The biggest thing to understand about my 2026 defensive projections is that the increase at EDGE is not based on expecting every player to suddenly become more productive. It is based largely on having more players contributing to the position.
The Lions’ official 2025 EDGE production came from four players who combined for 108 tackles, 28 sacks and 25 tackles for loss. My 2026 projection includes six edge rushers: Aidan Hutchinson, DJ Wonnum, Derrick Moore, Tyler Lacy, Ahmed Hassanein and Eric O’Neill. Together, I have that group producing 171 tackles, 29 sacks and 41 TFLs.
That is a major jump in tackles and TFLs, but it is spread across two additional players. The average drops the comparison into a much more reasonable range: the 2025 group averaged 27 tackles per player, while this 2026 projection averages 28.5.
The sack number barely changes at EDGE — 28 to 29. What changes is who produces them. Hutchinson does not have to carry the entire pass rush if Wonnum can reach eight sacks and the rotational players contribute behind them.
Inside, I am projecting another major increase in disruption. The interior defensive line goes from five sacks and eight TFLs in 2025 to 12 sacks and 22 TFLs. A healthier Alim McNeill, another year for Tyleik Williams and a deeper rotation should create more plays before runners reach the linebackers.
Overall, the front seven moves from 641 tackles, 45.5 sacks and 57 TFLs in 2025 to my projection of 648 tackles, 56 sacks and 86 TFLs.
The tackle volume barely changes. The difference is where those tackles happen.
I am predicting a front that creates more pressure, gets into the backfield quicker and turns far more ordinary plays into negative plays..
About Will Rock
Will Rock Is The Founder Of Detroit Football Journal And DFJ Sports, Providing Independent NFL Coverage With Credentialed Access Since 2024. His Work Focuses On Detroit Lions News, NFL Draft Scouting, Roster Analysis And Film Study.
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