Lions 2026 Training Camp Medical Preview: EDGE
The Lions are still searching for pass rushing help
Pass rush has been a problem for the Detroit Lions for many years - even after the addition of Aidan Hutchinson in 2022. Multiple attempts to find help have failed - often due to injuries. The Lions recognized the issue and went early in the 2026 draft to grab a healthy Derrick Moore out of Michigan.
While there are a lot of productivity question marks amongst the EDGE group, the good news is that the overall medical concern levels are low.
🟢0-3 Low medical concern
🟡4-6 Moderate medical concern
🔴7-10 High medical concern
(Age at start of season in parentheses.) Click on player name for full medical report if available.
KEY PLAYERS
🟢Aidan Hutchinson (26)
Medical concern level: 0/10
This elite EDGE had a fully healthy last season after his tib/fib fracture from the year prior. While he probably still has surgical hardware in that leg, there are no residual concerns.
OUTLOOK: Hutch has been excellent and may be ready to take his game to another level. Lowering his excessively high snap counts may actually help him get there…
🟢Derrick Moore (23)
Medical concern level: 1/10
There was a pre-draft hamstring concern that raised my eyebrows, but fortunately no indications of any significant issues during OTA and minicamp. If it was truly just a minor hamstring, that’s not a concern.
In college at Michigan, Moore was healthy and reliable.
OUTLOOK: This rookie is being counted on to be a long-term complement to Hutchinson. If he can hit the ground running, the entire defense (especially the beleaguered secondary) will show a massive improvement.
🟢DJ Wonnum (28)
Medical concern level: 3/10
Quad tendon and ankle surgeries in his past could have some residuals. He played 17 of 18 games last season which is a great sign. The remarkable history of MRSA and DVT should not be an issue.
OUTLOOK: Wonnum has some proven production with 30 sacks in his six-year career. The hope is that he can have a breakthrough season in his late 20’s.
PROJECTED BACKUPS
🔴Payton Turner (27)
Medical concern level: 8/10
There were major concerns coming out of last season as he missed the entire year with a rib fracture. He also has missed the bulk of earlier seasons with toe surgery, shoulder, ankle, and chest. Prior to the NFL, he had a significant foot injury as well as an ACL tear.
So far this offseason, he’s been healthy, which drops his concern level down from the initial maxed-out 10/10. It’s quite possible he could have played some last season, but was shut down for other reasons.
OUTLOOK: Turner is like the younger version of the equally-unreliable Marcus Davenport. The Lions hope things work out better this time around. If he can stay healthy, Turner could be a very valuable part of the EDGE rotation.
🟢Anthony Lucas (21)
Medical concern level: 2/10
This UDFA had ankle surgery in 2024, but has proof of recovery since. He is by far the youngest in the EDGE group, which is a big plus.
OUTLOOK: The Lions really could use someone to emerge from the rough. Lucas only had three sacks in college, but could have untapped potential because of his youth.
🟢Ahmed Hassanein (24)
Medical concern level: 2/10
Last year, a pec strain suffered in preseason sabotaged Hassanein’s rookie year. He was able to return later to the team on the practice squad, but didn’t see any game action.
OUTLOOK: It’s uncertain how much faith the Lions have that Hassanein will develop into an effective player. Remember that the Lions injury-waived him last season, which allowed other teams to sign him. This preseason should tell us a lot.
🟢Eric O’Neill (23)
Medical concern level: 0/10
This UDFA rookie finished college with 47 straight starts and is medically clean.
OUTLOOK: O’Neill was productive in college with 15.5 sacks in his final two seasons. If that production can translate to the NFL, maybe he’ll be the young gem to emerge from this group.