Detroit Lions Mailbag: One underrated Lions defender could be primed for a major breakout in 2026
Lions OTAs are in week 2, and this weekโs mailbag covers everything from injuries around the league to OL sacks, breakout candidates, and under-the-radar names to watch heading into camp.
The Detroit Lions are in their second week of OTAs, and there are a lot of questions flying around. Let’s answer some of them.
How do the Lions’ injuries match up with other teams right now?
I know it’s no contact, but Kendrick Law did suffer an injury that’s usually a no-contact injury. In terms of other teams having injuries at OTAs right now, the Lions are definitely not alone. Giants receiver Gunner Olszewski tore his Achilles last week. There have been a lot of players around the league who are dealing with minor injuries as well. It’s a pretty normal thing right now.
Did the Lions’ offensive line allow more sacks than in previous seasons last year?
Yes, they did. Jared Goff was sacked 38 times in 2025. That is seven more sacks than the 2024 season, and the most times Goff has been sacked in a season in his entire career.
- It’s pretty impressive what he was able to do considering that.
- The improvements the Lions’ offensive line made this offseason are huge.
Who is the X factor/sleeper pick for a breakout heading into OTAs and eventually camp?
In my opinion, the guy I’m really keeping an eye on this summer is Thomas Harper. He’s still just 25 years old, and he showed a lot in his first season in Detroit after being thrust into a starting role. With the questions on Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch maybe not getting back until late September, Harper is primed for a starting job, and his continued growth is only going to help make him a better player. He very well could be the future here.
How has the competition for LG been going between Frazier and Mahogany, if it has been going at all?
It’s too early to know about that. There’s no real blocking or contact happening at OTAs. We’ll know more when we get to camp. But right now, Frazier is repping at left guard with the second team. But Dan Campbell has told us not to pay attention to who is on what team right now.
The theme of this offseason has been this changing of the guard, as weโve said goodbye to some older veterans. Do you think that was/will be for the best?
I do. At a certain point, you need to get a bit younger, but they didn’t get too young to the point where it’s a major concern. The guys the Lions did lose were largely either at the end of their primes or approaching it. Plus, I don’t think the Lions really did this with any major positions outside tackle.
A smattering of Lions questions
Did we miss the boat by not adding a young S in the draft? If there’s one position to not worry about right now, it’s safety. I know that sounds crazy, but the Lions protected themselves very well with depth there. The aforementioned Harper, Chuck Clark, who has been a career starter, Avonte Maddox, a starter on a Super Bowl team, and Christian Izien are a really good group. Plus, you get Brian Branch back sooner than later.
Any trepidation with Gibbs as a bell cow and a backup with an extensive injury history? I don’t expect the Lions to throw Gibbs out there on every play or something like that. I think last year’s usage is pretty much what you’ll see this year. I expect Isiah Pacheco to get a lot of looks on third down, short-yard situations, and the red zone.
What young players do you expect to make a leap and surprise us with an expanded role? Abney, D. Jackson, Hassanein, or Ennis? Abney could potentially win the starting slot corner job this summer. But I do expect to see more of Ahmed Hassanein this season. Not like starter-type snaps, but a solid amount of rotational snaps.
Opinions on Dylan Larkin trade request, and will he get booโd like Fedorov after his departure
Hey, a Red Wings question. The answer is simple. If he doesn’t want to be here anymore, see ya later. Next.
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