The Detroit Lions battled numerous injuries to their defense last season, which resulted in an early exit in the playoffs and a busy offseason. The spring and summer saw the Lions prioritize bolstering depth, and now that the 2025 NFL regular season is here, it's time for Detroit's new faces to prove themselves when it matters.
One of those additions was defensive lineman Roy Lopez, who played for the Arizona Cardinals last year. Lopez is coming off a solid season for the Cardinals, recording four tackles for loss and one sack, receiving a 54.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.
Unlike last season, Lopez will serve as a backup DL behind D.J. Reader and Tyleik Williams. If Lopez is to remain a part of the Lions’ crowded defensive line, he must have an immediate impact in the first month of play.
Lions DL Roy Lopez Must Have Start Season Strong
Lopez will be spending the 2025 season on a one-year contract, which means he must have a strong showing if he wants to get paid in March. With that in mind, the Lions' first four games will give him plenty of opportunities to prove himself.
The Lions' defense will start this season with an early test, playing against the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, Baltimore Ravens, and Cleveland Browns. Both the Packers and Ravens offensive lines were among the league’s best in protecting the quarterback, while the Bears and Browns were the two worst. Still, the latter two teams will be hungry to prove a point early on.
Although Lopez had only one sack on fifteen hurries, he received a 67.4 pass rush grade, according to PFF, ranking him 42nd among 220 defensive tackles. He posted 18 quarterback pressures, which will be crucial to the Lions' defense, as they ranked 23rd in sacks last season (37).
Because Lopez will start the season as a rotational player, he must make the most of his reps if he’s to increase his playtime. He’ll be competing with Mekhi Wingo and Pat O’Connor for playing time while Alim McNeill is sidelined. Any plays, good or bad, can and will be used against him.
If Lopez can generate pressure against these teams, he’ll not only increase his playing time but also enhance the likelihood of earning a new contract with the Lions in the offseason. Needless to say, Detroit fans will be watching him closely until September is over.