The Detroit Lions’ roster construction for the 2026 season shows a high level of competition for depth positions, with players ranked 41 through 50 facing significant pressure to secure their spots during training camp. According to staff rankings from Pride of Detroit, this group features a mix of veteran special teams contributors, injury-recovering prospects, and offseason additions fighting for limited roster availability.
The Battle for Defensive Depth and Special Teams Security
Roster security in the NFL often hinges on versatility, a theme evident in the current standing of players like Khalil Dorsey and Trevor Nowaske. According to Pride of Detroit, Dorsey remains a roster contender largely due to his status as a “gunner,” a role special teams coordinator Dave Fipp identified as elite. Despite an injury-plagued 2025, his special teams prowess provides a baseline of value.
Similarly, Trevor Nowaske has climbed to a ranking of 46 following a 330-snap special teams campaign. While he is the primary candidate to back up Derrick Barnes at the SAM linebacker position, his utility may be limited by the team’s projected increase in nickel defensive packages.
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Long-snapper Hogan Hatten, ranked 49th, has been noted for his seamless transition into the role vacated by Lions legend Don Muhlbach. In the NFL, “unnoticeable” play from a long-snapper is considered the gold standard for performance.
Veteran Integration and Positional Competition
Not every player in the 41–50 range is a developmental prospect. The Lions have actively sought veteran depth to stabilize the roster, as seen with the acquisitions of Tyler Conklin and Ben Bartch. Conklin, a tight end, joins the team to provide stability following injury setbacks to Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright. Meanwhile, interior offensive lineman Ben Bartch is currently competing for the starting left guard job.
According to head coach Dan Campbell, Bartch is firmly in the mix for the starting interior spot. While competitors like Christian Mahogany may be viewed as frontrunners, Bartch’s 24 career starts offer a level of proven experience that provides insurance against the volatility of training camp injuries.
High-Upside Prospects in the Defensive Backfield
The rankings for players like Jimmy Rolder and Chuck Clark reflect a focus on “alpha communicators” and high-IQ players within the secondary. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard noted that while Rolder has significant growth ahead, his mental capacity for the system is high. This suggests that while he may not be a starter today, he is on an upward trajectory for rotation duty.
Chuck Clark (ranked 41) is another example of a veteran whose roster spot is tied to his ability to run the defense. Safeties coach Jim O’Neill praised Clark as an “alpha communicator,” though he cautioned that the 31-year-old must prove he can still handle the physical demands of the position to survive final cuts.
Roster Ranking Breakdown (41-50)
| Rank | Player | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 41 | Chuck Clark | S |
| 42 | Jimmy Rolder | LB |
| 43 | Ben Bartch | iOL |
| 44 | Tyler Conklin | TE |
| 45 | Tyler Lacy | DT |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is special teams performance so highly weighted in these rankings?
For players not in the starting lineup, being a core contributor on special teams—as seen with Khalil Dorsey or Trevor Nowaske—is often the deciding factor in making the final roster.
How do injuries impact these rankings?
As noted with Ahmed Hassanein and Khalil Dorsey, health is a primary driver of roster volatility. A missed season or a recurring injury can drop a player’s perceived value, forcing them to compete for a depth spot against younger or healthier challengers.
What is a “big end” in the Lions’ defensive scheme?
The “big end” role refers to a defensive lineman with the size and length to handle edge-setting responsibilities. Players like Tyler Lacy have been utilized here to provide defensive versatility, competing against both traditional ends and interior linemen.
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