3 players the Lions aren’t giving up on after the 2026 NFL Draft

Despite drafting or signing players in these guys’ positions, we still believe the Lions see a future with them

Mike Payton — Detroit Lions Beat Writer
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Aug 16, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Jackson Meeks (83) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Eamon Horwedel-Imagn Images Eamon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Now that the 2026 NFL Draft is over, it’s time to take a look at the roster and think about some of the guys that the Lions aren’t likely to be giving up on after the draft. Even if the team drafted guys who might point to their demise. We’ve got three of them. Here they are:

WR Jackson Meeks

Even though the Lions drafted Kendrick Law, signed Greg Dortch, and are likely to get more playing time out of Isaac TeSlaa in 2026, that doesn’t mean Meeks is done in Detroit. At the end of the day, he could find himself buried a bit on the depth chart, but when you look at the Lions’ receivers, you don’t really see a ton of guys on the outside.

LWRIsaac TeSlaaJackson Meeks
RWRJameson WilliamsTom KenndeyMalik Cunningham
SWRAmon-Ra St. BrownGreg DortchKendrick LawDominic Lovett

Tom Kennedy is probably more of a slot than an outside guy, and Malik Cunningham is probably going to have a hard time making the roster.

Meeks has some ability to be that backup X-receiver type. He can nab contested catches in the end zone, and he’s not the easiest tackle in the world. On top of that, the Lions tried a few things with him at tight end last year, and I think they might be interested in seeing how far they can go with that again.

OL Michael Niese

Niese keeps getting shots with the Lions. He’s been here since 2023, and I think the reason is that the Lions see him as someone who can do a lot for them on the interior of the offensive line. Even if he’s not going to be a starter. He can play guard, but more importantly, they’ve been working with him at center a lot. In year four, they may see him as someone worth having on the 53-man roster to back up Cade Mays.

CB Ennis Rakestraw

People have to stop calling this guy a bust. It’s rough that he hasn’t played yet since he was a second-round pick. Injuries are stunting his growth in the league for sure, but you’re crazy if you think the Lions don’t believe he can be a big help to them when healthy. There’s a reason he went as high as he did. All he needs to do is have a healthy season, and he should prove his worth.

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