The Detroit Lions are heading into training camp with high expectations and a roster built to compete for a Super Bowl. But while the offense is loaded and the defense has gotten a serious upgrade, there’s one area that still feels unsettled — and it might require GM Brad Holmes to make a move sooner rather than later.
The concern? Depth on the defensive interior.
Yes, Detroit has some talent up front, including star-in-the-making Alim McNeill, veteran DJ Reader, and young pieces like Brodric Martin and rookie Mekhi Wingo. But with Levi Onwuzurike sidelined for the entire preseason and the first four games of the regular season, the Lions’ depth at defensive tackle is thinner than many fans realize.
McNeill and Reader can hold it down — no question there — but what happens if one of them gets banged up? Martin is still developing, and Wingo is untested at the pro level. It’s a group that could suddenly go from solid to shaky with just one injury.
This isn’t just about talent — it’s about endurance. Defensive linemen rotate frequently throughout a game. Even with McNeill and Reader as anchors, Detroit will need two or three other linemen to reliably contribute, especially during long, grinding drives. If those players can’t hold their own, the defense could wear down quickly.
Brad Holmes has done a remarkable job patching holes and building depth across the board, but this may be one of the few spots where he’s got to do more. A late-summer signing — or even a trade — for a veteran defensive tackle wouldn’t be surprising. There are still free agents on the market who could offer experience and stability, even on a rotational basis.
Detroit has dreams of making a deep playoff run. That means preparing for every possibility — including the wear and tear of a 17-game season and beyond. Right now, this defensive tackle group feels one injury away from being a potential problem.
So while much of the buzz around training camp will center on position battles and breakout candidates, keep an eye on the defensive interior. Because if Holmes makes a move, it’ll be a signal that Detroit isn’t leaving anything to chance in their hunt for a title.
Lions Might Have to Act Fast to Patch Quietly Concerning Position
