5 Detroit Lions you might want to temper expectations for in 2026
5 Lions players to temper expectations for in 2026. Not saying they won’t be good, just that the runway matters. From young edge rushers to returning stars and OL battles, a few names need time before they fully take off.
Time for the flip side of things. We wrote a story about five Detroit Lions players who could be in for much bigger roles in 2026. Now it’s time to talk about tempering expectations for some players.
Before we get to that, you have to know that this is not us saying these guys are going to be bad this year. What it is saying is that they need some runway to get to where they want to be, and you shouldn’t expect them to just take flight right off the bat. Let’s jump into it.
Edge Derrick Moore
Perfect example right here. Don’t expect Moore to just start right away and put up Aidan Hutchinson-like snaps and Hutchinson-like numbers. What makes a lot more sense is that the Lions start D.J. Wonnum at the beginning of the year, and then Moore would come in on the later downs when you need more pass-rushing juice. 2027 is really more of the season to expect him to be the guy opposite Hutchinson.
Edge Ahmed Hassanein
This is going to be Hassanein’s rookie year, and if you go back to training camp last year, you’d know that Hassanein needs a bit of time to get used to playing in the NFL. There’s a high ceiling here, but it’s going to start with him just getting in reps and growing his game instead of him just coming out and immediately being really good.
S Brian Branch
It’s a pretty typical story in the NFL. A guy suffered a season-ending injury, and then he comes back the next season, and there’s some rust to shake off. I would bet my last dollar that when he comes back and isn’t his same very good self right off the bat, there’s going to be some fans who say he’s washed or something like that. He’ll be fine by the end of the year.
OL Miles Frazier
I know there are a lot of Lions fans who think Frazier can come out and beat Christian Mahogany right away, but it’s good to keep in mind that this summer will be Frazier’s first training camp ahead of his first full season. He’s played so little NFL football that it would truly be surprising to see him as the Week 1 starter at left guard. But I do believe he competes and competes hard.
WR Isaac TeSlaa
We included TeSlaa in the breakout article, but it feels worth it to put him here, too. It’s mainly because even though the Lions gave up a lot to get him, that doesn’t mean the expectation should be set at a 1,000-yard season or bust. It’s just not likely to happen because of Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and all the other weapons Jared Goff has at his disposal. 500-600 yards is the right number to think about.
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