The latest 2025 mock draft by Jeff Risdon has the Lions selecting Derrick Harmon, DT from Oregon. From a health perspective, this would be an excellent addition to the team. During his college career, Harmon has been extremely reliable with no apparent significant injuries. This reliability is especially important when you look at the current state of the Lions defensive tackle room which has every key returning player carrying age or significant medical concerns.
The addition of Harmon would align with what the Lions have already done this offseason. The team's most significant defensive line addition was Roy Lopez (1-year / $3.5m guaranteed, up to $4.65m) who has been very healthy throughout his career.
Let's take a look at the data on the key players at defensive tackle heading into 2025. All ages are at the start of next season.
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Potential 2025 draft pick
Derrick Harmon (age 21)
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2024: Played 14 of 14 games
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2023: Played 12 of 12 games
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2022: Played 12 of 12 games
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Major offseason addition
Roy Lopez (age 28)
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2024: Ankle, missed 1 game. Played 16 of 17 games.
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2023: Hamstring during preseason and waived. Played 14 of 17 games.
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2022: Played 17 of 17 games.
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2021: Played 16 of 17 games.
The Lions added a healthy, free agent under the age of 30 in Lopez who has been extremely reliable in his four-year NFL career with no significant injuries.
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Returning Lions defensive tackles
Alim McNeill (age 25) - starter
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2024 December 15: Right ACL tear
McNeill is an elite player at a young age, but his ACL injury will impact next season. Given the late-season timing of the injury, expect a return around late October or November. Even when he returns, he may not be back to his usual self until the late 2025 season or even the 2026 season.
DJ Reader (age 31) - starter
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2023 December 16: Right quad tear
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2020 Left quad tear
Reader had a healthy 2024 season playing in 16 of 18 games. He only missed one game due to a left shoulder injury. But his advancing age along with history of bilateral quad tears is concerning for future reliability.
Levi Onwuzurike (age 27)
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2022 L5-S1 spinal fusion, missed entire season.
The lumbar fusion carries long-term reliability concerns. Last season, Onwuzurike displayed excellent availability missing only one game due to a hamstring. Despite the strong season, he was only able to secure a modest 1-year contract ($3.5 million guaranteed up to $5.5 million) as an unrestricted free agent which suggests that teams across the league share reliability concerns going forward.
Mekhi Wingo (age 22)
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2024 November 28: Right knee
This 6th-round rookie had his season ended due to an unspecified right knee injury. While the injury is not an ACL, it is still significant and expected to be a 5-6 month recovery.
Pat O'Connor (age 31)
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2025 January 5: Calf strain
His season ended in the regular season finale due to a calf injury, but he should be ready for next season. His age is a concern though.
Brodric Martin (age 26)
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2024 August 24: Right knee hyperextension
The Lions traded up into the 2023 3rd-round to draft Martin, but early returns are disappointing. He only played two games in 2024 and was a healthy inactive for six games. It's uncertain if the knee injury is having long-term effects.
