2025 NFL Team Preview Series: Detroit Lions
Welcome back to our 2025 NFL Team Preview Series, where we’ll dive deep into all 32 franchises ahead of the upcoming season. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a fantasy football manager, or just looking to get up to speed before kickoff, this series breaks down everything you need to know about each team’s trajectory.
For every team, we’ll cover:
- Coaching Staff & Philosophy – Who’s leading the charge, and what kind of system are they running?
- Offseason Recap – Key free-agent moves, trades, and draft picks that reshaped the roster.
- Schedule Breakdown – Matchups to watch, tough stretches, and projected win-loss record.
From Super Bowl contenders to rebuilding rosters, we’ll assess where each team stands and what lies ahead in 2025.]
Detroit Lions
Coaching Staff: New Coordinators, Same Grit
The Detroit Lions enter the 2025 season with a significant shake-up at the coordinator positions, a testament to the success of Head Coach Dan Campbell’s program. While Campbell’s unwavering leadership and “kneecap” philosophy remain the foundation, the Lions had to address the departures of both their offensive and defensive play-callers, who earned head coaching opportunities elsewhere.
Dan Campbell continues as the Head Coach, bringing his infectious energy and culture to the forefront. Under his guidance, the Lions have transformed into perennial contenders.
On offence, John Morton steps in as the new Offensive Coordinator, replacing Ben Johnson, who departed to become the Head Coach of the Chicago Bears. Morton was previously the passing game coordinator for the Denver Broncos under Sean Payton and has a long history of working with various NFL offences. His familiarity with a similar offensive philosophy should allow for a relatively smooth transition. Scottie Montgomery moves from running backs coach to Assistant Head Coach/Receivers Coach, and renowned offensive mind David Shaw joins as Passing Game Coordinator, adding a wealth of experience to the offensive staff. Tashard Choice takes over as Running Backs Coach.
Defensively, Kelvin Sheppard has been promoted to Defensive Coordinator, stepping into the shoes of Aaron Glenn, who is now the Head Coach of the New York Jets. Sheppard was previously the Lions’ linebackers coach and offers continuity within the defensive scheme. Kacy Rodgers joins as Run Game Coordinator/Defensive Line, while Shaun Dion Hamilton steps into the Linebackers Coach role.
The Special Teams unit remains under the steady hand of Dave Fipp, ensuring consistency in a crucial phase of the game.
2025 Offseason Recap: Re-signing Key Pieces, Shoring Up Secondary
The Detroit Lions’ 2025 offseason focused heavily on retaining core talent that contributed to their recent success, particularly on defence, while making strategic free-agent acquisitions and addressing immediate needs through the draft.
Key Extensions & Re-signings:
- Derrick Barnes (LB): Signed a three-year, $25.5 million deal ($16 million guaranteed), securing a key piece of the linebacker corps.
- Kerby Joseph (S): Extended on a long-term deal (reportedly over $21 million current APY), solidifying the back end of the secondary.
- Marcus Davenport (DE): Re-signed on a one-year, $4.75 million deal, retaining an important pass-rush presence.
- Dan Skipper (OT): Re-signed on a one-year deal, providing valuable offensive line depth.
- Ezekiel Turner (LB): Extended for one year, a special teams contributor.
- Levi Onwuzurike (DL): Signed a one-year, $5.5 million deal, providing interior defensive line depth.
- Tim Patrick (WR): Signed a one-year, $2.5 million deal, adding a veteran pass catcher.
- Other re-signings included RB Craig Reynolds, CB Khalil Dorsey, DE Al-Quadin Muhammad, TE Shane Zylstra, DL Myles Adams, LB Anthony Pittman, OL Kayode Awosika, LB Trevor Nowaske, OL Michael Niese, CB Morice Norris, EDGE Mitchell Agude, and OG Netane Muti.
Key Free-Agent Signings (Arrivals):
- D.J. Reed (CB): Signed a three-year, $48 million deal after being released by the Jets. Reed is expected to be a top-tier starting cornerback, providing a significant boost to a position of need.
- Roy Lopez (DT): Signed a one-year, $4.65 million deal from the Arizona Cardinals, adding depth to the defensive interior.
- Grant Stuard (LB): Signed a one-year deal from the Colts, known for his special teams prowess.
- Kenny Yeboah (TE): Signed from the Jets, adding tight end depth.
- Kyle Allen (QB): Signed from the Steelers, providing veteran backup quarterback experience.
- Avonte Maddox (CB): Signed a one-year deal from the Eagles, bringing versatility to the slot cornerback position.
- Rock Ya-Sin (CB): Signed a one-year deal from the 49ers, adding more depth at cornerback.
- Zach Cunningham (LB): Signed from the Broncos, adding veteran leadership and tackling ability to the linebacker group.
Notable Departures:
- Ben Johnson (OC): Left to become Head Coach of the Chicago Bears.
- Aaron Glenn (DC): Left to become Head Coach of the New York Jets.
- Frank Ragnow (C): The Pro Bowl center shockingly retired at age 28, leaving a massive hole on the offensive line.
- Carlton Davis III (CB): Signed a three-year, $60 million deal with the New England Patriots after one season in Detroit.
- Ifeatu Melifonwu (S): Signed with the Miami Dolphins (1 year, $3 million).
- Kevin Zeitler (G): Signed with the Tennessee Titans (1 year, $9 million), opening another starting spot on the offensive line.
- Za’Darius Smith (DE): Released by the Lions.
- Kindle Vildor (CB): Signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- John Cominsky (DL): Retired.
- Jonah Williams (DL): Signed with the New Orleans Saints.
- Other players who were unrestricted free agents and were not re-signed include QB Teddy Bridgewater, WR Allen Robinson, WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, and NT Kyle Peko.
2025 NFL Draft Class: Reinforcing Trenches, Adding Offensive Talent
The Detroit Lions’ 2025 NFL Draft class, spearheaded by General Manager Brad Holmes, focused heavily on strengthening both the offensive and defensive lines, while also infusing talent into the receiving corps. The Lions utilized multiple acquired picks to build depth and address key departures.
Here’s the full list of the Detroit Lions’ 2025 NFL Draft picks:
- Round 1, Pick 28:Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
- Analysis: Williams is a powerful interior defensive lineman known for his ability to stop the run and generate pressure. He immediately fills a need and provides a cornerstone piece for the defensive line.
- Round 2, Pick 57 (from LAR via CAR):Tate Ratledge, G, Georgia
- Analysis: With the retirement of Frank Ragnow and the departure of Kevin Zeitler, Ratledge’s selection was crucial. He’s a physical, experienced guard who can step into a starting role and help maintain the Lions’ elite offensive line performance.
- Round 3, Pick 70 (from JAX):Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Arkansas
- Analysis: A physically imposing receiver, TeSlaa brings size, contested-catch ability, and potential as a red-zone threat. He adds another dimension to the Lions’ already potent receiving corps.
- Round 5, Pick 171 (Compensatory, from DAL via NE):Miles Frazier, G, LSU
- Analysis: Another offensive line addition, Frazier provides versatility and competition on the interior. He offers developmental upside and can be groomed for future roles.
- Round 6, Pick 196 (from TB):Ahmed Hassanein, EDGE, Boise State
- Analysis: Hassanein is a high-motor edge rusher who brings burst and a relentless pursuit to the passer. He’ll compete for a rotational role and contribute on special teams.
- Round 7, Pick 230 (from ARI via CAR & DEN):Dan Jackson, S, Georgia
- Analysis: Jackson adds depth to the secondary and special teams. His physicality and instincts make him a potential developmental piece at safety.
- Round 7, Pick 244:Dominic Lovett, WR, Georgia
- Analysis: A speedy and shifty receiver, Lovett offers a different skillset from TeSlaa, excelling with quickness and YAC ability. He adds another intriguing option to the receiving room.
Key Draft Storyline: Rebuilding Trenches, Adding Diverse Offensive Weapons
The Detroit Lions’ 2025 NFL Draft class, painted a clear picture: a continued commitment to dominating the line of scrimmage, while also adding diverse talent to an already explosive offence. The draft was heavily influenced by significant offseason departures, particularly on the offensive line.
The first two picks directly addressed the trenches. Tyleik Williams (DT, Ohio State) in the first round is a physically imposing presence designed to fortify the interior defensive line, which lost some depth. His ability to anchor against the run and push the pocket is a perfect fit for Defensive Coordinator Kelvin Sheppard’s aggressive scheme. Experts lauded his pro-ready build and immediate impact potential.
Following that, Tate Ratledge (G, Georgia) was brought in with the 57th pick. His arrival is particularly critical given the unexpected retirement of Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow and the departure of veteran guard Kevin Zeitler. Ratledge’s physicality and experience in a pro-style Georgia offence make him a prime candidate to step into a starting role, aiming to maintain the Lions’ offensive line as one of the league’s best. The Lions strategically moved around the draft board to acquire this pick, demonstrating their urgency to address the interior line.
Beyond the trenches, the Lions made calculated moves to enhance their already potent passing game. The selection of Isaac TeSlaa (WR, Arkansas) in the third round provides a big-bodied receiver who can win contested catches and be a red-zone threat, complementing the skillsets of Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Later-round pick Dominic Lovett (WR, Georgia) adds another dimension with his speed and quickness, giving offensive coordinator John Morton more chess pieces to work with.
The draft also saw a focus on depth and special teams contributors across the board, with additions such as offensive lineman in Miles Frazier, an edge rusher in Ahmed Hassanein, and defensive back Dan Jackson. The overall theme was to replace lost talent, reinforce foundational strengths, and continue building a versatile, physical roster ready for a deep playoff run.
Offseason Summary: Navigating Change, Maintaining Identity
The Detroit Lions’ 2025 offseason has been a fascinating blend of continuity and significant change, as the organization looks to build on its recent successes while adapting to key personnel shifts. The most prominent changes occurred on the coaching staff, with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn both departing for head coaching jobs. Their replacements, John Morton (OC) and Kelvin Sheppard (DC), represent both external expertise and internal promotion, aiming to maintain the core schemes that have driven the team’s rise.
On the player front, the offseason was characterized by a concerted effort to retain foundational pieces. Extensions for players like linebacker Derrick Barnes and safety Kerby Joseph ensure that the core of Detroit’s tenacious defence remains intact. The team also made targeted free-agent acquisitions, with cornerback D.J. Reed being a standout signing, significantly bolstering a secondary that was sometimes vulnerable.
However, the Lions also faced notable losses. The retirement of Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow at just 28 years old is a substantial blow to one of the league’s best offensive lines. The departure of veteran guard Kevin Zeitler further emphasizes the need for internal development or unexpected contributions on the interior offensive line. Carlton Davis III’s departure and the loss of Ifeatu Melifonwu further reshaped the cornerback room, underscoring the importance of the Reed signing.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Lions doubled down on their commitment to the trenches, drafting defensive tackle Tyleik Williams in the first round and offensive lineman Tate Ratledge in the second. These picks directly address defensive line depth and the holes on the interior offensive line, signaling a desire to remain a physically dominant team. Further draft selections like wide receivers Isaac TeSlaa and Dominic Lovett also aim to sustain the offensive dynamism.
Overall, despite the “brain drain” of coordinator departures and the retirement of a cornerstone player in Ragnow, the Lions have actively worked to maintain their identity. They’ve invested heavily in the trenches, retained key defensive talent, and sought continuity in their coaching scheme. The success of the 2025 season will hinge on how seamlessly the new coordinators integrate and how well the new draft picks step into immediate roles, particularly on the offensive line. The “grit” and culture instilled by Dan Campbell will be more crucial than ever in navigating these transitions.
2025 Schedule Breakdown & Win-Loss Prediction
The Detroit Lions’ 2025 schedule is a formidable gauntlet, featuring matchups against some of the league’s top teams, a challenging divisional slate, and multiple primetime games.
- Weeks 1–6: Tough Early Tests
- Week 1: at Green Bay Packers
- Week 2: vs. Chicago Bears
- Week 3: at Baltimore Ravens (MNF)
- Week 4: vs. Cleveland Browns
- Week 5: at Cincinnati Bengals
- Week 6: at Kansas City Chiefs
Outlook: A brutal start with two NFC North road games, followed by three straight matchups against 2024 playoff teams (Ravens, Bengals, Chiefs), two of which are on the road in primetime. This stretch will immediately test the new coordinators.
Prediction: 3-3
- Weeks 7–12: NFC East & Bye Week
- Week 7: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (MNF)
- Week 8: BYE
- Week 9: vs. Minnesota Vikings
- Week 10: at Washington Commanders
- Week 11: at Philadelphia Eagles
- Week 12: vs. New York Giants
Outlook: A much-needed bye week in late October. The Buccaneers are a solid NFC opponent. The Commanders and Giants games are more favorable but bookended by a tough road primetime against the Eagles.
Prediction: 3-2 (Overall: 6-5)
- Weeks 13–18: Playoff Push & Holiday Games
- Week 13: vs. Green Bay Packers (TNF)
- Week 14: vs. Dallas Cowboys (TNF)
- Week 15: at Los Angeles Rams
- Week 16: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
- Week 17: at Minnesota Vikings (TNF)
- Week 18: at Chicago Bears
Outlook: A challenging finish, including two quick-turnaround Thursday games. Divisional rematches against the Packers and Vikings, plus tough non-conference games against the Cowboys and Steelers. The Rams game is a high-profile NFC rematch.
Prediction: 3-3
Final Record Prediction: 9-8
The Detroit Lions face a significantly tougher schedule in 2025 compared to recent years, compounded by the loss of both their offensive and defensive coordinators. While Dan Campbell’s leadership and the core talent remain strong, particularly on offence, the transition period for the new coordinators and the need to replace key offensive line pieces will be challenging. The NFC North is also becoming increasingly competitive. A 9-8 record would demonstrate continued competitiveness but suggests the Lions may take a slight step back from their 2024 high, potentially putting them on the fringe of the playoff picture.
Final Take: Roaring Ahead, With New Challenges
The Detroit Lions enter the 2025 season as one of the NFC’s most compelling teams, riding a wave of momentum from their deep playoff run.
The primary questions facing the Lions revolve around the transitions at offensive and defensive coordinator. While John Morton and Kelvin Sheppard step into big shoes, the continuity of the core offensive and defensive philosophies, combined with the retained talent, should mitigate a steep learning curve. The immediate challenge will be ensuring the offensive line remains dominant, but rookie Tate Ratledge will be shouldering a big load in the early going.
Offensively, the Lions remain loaded. Jared Goff continues to prove himself as an efficient quarterback, while Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Sam LaPorta form one of the league’s most potent fantasy trios. The complementary skills of David Montgomery, the potential of Jameson Williams, and the additions of Isaac TeSlaa and Dominic Lovett make this offence a high-scoring unit capable of competing with anyone.
Defensively, the unit is talented and aggressive, having performed well in 2024 despite injuries. The addition of veteran cornerback D.J. Reed and first-round defensive lineman Tyleik Williams suggests a commitment to shoring up weaknesses and maintaining their formidable front.
The 2025 schedule presents significant challenges, particularly early in the season. However, the Lions have proven capable of navigating tough stretches. With their leadership, strong roster, and unwavering identity, the Detroit Lions are poised to remain a strong contender in the NFC, even as they embrace new faces in critical roles.
-Devon Gallant
Twitter: @DevGallant
Photo: All-Pro Reels. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.