The Detroit Lions enter the final phase of their positional preview ahead of the 2026 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, focusing this time on specialists and defensive backs. The team is optimistic about its specialists’ stability, particularly highlighting key players such as Jack Fox, Jake Bates, and Hogan Hatten, who provide confidence for the team’s present and future.
Despite some recent challenges, the Lions believe their specialist group is strong enough to avoid changes this offseason. Fox continues to be one of the top punters in the league, while Hatten, a younger asset, offers reliable athleticism on punt coverage. Bates, the team’s placekicker, faced a tougher season with more missed field goals but remains the trusted option moving forward.
Attention on Key Performers at Specialist Positions
Bates’ performance dipped somewhat last year as he saw an increase in blocked and missed kicks. Nonetheless, the Lions have maintained their faith by not inviting kicking competition during the last two offseasons. The consistent belief in his development underscores the team’s confidence in his ability to rebound and improve in upcoming seasons.
“I really am not worried about him at all,”
said Dave Fipp, Detroit’s special teams coordinator late last season.
“I think he’s a great player. He’s going to be an incredible player in this league; he’s a tremendous talent. Like I said, we’d be dying to find a guy like him if we didn’t have him. And that doesn’t mean he’s not going to have some ups and downs; he’s going to have that throughout the course of his career. I think, is he growing? Is he getting better?”
“I think in hindsight for him, he’ll probably look back at this year, and it’ll be one of the best years he’s ever had just in terms of growth.”
– Dave Fipp, Special Teams Coordinator
Prospective Specialists to Watch at the Combine
Though the Lions are settled with their current specialists, the upcoming NFL Combine will showcase several promising candidates among the seven specialists scheduled to attend. These prospects represent possible future additions for Detroit or other NFL teams looking to strengthen their special teams units.
Trey Smack, a kicker from Florida, has demonstrated solid consistency with at least an 80% field goal success rate over three seasons. Last year, he made 18 of 22 field goals and missed only once on extra-point attempts during that span. His longest successful kicks stretch up to 56 yards, featuring impressive attempts from beyond 50 yards in multiple seasons.
Drew Stevens from Iowa brings strong experience and leg strength, converting 76 out of 95 field goals throughout four years as the Hawkeyes’ primary kicker. He completed 22 successful field goals on 28 attempts last season, with a career-long kick of 58 yards.
Dominic Zvada, representing Michigan, was almost flawless in 2024 by making 21 of 22 field goals, including a long of 56 yards. Despite missing several field goals last season, he converted all 43 extra points and has recorded seasons with over 94% kicking accuracy, showcasing elite potential when in form.
Other Specialists Making an Impression Heading to Indianapolis
Punter Brett Thorson from Georgia has demonstrated his reliability with a 45.5-yard average per punt, ranking 27th nationally. With four years as a primary punter and experience in high-pressure games, he offers strong credentials.
Michigan State’s Ryan Eckley made headlines as the nation’s leader with an average punt distance of 48.5 yards last year, although his net average ranked lower due to coverage factors. Eckley was dominant in the Big Ten for consecutive years, reinforcing his value as a specialist.
Kaden Wetjen from Iowa emerges as an exciting potential return specialist and wide receiver. With 476 kick-return yards on just 16 attempts, Wetjen boasts an elite average of 29.8 yards per return. He also recorded a 100-yard touchdown return and led the nation with 563 punt-return yards and three touchdowns, providing hope for Detroit’s future return game, especially as pending free agent Kalif Raymond’s status remains to be seen.
Positioning the Specialists Within the Lions’ Long-Term Plan
With veteran players and promising prospects available, the Detroit Lions appear well-prepared to maintain strength at their specialist spots. Confidence in Jack Fox’s punting, the growth trajectory of Jake Bates’ kicking, and the youthful contribution from Hogan Hatten affirm Detroit’s strategic focus on special teams stability as the franchise advances.
The upcoming NFL Combine will offer additional insights into potential draft targets, while the Lions balance their immediate roster strengths with consideration of emerging talent in Indianapolis. This approach underlines the team’s commitment to a deep, versatile specialist group amid the broader roster evaluation.
