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The 2026 NFL Draft is fast approaching which makes it a good time to review the Lions' positional needs and how it may impact their draft strategy. Last year, defensive tackle got the biggest combined need score, and the Lions indeed filled that position in the 1st round with Tyleik Williams.
For the complete offensive positional breakdown, read Detroit Lions 2026 Draft Needs: OFFENSE Positional Rankings + Injury Impact.
The following is the review of the RB position.
The combined need score is the summation of positional need (0-5) plus medical concern level (0-5). The higher the score, the greater the need. I’m reserving the focus to the starters and key backups here, with health of the starters weighted more heavily.
(In parentheses are player age at the start of the 2026 season, signed-through year, and medical concern level.) *Projected starters.
While the Lions have a star at the top, there are productivity concerns with the depth. Pacheco has been on a downward trend and is just on a 1-year deal. Beyond him, there is nothing proven. Looking long-term, the Lions may want to add a young player in this draft.
Gibbs has been remarkably healthy. The backups are young but have lengthy injury histories.
For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Jimmy on X, @JimmyLiaoMD
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft Need Analysis: Running Back
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For the complete offensive positional breakdown, read Detroit Lions 2026 Draft Needs: OFFENSE Positional Rankings + Injury Impact.
The following is the review of the RB position.
The combined need score is the summation of positional need (0-5) plus medical concern level (0-5). The higher the score, the greater the need. I’m reserving the focus to the starters and key backups here, with health of the starters weighted more heavily.
(In parentheses are player age at the start of the 2026 season, signed-through year, and medical concern level.) *Projected starters.
Running Back
- *Jahmyr Gibbs(24, 2026, 0/10) - Only missing 2 games for a hamstring in his 3-year career is incredibly good for a RB.
- Isiah Pacheco (27, 2026, 6/10) - His age is good, but he’s been banged-up a lot.
- Sione Vaki (25, 2027, 4/10) - Many injuries last season limited him. He's still young.
- Jacob Saylors (26, 2026, 1/10) - Missed just 1 game last season with a back.
Positional need 2/5
While the Lions have a star at the top, there are productivity concerns with the depth. Pacheco has been on a downward trend and is just on a 1-year deal. Beyond him, there is nothing proven. Looking long-term, the Lions may want to add a young player in this draft.
Medical concern 2/5
Gibbs has been remarkably healthy. The backups are young but have lengthy injury histories.
TOTAL 4/10
For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Jimmy on X, @JimmyLiaoMD
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft Need Analysis: Running Back
Continue reading...
