Marcus Davenport given ominous title prior to critical 2025 season with Lions

The Detroit Lions gambled on Marcus Davenport to boost their pass rush prior to the 2024 season, but injury got in the way early and created a big disappointment.

In the offseason, the Lions gambled again on Davenport, choosing to believe the injury was merely a freaky case of bad luck. He signed a one-year pact to return, and has his sights set on training camp after making it through OTA season.

Once the season begins, the Lions hope to get big results out of Davenport as a running mate next to a rejuvenated Aidan Hutchinson. But many still aren't sure that is what the franchise will enjoy when all is said and done.

Before the season, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox took a look at projecting every team's biggest bust for 2025. Davenport was Detroit's pick, primarily due to his lingering injury and production concerns.

"Financially, the Lions don't have a ton invested in Davenport. However, they are again banking on him being a reliable pass-rushing complement to Aidan Hutchinson. History, though, suggests that he won't be."

"Davenport appeared in just two games last year before suffering a season-ending triceps injury. He was limited to four games in 2023 by ankle injuries, and he hasn't topped five sacks in a season since 2021."

Those are ominous facts indeed, but the Lions feel convinced that given a tiny bit of health, Davenport will be able to enjoy a season similar to 2021 where he posted nine sacks, three forced fumbles and 16 quarterback hits.

Naturally, Davenport's new position coach has a much more optimistic take on his ceiling within Detroit's defense.

Kacy Rodgers encouraged by what Marcus Davenport can bring Lions' defense

Though pundits might be inclined to be pessimistic about Davenport, those who see him working every day remain optimistic about his impact. Rodgers came to Detroit as the new defensive line coach this offseason and knows that the key to the entire operation could simply be keeping Davenport healthy.

"(Health) is the number one thing I talked to him about, as a matter of fact, the first meeting (I said) I've got to do everything to help him (stay healthy). This guy's a tremendous player. If you look at his career, it's always been he's this, (or) he's injured. He is another guy that stares me in the face every meeting room that doesn't have to be (told anything). He's coming in here working and we just got to do what we can to get him through 16 (or) 17 games and see what happens. We think if he plays 17 plus games, we're going to like the results."

The most games Davenport has played was 15 during his time in New Orleans in 2022. Rodgers hinted that the key to keeping Davenport healthy and productive is likely having him as part of a rotation where pressure can be taken off of him at various points by other players.

Detroit has plenty of depth at defensive end, but they will depend on Davenport to lift a heavy load statistically. The hope is he stays healthy and delivers, but understandably, not everyone is convinced that will play out until they see it happen.