The Lions clearly have a top-tier roster that will be difficult to crack, and the key for them will be staying healthy in 2025.
Quarterback (3)
Jared Goff, Hendon Hooker, Kyle Allen
Keeping two quarterbacks is a definite possibility if Kyle Allen beats out Hendon Hooker for the backup job, but Detroit will obviously hope it doesn’t matter with Jared Goff staying on the field. Jake Fromm being released this offseason was a surprise after he shined last August in limited action.
Running back (4)
Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Craig Reynolds, Sione Vaki
The Lions are expected to return the same room at running back with Craig Reynolds and Sione Vaki making the team behind NFL-best duo Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. There might even be a chance of Vaki getting a look at safety—which has questionable depth—after it was his primary position in college.
Wide receiver (6)
Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa (R), Tim Patrick, Kalif Raymond, Dominic Lovett (R)
The top three are the only guaranteed locks, and we would think Tim Patrick is relatively safe as well. Kalif Raymond has shown very well in limited action, but the only pause here comes from Georgia rookie Dominic Lovett providing a similar skillset. Both can still make the team, and other contenders include Tom Kennedy, Malik Taylor, and Ronnie Bell.
Tight end (3)
Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, Kenny Yeboah
We could play it safe and go with Shane Zylstra to make it again behind Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright, but Kenny Yeboah is someone who has flashed his ability with the Jets—so he can force his way into the 53-man roster with a strong summer.
Offensive tackle (4)
Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell, Dan Skipper, Giovanni Manu
Offensive tackle is straightforward with Dan Skipper as the famous “sixth man” over the past couple of years, and six-foot-seven Giovanni Manu is still being developed as a guy Detroit hopes will play huge dividends similar to Jordan Mailata in Philadelphia.
Interior offensive line (5)
Graham Glasgow, Frank Ragnow, Christian Mahogany, Tate Ratledge (R), Miles Frazier (R)
The Lions are training third-round pick Tate Ratledge at all three interior spots, but he played guard at Georgia—and the interior is filled with bullies to fit the mindset Dan Campbell wants. Fellow rookie Miles Frazier lasted until the fifth round but is someone that could have gone a bit earlier in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Defensive tackle (5)
DJ Reader, Tyleik Williams (R), Levi Onwuzurike, Brodric Martin, Roy Lopez
Alim NcNeill (knee) could miss a chunk of the season and has already been all but ruled out for Week 1, but the starters are still very good with first-round pick Tyleik Williams joining DJ Reader. Beyond that, Levi Onwuzurike might be the only one who is safe, as the team would love to get more out of former third-rounder Brodric Martin, but he’ll contend with Roy Lopez, Mekhi Wingo, and perhaps Pat O’Connor (who can also play the edge) for depth spots.
Defensive end (5)
Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, Josh Paschal, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Ahmed Hassanein (R)
Aidan Hutchinson announced last week that he’s 100% cleared after last October’s gruesome leg injury, and he’ll try to pick up where he left off with 7.5 sacks in not even five full games. Marcus Davenport was brought back after injuries derailed his season early as well, but defensive end remains a position where another option might be added. For now, we like sixth-round rookie Ahmad Hassanein to earn a roster spot in large part due to a mentality that fits Detroit’s culture.
Linebacker (5)
Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Trevor Nowaske, Grant Stuard
It would be great if Malcolm Rodriguez is ready for the opener after suffering a torn ACL on Thanksgiving, but the Lions can afford to wait with Derrick Barnes back to start next to Alex Anzalone and Jack Campbell. The trio will be supported by Trevor Nowaske and special teams ace Grant Stuard (who comes over from Indianapolis) until “Rodrigo” is back.
Cornerback (6)
Terron Arnold, D.J. Reed, Amik Robertson, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Rock Ya-Sin, Khalil Dorsey
The cornerback group of Terrion Arnold, D.J. Reed, and Amik Robertson is as feisty as it gets, and signing Reed will allow Robertson to play inside to prevent opponents from hiding top wideouts in the slot (remember, Robertson did as well as any cover man in the league versus Justin Jefferson last year). Ennis Rakestraw Jr. dealt with injuries as a rookie, but he’s similarly competitive; Rock Ya-Sin and Khalil Dorsey can both probably make the team out of camp with roster spots open elsewhere due to injury.
Safety (4)
Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch, Avonte Maddox, Dan Jackson (R)
Avonte Maddox comes over after seven seasons with the Eagles, and it sounds like he’ll be switching to safety as the clear backup for Brian Branch’s role. Seventh-round rookie Dan Jackson should have the edge for the No. 4 job at safety and projects as an immediate standout performer on special teams.
Special teams (3)
Jake Bates, Jack Fox, Hogan Hatten
The Lions have no need to add any competition here, as Jake Bates showed to be one of the best long-range kickers in the game, Jack Fox is an All-Pro punter, and Hogan Hatten was successfully snapping the ball for both last season.
Players not available for Week 1 (2)
DT Alim NcNeill, LB Malcolm Rodriguez