The Detroit Lions have officially called time on the 2025 NFL Draft, and the recent influx of new young draftees like Tyleik Williams in the first round and Tate Ratledge in the second is exactly what Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes needed in 2025.
The Lions' depth chart is almost sparkling from top to bottom, as there are very few areas that can be construed as a genuine area of weakness for this team. After a 15-2 season in 2025, the Lions will be back on the hunt for yet another shot at their first ever Lombardi Trophy.
With Detroit now locked and loaded for a season that could keep their championship window creaking open, it is time to take stock of this overall roster.
Early Detroit Lions 53-man roster prediction
Quarterback (3): Jared Goff, Henden Hooker, Kyle Allen
This one is basically locked in. Goff is one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and Detroit seems more than comfortable moving forward with Hooker as the long-term backup.
Running Back (4): Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Craig Reynolds, Sione Vaki
This is one of the best and deepest running back rooms in the league. Gibbs is a Top 5 back in the league, and Montgomery is capable of hitting 1,000 yards again. Both Reynolds and converted safety Vaki could play roles as backups on this roster.
Wide Receiver (6): Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Tim Patrick, Isaac TeSlaa, Kalif Raymond, Dominic Lovett
This is a very thin position group, but the top two of St. Brown and Williams are so electric by themselves that Detroit should feel confident in turning them into a solid unit. TeSlaa is a risk, but the Lions seemingly expect to see him contribute early in his career.
Tight End (3): Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, Kenny Yeboah
LaPorta is an elite starter who could become an All-Pro target if he bounces back in 2025. Wright is likely the top backup, and Yeboah has a higher receiving upside than Shane Zylstra if that is the trait that determines the TE3 competition.
Offensive Tackle (5): Penei Sewell, Taylor Decker, Giovanni Manu, Dan Skipper, Colby Sorsdal
Sewell is the best right tackle in the game, and Decker's consistent play gives Goff a pair of tackles Lions fans can feel extremely secure in starting. There's value in Skipper as a versatile backup swing tackle, and Manu's freakish physical tools are worth developing.
Interior Offensive Line (5): Frank Ragnow, Graham Glasgow, Tate Ratledge, Christian Mahogany, Miles Frazier
The biggest hole in Detroit's mighty offensive line was losing right guard Kevin Zeitler, but the selection of Ratledge should be more than enough to plug that gap. Frazier could be an enticing backup.
Defensive Line (5): Alim McNeil, DJ Reader, Tyleik Williams, Levi Onwuzurike, Roy Lopez
All five of these players can be quality starters at the NFL level. Williams has such a high ceiling that he will likely force Reader out of the starting lineup in the near future.
Edge Rusher (5): Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, Josh Paschal, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Ahmed Hassanein
Edge rusher might be the biggest area of weakness on this roster, as they are banking on the perpetually disappointing Paschal and the injured Davenport to effectively give Hutchinson some support.
Linebacker (5): Jack Campbell, Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes, Grant Stuard, Malcolm Rodriguez
It's hard to find a trio of inside linebackers in the NFC with a higher ceiling than the still ascending Campbell, reliable Anzalone, and recently extended Barnes on the interior.
Cornerback (6): DJ Reed, Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson, Avonte Maddox, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Rock Ya-Sin
Assuming that Reed can translate his success as a No. 2 cornerback with the Jets into becoming a No. 1 cornerback and that Rakestraw comes back from his injury, the Lions could go from good to great.
Safety (3): Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, Dan Jackson
Branch and Joseph continue to get better as the years tick on, though it might behoove Detroit to eventually get some extra depth oitside of rookie non-Combine invite Dan Jackson.
Special Teams (3): Jake Bates, Jack Fox, Hogan Hatten
This unit isn't too scary, but Fox and Bates are both quality starters.
