The Detroit Lions have no shortage of star power. Players such as Brian Branch, Aidan Hutchinson, Jack Campbell, Jahmyr Gibbs, Penei Sewell and Amon-Ra St. Brown receive most of the attention, and deservedly so.
However, every successful team also relies on players who don’t always receive the recognition they deserve. Whether it’s because they play a less glamorous position or simply aren’t talked about enough in the media, these players can have a major impact on winning games.
Here are my three most underrated players on the Lions’ roster heading into the 2026 season.
1. Derrick Barnes
Barnes has quietly become one of the Lions’ most dependable defensive players. Selected in Dan Campbell’s first draft class in 2021, Barnes has steadily improved every season and has developed into a key piece of Detroit’s defense.
He has appeared in at least 15 games in every season except one and has continued to expand his role. Barnes has totaled eight career sacks, including a career-high four last season. He also recorded six tackles for loss, another career best, while proving he can contribute as both a pass rusher and an off-ball linebacker.
What makes Barnes so valuable is his versatility. He can blitz, defend the run and hold his own in coverage, giving defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard plenty of flexibility. While Hutchinson, Jack Campbell and Brian Branch receive most of the headlines, Barnes has quietly established himself as one of the better linebackers in the NFC North and deserves far more recognition than he gets.
2. Isaiah Pacheco
Isaiah Pacheco enters Detroit with the difficult task of replacing David Montgomery, but I believe he has all the tools to exceed expectations.
Pacheco arrives after helping the Kansas City Chiefs win two Super Bowls and has already proven he can produce at a high level. During his first two NFL seasons, he rushed for 1,765 yards, scored 12 rushing touchdowns and averaged 4.75 yards per carry.
Injuries have slowed him over the past two seasons, which is one reason he isn’t being talked about as one of Detroit’s biggest offseason additions. If he returns to full health, however, Pacheco has the talent to be a starting running back for many NFL teams.
His physical running style should fit perfectly behind one of the league’s best offensive lines, while also providing the Lions with another explosive option alongside Gibbs. If he stays healthy, Pacheco could end up being one of Brad Holmes’ best free-agent signings.
3. Greg Dortch
Most fans probably view Greg Dortch as simply the Lions’ fourth wide receiver, but his value extends far beyond catching passes.
Dortch is the favorite to replace Kalif Raymond as Detroit’s primary kick returner, and he brings an impressive résumé on special teams. During his NFL career, he has totaled 1,773 kick-return yards while averaging 23.6 yards per return. Last season alone, he returned 31 kickoffs for 811 yards, averaging 26.2 yards per return, making him one of the league’s more productive return specialists.
There is also familiarity between Dortch and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing from their time together in Arizona. Because of that relationship, it would not be surprising to see Petzing design a handful of offensive packages specifically for Dortch.
Over the past two seasons, Dortch has also been used on jet sweeps and designed runs, recording 12 rushing attempts. His speed and versatility could allow him to contribute in several different ways, making him one of the Lions’ most underrated players entering the season.
