As we look for Detroit Lions breakout candidates for 2026, some names really stand out. The list may also ultimately not be all that long without digging fairly deep to find possibilities, though it is a big season for the 2024 draft class as it heads into its third season.
Zachary Pereles of CBS Sports has named one under the radar breakout candidate for each NFC team. Some of his choices really stretch the definition of that "under the radar" label, including Alim McNeill being tabbed as that guy for the Lions.
"Alim McNeill looked to be one of several Lions' mid-round success stories in 2023, when he was PFF's No. 6-graded interior defensive lineman (and No. 5 in its run defending grades). He was having a solid 2024 before suffering a torn ACL, an injury that kept him out until October 2025. Though he flashed here and there, it was clear he wasn't fully back. But if he can get back to his 2023/2024 pre-injury self, it would be a massive boost for Detroit. He's a monstrous space eater who also provides some pocket disruptiveness (five sacks in 2023). He's only 26 years old. If he can command attention in the middle, that will help Aidan Hutchinson ... not that he needs much help, anyway."
Alim McNeill is an 'under the radar' breakout candidate hiding in plain sight
McNeill was clearly not himself upon returning from his torn ACL last season. He's now one year into the four-year, $97 million contract extension he signed a couple months before suffering his knee injury. As of now his salary cap hits will exceed $27 million in each of the next three years, and he needs to justify that investment.
Speaking to the media at OTAs recently, McNeill noted the difference a year clearly makes for him health-wise.
"I'm me again now. (I've been) explosive and been able to do what I need to do. It's (a) night and day difference between last year and now."
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McNeill was a top-10 graded defensive tackle by Pro Football Focus in 2023 and 2024. He also missed some time late in the 2023 regular season, so it can be argued injuries have kept him from having the full-on breakout that was envisioned when he got his nice contract.
On a national scale, McNeill may be under the radar as a Lions' breakout candidate for this year. But anyone who follows the Lions closely knows what he can bring to the table, and how being fully healthy can (and needs to?) bring the next step for him.
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