The Detroit Lions opened their preseason with a tough 34-7 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, but quickly bounced back with a 17-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons (though the game ended early due to injury). Improved performances on both offense and defense are making final roster decisions more challenging. Still, plenty of time remains, with numerous training camp battles ahead.
Detroit is, of course, led by veteran quarterback Jared Goff, who is entering his fifth season with the team. Kyle Allen, after a huge bounce-back performance against Atlanta, has now pulled ahead in the backup QB race. Still two more games before the final decision takes place, but Hendon Hooker, who is entering his third season, has not shown nearly enough to warrant keeping that second-string spot.
The Sonic and Knuckles duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery will continue being the one-two punch for the Lions’ backfield. Gibbs is expected to have an expanded role, however, and be utilized more in the passing game. Craig Reynolds and Sione Vaki will likely again serve as the third and fourth running backs.
All-Pro Amon-Ra St. Brown and speedster Jameson Williams are locked in as Detroit’s number one and two receivers, respectively. That number three position is where things could get interesting as the season progresses. Veteran Tim Patrick will likely have that spot to begin the year, but it would not be surprising if Isaac TeSlaa overtakes him at some point. The Lions are extremely high on TeSlaa, as they moved up to select him in this past April’s draft. His performance in both the HOF and Falcons games only helped his case for more playing time once the regular season begins. Kalif Raymond will likely be in that fifth spot.
Not much to report on regarding the Lions’ tight end room, it seems. The third-year man from Iowa, Sam LaPorta, will continue leading the charge. He will look to return to the Pro Bowl after a bit of a disappointing second season. Brock Wright and Shane Zylstra will likely once again serve as the second and third options.
Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell will be Detroit’s starting tackle duo for the fifth straight season. Dan Skipper, who is probably most famous for the controversial eligibility call versus the Dallas Cowboys in 2023, should again be the backup on the left side. Veteran Jamarco Jones is dealing with an ankle injury, but should be the man after Sewell on the right side if he can get healthy.
It looks as though there will be two new starting guards for the Lions this coming season. On the left side, second-year man Christian Mahogany should be taking over guard duties. Rookie Tate Ratledge will likely be taking over on the right side in place of Kevin Zeitler, who departed for Tennessee this offseason. Netane Muti should be the backup on the left side, and Kayode Awosika, who started 11 games last season, is projected to be the backup on the right side.
A huge hole appeared in the middle of the Lions’ offensive line with the retirement of four-time Pro-Bowl center Frank Ragnow. Ten-year veteran Graham Glasgow, who started all 16 games at center for Detroit back in 2018, will slide back over from his left guard position this coming season. Kingsley Eguakun, who spent 2024 on the practice squad, is the projected backup center.
Detroit will receive a tremendous boost to its front four with the return of Aidan Hutchinson. He was on a historic pace in 2024, recording 7.5 sacks in less than five complete games, before suffering a season-ending leg injury early in the third quarter versus Dallas. According to new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, via Eric Woodyard of ESPN, he may even be a better player than he was pre-injury!
Listen, I’m not saying anything about numbers, statistics, or any of that, but I see a better player than we had last year. And you might be like, woah. Like that’s the same thing I said when I saw him out there. I’m like, woah.
Veteran Marcus Davenport, who was also lost for the 2024 season just two games into his Lions’ career, will likely be the other starting edge. Mitchell Agude and Josh Paschal are the favorites to be the backups.
Detroit’s best interior defensive lineman, Alim McNeill, will probably miss at least the first month of the regular season. Upon his return, he will resume his duties as a starter. In the meantime, veteran D.J. Reader and rookie Tyleik Williams should be the starters. Williams could very well overtake Reader and become the permanent starter, alongside McNeill, upon his return. Roy Lopez should be the fourth man, and Pat O’Connor could also be in the mix while McNeill recovers from injury.
Jack Campbell and Alex Anzalone will be the two starting linebackers in the Lions’ 4-2-5 base defensive package. Campbell looks to continue being Mr. Reliable (has never missed a game) while Anzalone looks to return to form after missing seven games last season. Derrick Barnes and Grant Stuard should serve as the backup linebackers. Malcolm Rodriguez, who suffered a torn ACL in November of last year, will likely take the place of Stuard in the rotation upon his return.
Second-year man Terrion Arnold will start on the outside along with newly acquired veteran corner D.J. Reed. Amik Robertson, who suffered an upper arm fracture in last year’s NFC Divisional Round game versus the Washington Commanders, is now fully healthy and ready to go as Detroit’s starting nickelback. Khalil Dorsey, Rock Ya-Sin, and Avonte Maddox should serve as the second-string corners and nickel, respectively.
All-Pro Kerby Joseph and Pro-Bowler Brian Branch will return as the dynamic duo at the safety spots. Joseph led the league in interceptions last season with nine, and Branch finished in the top five in passes defended. Backing up arguably the best safety duo in the NFL will likely be Morice Norris, who suffered a frightening head injury against the Falcons last week, and second-year man Loren Strickland.
Jake Bates will handle the kicking duties again after an impressive rookie year. Whenever the Lions decide to punt the football, the All-Pro Jack Fox will handle that task. Hogan Hatten will be the long snapper for the second year in a row, and Raymond will continue being the primary kick and punt returner in addition to his receiving tasks.
The Lions fully expect to be back in the Super Bowl mix this upcoming season. They were devastated by injuries last year, and by the time that playoff game against the Washington Commanders rolled around, over half of the defensive starters were out. Having two new coordinators would seem like a cause for concern, but both men have proven track records within the organization. If this Detroit squad is healthy at the right time, there is no reason why they cannot represent the NFC in Levi’s Stadium this coming February.
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