5 Under-the-Radar Lions Players Who Could Help Detroit Win the NFC North

Everyone knows how good Jahmyr Gibbs, Jared Goff, Aidan Hutchinson and Amon-Ra St. Brown have been this season. But what about the players who don’t score touchdowns or consistently show up on the stat sheet? These players help make the Detroit Lions what they are just as much as the explosive playmakers.

Let’s break down the top five unsung heroes of the Lions’ season so far.

1. Juice Scruggs

Juice Scruggs came to Detroit as part of the David Montgomery trade and was initially viewed as a solid backup offensive lineman. However, after Cade Mays suffered a broken wrist and landed on injured reserve, Scruggs was thrust into the starting center role, and he has thrived.

Through five weeks, Scruggs has earned a 75.6 overall offensive grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF), the best among all NFL centers. His 65.4 pass-blocking grade ranks among the top 15 at his position, while his 83.8 run-blocking grade leads the NFL among centers.

Scruggs has played 341 snaps, committed three penalties and allowed just one sack this season. Considering the uncertainty surrounding Detroit’s offensive line entering the year, his ability to step into the starting lineup and perform at such a high level has been a major boost for the Lions.

2. Alim McNeill

Alim McNeill looks like he is fully back to his old self, and he has become a disruptive force in the middle of Detroit’s defensive line.

In Sunday’s victory over the Arizona Cardinals, McNeill recorded three total pressures, including one sack, one quarterback hit and one hurry. He also forced a bad pass and recorded two defensive stops. His performance earned him an 81.1 overall defensive grade from PFF, the highest on Detroit’s defense following the win.

McNeill also posted a 71.3 pass-rushing grade and a 69.8 tackling grade. Through five weeks, he ranks ninth among all interior defensive linemen in overall PFF grade.

His production extends beyond individual grades. McNeill leads all defensive tackles in snaps played and pressures, with 23. He has also recorded five sacks, ranking second among interior defensive linemen, along with 14 quarterback hurries, which rank second, and four quarterback hits, which ranks fifth.

3. Malcolm Rodriguez

Although Malcolm Rodriguez has played just 105 snaps this season, he has made the most of his opportunities.

Rodriguez has earned a 78.3 overall defensive grade from PFF, ranking fifth among all linebackers. His 83.3 run-defense grade also ranks fifth at the position, demonstrating his ability to make an impact when defending the run.

His contributions in other areas have been more limited, with a 67.6 pass-rushing grade and a 62.5 coverage grade. Still, his overall production has been impressive given his limited playing time.

Rodriguez has recorded nine solo tackles, one sack and three total pressures. Those numbers might not jump off the page, but his efficiency and ability to contribute when called upon make him an important piece of Detroit’s defense.

With linebacker Devin White sidelined by a broken arm, Rodriguez could see his role grow in the coming weeks.

4. Jake Bates

After missing seven field goals last season, Jake Bates has been automatic through the first five weeks of 2026.

Bates has converted all eight of his field-goal attempts and all 20 of his extra-point attempts, giving him a perfect record on 28 total kicks. His reliability has provided the Lions with consistency in the kicking game, an important factor for a team with championship aspirations.

Bates currently holds a 77.4 PFF grade, ranking ninth among all kickers.

However, there is still room for improvement on kickoffs. Bates has earned a 21.8 kickoff grade, ranking 22nd, while opposing teams are averaging 23.8 yards per return, the 25th-best mark in the league from Detroit’s perspective. Opponents are also averaging starting field position at their own 29.2-yard line, ranking 24th.

5. Ennis Rakestraw Jr.

Ennis Rakestraw Jr. has appeared in just three games this season, but he is beginning to show signs of progress in Detroit’s secondary.

Rakestraw has played 89 snaps, leaving him short of PFF’s qualifying threshold for its positional rankings. Despite his limited playing time, he has earned a 64.3 overall grade and a 67.1 coverage grade.

He has allowed just five receptions and a passer rating of 63.8 when targeted. That passer rating allowed ranks 25th among qualifying comparisons over the same span, while his 11 yards after the catch allowed rank 20th.

Although Rakestraw’s sample size is small, his early production offers reasons for optimism. Detroit’s secondary has struggled with consistency this season, making any improvement from its young defensive backs particularly valuable.