The Detroit Lions kicked off training camp just over a week ago as they begin preparations for the 2025 NFL season.
Right now, the Lions' main goal is just to get through camp and the preseason without any more major injuries. They’ve already taken some hits on that front—and camp is only getting started.
Working around the early injuries, here’s a Lions 53-man roster prediction based on how things stand.
Quarterback (2): Jared Goff, Hendon Hooker
Hooker will need to fend off Kyle Allen for the QB2 job, but that shouldn’t be much of a challenge. This position group is pretty cut and dry.
Running Back (4): Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Craig Reynolds, Sione Vaki
Detroit’s top four backs are set. Gibbs and Montgomery were a dangerous one-two punch last season, and they’re hoping to take it up another notch in 2025.
Wide Receiver (6): Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Tim Patrick, Kalif Raymond, Isaac TeSlaa, Dominic Lovett
The Lions used a third-round pick on TeSlaa, and he joins an already solid group of locks. The most interesting battle will be for WR6—Lovett gets the edge here for now.
Tight End (3): Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, Shane Zylstra
LaPorta is a star, and Wright is a reliable backup. Zylstra has a leg up on Kenny Yeboah for TE3, though that could tighten up in camp.
Offensive Line (9): Penei Sewell, Dan Skipper, Giovanni Manu, Graham Glasgow, Christian Mahogany, Tate Ratledge, Miles Frazier, Kayode Awosika, Taylor Decker
Decker and Frazier are both currently on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. The hope is Decker returns shortly after the Hall of Fame Game. Frazier could miss time to start the year, opening a path for someone like Michael Niese to grab a spot.
Defensive Line (10): Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, Josh Paschal, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Ahmad Hassanein, DJ Reader, Tyleik Williams, Roy Lopez, Mekhi Wingo, Pat O’Connor
Injuries have hit this unit hard. Alim McNeil may open the season on the PUP list with his ACL recovery, and Levi Onwuzurike is already out for the year. Depth will be key, and opportunities are wide open.
Linebacker (6): Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Grant Stuard, Trevor Nowaske, Ezekiel Turner
Malcolm Rodriguez will likely begin the season on the PUP list. Even without him, this is still a solid and experienced linebacker room.
Cornerback (6): Terrion Arnold, D.J. Reed, Amik Robertson, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Khalil Dorsey, Rock Ya-Sin
There’s a good chance the Lions roll with five here, but I’m slotting in Rock Ya-Sin to round it out. If they do cut down to five corners, they could add a fifth safety instead.
Safety (4): Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, Avonte Maddox, Dan Jackson
Branch and Joseph form one of the best safety duos in the league. Maddox gives them veteran flexibility, and Jackson adds developmental upside.
Specialists (3): Jack Fox, Jake Bates, Hogan Hatten
No surprises here. All three spots are set with no competition currently on the roster.
The Lions dazzled with last year's 15-win performance, leaving time to tell if the projected 53-man squad is good enough to replicate that success.