Updated March 30, 2026, 8:25 p.m. ET
The Lions were able to re-sign Malcolm Rodriguez to solidify their LB depth this offseason. Adding more quality players in the draft is still a strong consideration. Deontae Lawson might be a good option, although like Rodriguez, he has a history of an ACL tear.
Here is the excerpt of my medical report on Lawson:
(Ages in parentheses are at start of 2026 season and are factored into the concern level. Injury info and ages based on available public information are unverified and subject to update. Games played data courtesy of sports-reference.com.)
Deontae Lawson, LB (23) – Alabama
Projected round 3. #79 on Jeff Risdon board Feb 19.
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Concern level 3/10
Credit to Lawson for returning to action on August 30, 2025 – just nine months from his ACL tear. He played the entire season which is very reassuring for his long-term ACL prognosis. Generally, there are minimal to no residuals for an isolated ACL tear.
There still remains a chance of cartilage damage with the original injury, so that will need to be ruled out.
In 2023, he had a couple minor injuries which don’t seem concerning. His age is slightly older than ideal, having played five years in college.
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