The Detroit Lions are clearly not set on their starting defensive line for 2026. It's only week one of training camp, and it'd be foolish to zero in on any specific combination of player based on one or two good practices.
Still, it's interesting to hear that, according to team reporter Tim Twentyman, the Lions were utilizing a defensive line of Aidan Hutchinson, Tyleik Williams, Alim McNeill, and Tyler Lacy on the second day of camp. Lacy, a former Jacksonville Jaguar, could quickly land a starting spot as the Lions remain in the hunt for a suitable edge rusher next to Hutchinson this season.
Twentyman wrote of the defensive lineman:
"Detroit likes Lacy's versatility and athleticism with him being able to play inside in the three technique or outside in the big end position. He played in 10 games with the Lions last year with four starts and racked up 21 tackles and a sack. We saw him get a lot of first-team reps in the spring and he's already being worked into the rotation early in training camp."
Lacy earning praise could give Derrick Moore time to get up to NFL speed
If Lacy can earn a starting spot on this D-line, that takes a heck of a lot of pressure off of rookie edge rusher Derrick Moore. Moore, taken in the 2nd round of this year's draft, was seen as the potential answer to Detroit's Al-Quadin Muhammad-sized role. But, to expect a player without a lick of NFL experience to come in and be that productive for a contending defense is a huge ask.
This isn't to say Moore can't surprise us in training camp - he absolutely can, and as mentioned, it's only week one of this process. Lacy might be the player the Lions are liking as a fit with this starting line now, but that could change. And, he deserves some looks with the first team as we approach the preseason.
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This is to say, though, that with the Lions' emphasis on restoring the feeling of a hungry, young team, they should be having Moore absorb as much as he can while also still fighting for a starting spot - not getting handed one right away due to a roster need.
With Lacy ready and able to step up to the plate for Detroit in the meantime, they could buy some time while Moore gets ready to storm the league at some point this season.
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