When a coach says he wants to see “consistency”, it’s easy to dismiss it as little more than coach speak.
But when you’re talking about some second-year players who flashed at times in year one, it really is all you need to describe what their goal should be for their second seasons.
Consistency is what Dan Campbell said he wanted to see out of second-year players Tyleik Williams, Tate Ratledge and Isaac TeSlaa as they each look to become impact starters for the Detroit Lions in 2026.
“That comes with young players,” he said. “I could say that with Tyleik, I could say that with TeSlaa– any of these young players that have banked some reps but now they’re going into year two. They are improved… but now it is the consistency, man.”
“Can you do those little things over and over and over? A heck of a lot more than you’ve done them? And that’s always gonna be, for a young player, that’s the next step in growth.”
Lions' 2nd year starters need to remain consistent in 2026
The Lions need Williams to become a full-time starter in the middle of their defensive line after moving on from D.J. Reader this offseason. They drafted him in the first round last year for his run defense capabilities and potential as an interior pass rusher.
As a rookie, Williams appeared in all 17 games, made 10 starts and played 40% of the Lions’ defensive snaps. He doesn’t play a position that exactly lends itself to splash plays, but showed promise as a nose guard.
This year, he’s slimmed down to 325 pounds in an effort to gain speed and become more than a traditional run-stuffer. He’ll be called upon to anchor the middle alongside Alim McNeill.
“We’re willing to give him an opportunity,” Campbell said. “If there’s a little bit more that shows, maybe he’s out there a little bit more on third down, We like Tyleik. We absolutely know there’s a role for him and there’s something he can do for us that really helps us. Can it be even more than that? Yeah. Our eyes are open.”
Ratledge was a 17-game starter last year at right guard after being drafted in the second round out of Georgia. He took his time adjusting to the NFL early in the season and struggled with communication, but looked much more settled in as the year went on.
Ratledge was a good run blocker but allowed 24 pressures, nine quarterback hits and two sacks in pass protection. If he continues to acclimate to the league, communicate and improve his pass blocking, he could become a quality starter for Detroit up front.
Campbell said Ratledge has had “a really good camp” this summer.
"You can tell that, man, he came in saying, 'I want to be much better than I was last year. I'm going to clean a lot of this stuff up,’” he said. “And everything I've seen to this point has been good. I mean, he looks good”
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The Lions gave up two third round picks to trade up for TeSlaa last year in the third round, at what was not exactly a position of need for the team. He’s only been playing receiver since 2020, and came in pretty unrefined.
Still, he managed to turn six of his 16 catches as a rookie into touchdowns, showing some serious upside as an athletic X-receiver who can catch anything. The No. 3 receiver role looks like his after Kalif Raymond left in free agency.
He’s had his struggles in the preseason this year both with separating and holding on to the ball. But if he can clean up the drops and add some nuance to his route-running, he’s a dangerous player.
The Lions don’t necessarily need TeSlaa to turn into a star player right away because of all the other skill talent on their team. But if he can feast on some of the easy looks created by defensive attention going towards Detroit’s other stars, it would make the Lions’ offense almost unstoppable.
All three of these young players put good things on tape as rookies and have a clear path to an increased role in Year 2. If they can become plus-starters while still on rookie deals, it could be super valuable in getting Detroit back into contender status.
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