will be the Lions’ defensive MVP in 2026. This is as talented and deep the defensive line has been in Detroit since Hutchinson arrived in 2022. And while Hutchinson will be a key part of gameplanning for any opposing offensive coordinator, there’s going to be plenty of chances for Hutchinson to make impact plays.
Anthony Balaj: Brian Branch
While Jack Campbell and Aidan Hutchinson will likely be tapped with the All-Pro accolades, Branch will be the player that unlocks Kelvin Sheppard’s ability to dynamically disguise the defensive scheme (and likely land Sheppard a head coaching job in 2027).
Brandon Knapp: Aidan Hutchinson
While he was looking to be on a career season in 2024, that injury didn’t appear to slow him down as much in 2025. Now that he’s had a full year under his belt post-injury, and more help added to the opposite EDGE position and the interior defensive line, I think Hutchinson makes a true case for DPOY in 2026. The help fans have pleaded for has arrived, and I think Hutchinson will benefit the most out of it.
