Five Detroit Lions Land in SI Projected Top-100 List, Two Major Snubs

Sports Illustrated's annual ranking of the NFL's top players features several standouts from the Detroit Lions.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 11:31am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Sports Illustrated recently released their projected top-100 players for the upcoming 2026 NFL season. Five Detroit Lions made the list, including key players on both offense and defense. However, two notable Lions players - quarterback Jared Goff and wide receiver Jameson Williams - were left off the list, drawing criticism.

Why it matters

The SI top-100 list is a closely watched ranking that provides insight into which players are expected to be the league's elite in the upcoming season. The inclusion of multiple Lions players highlights the team's rising talent, while the exclusion of Goff and Williams raises questions about the team's offensive outlook.

The details

The five Detroit Lions players who made the SI top-100 list are: No. 79 LB Jack Campbell, No. 31 WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, No. 24 DE Aidan Hutchinson, No. 7 OT Penei Sewell, and No. 6 RB Jahmyr Gibbs. Campbell, St. Brown, Hutchinson, and Sewell were praised for their standout performances, while Gibbs was highlighted as a dangerous playmaker. However, QB Jared Goff and WR Jameson Williams, key offensive contributors, were notably absent from the rankings.

  • Sports Illustrated recently listed their projected top-100 players for the upcoming 2026 NFL season.

The players

Jack Campbell

The Lions received some criticism for drafting Campbell in the first round in 2023, but the team couldn't pass up his instincts and high motor as a playmaker. It finally came together for Campbell in his third season after he recorded 176 total tackles, five sacks and three forced fumbles before being named a first-team All-Pro.

Amon-Ra St. Brown

St. Brown's versatility and competitiveness helped turn the Lions' offense into one of the best units in the league. He excels on money downs thanks to his elite route running and reliable hands. He has a four-year streak of at least 100 receptions and 1,100 receiving yards.

Aidan Hutchinson

It didn't take Hutchinson long to regain his top form after sustaining a significant leg injury in the middle of the 2024 season. Hutchinson is a relentless pass rusher, recording a career-high 14.5 sacks, 35 QB hits, four forced fumbles and one interception in 2025.

Penei Sewell

Sewell received points from all eight MMQB voters for our top-20 list. His presence has given the Lions one of the best offensive lines in the past few seasons, and he was the first building block after coach Dan Campbell and GM Brad Holmes were hired in 2021.

Jahmyr Gibbs

Gibbs doesn't need much room to turn a short run into a lengthy touchdown. His speed is unmatched, but he's also capable of running clean routes, making him the ultimate gadget player for the Lions' offense.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The inclusion of five Detroit Lions players in Sports Illustrated's projected top-100 list for the 2026 NFL season highlights the team's rising talent, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. However, the exclusion of key offensive contributors Jared Goff and Jameson Williams raises questions about the team's offensive outlook and whether the Lions' high-scoring attack can continue without those players being recognized among the league's elite.