The Detroit Lions are entering the 2026 season with serious postseason ambitions once again. Yet, the organization’s success won’t solely depend upon the play of established stars like Jared Goff, Aidan Hutchinson and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Instead, Detroit also needs to receive production from a litany of young players who are still trying to make their mark in the NFL. Without further ado, here’s a look at three second-year Lions who need to take a significant step forward in 2026. DT Tyleik Williams Williams, the No. 28 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft , started in 10 games as a rookie, amassing 18 total tackles, including two tackles for loss, one sack, three quarterback hits and four passes defended. He started Detroit’s first six games of the year alongside DJ Reader before becoming a rotational interior lineman upon Alim McNeill’s return from injury (a torn ACL).…