The Detroit Lions enter training camp with one of the most complete rosters they’ve fielded in years, but with depth comes the inevitability of difficult decisions. As we project the final 53-man roster, it’s clear that while some positions are locked in, others will be decided in the heat of camp battles. Familiar faces are back to chase unfinished business, but there are also farewells to fan favorites who helped shape the current culture. The core of this Lions team remains intact, but subtle roster tweaks and draft-day gambles could define the next phase of Detroit’s ascent.
At quarterback, Jared Goff remains the clear-cut starter, entering his third full season as the offensive leader. The Lions have shown faith in Goff through his steady play and poise under pressure. There’s no real threat to his job this year, though the team is closely watching the competition for the backup spot. Kyle Allen was signed in free agency and brings steady veteran experience. However, Hendon Hooker, who is now fully recovered from the ACL tear that sidelined him for most of last season, is pushing hard for the role. Hooker has the advantage of mobility and upside, but Allen may get the edge due to his familiarity with NFL speed. There’s a possibility Detroit carries both, but if the numbers get tight, one may end up on the practice squad.
Running back is a position of strength, led by the electric Jahmyr Gibbs and the bruising but efficient David Montgomery. The Lions have one of the league’s best one-two punches in the backfield. Gibbs brings home-run potential on every touch, while Montgomery thrives between the tackles and in pass protection. The third running back spot is less secure. Craig Reynolds, a reliable special-teamer and hard-nosed runner, has filled the role before and remains a favorite in the locker room. However, rookie Sione Vaki, who also has experience playing safety, is intriguing because of his versatility and receiving ability. It’s possible the Lions keep both if Vaki can contribute meaningfully on special teams.
Wide receiver is deeper than it’s been in years. Amon-Ra St. Brown, fresh off a Pro Bowl season, is the centerpiece of the passing attack. Jameson Williams is expected to take a major step forward, and his deep-threat ability offers something no other Lions receiver quite replicates. Tim Patrick, returning from injury, provides size and experience on the outside and should be a reliable target. Kalif Raymond remains a valuable utility man who can play inside or outside and also return punts. Behind them, young receivers like Antoine Green and Isaac TeSlaa are battling for the final spots. TeSlaa has flashed strong hands and body control during offseason workouts, while Green has shown promise as a deep-ball threat. Donovan Peoples-Jones, acquired last season, hasn’t done enough to lock down a spot, though his size and special teams value make him a bubble player worth monitoring through camp.
Tight end is another position where the Lions are stronger than they’ve been in years. Sam LaPorta quickly emerged as one of the best young tight ends in the league, with a strong all-around game that includes route running, yards after the catch, and blocking. Brock Wright provides a steady veteran presence and can line up in multiple roles. The battle for the third tight end slot will be heated. Shane Zylstra offers size and toughness, James Mitchell still has potential as a receiving threat, and Parker Hesse brings blocking ability with some fullback flexibility. It’s likely the team keeps three, with the final spot determined by special teams performance and positional versatility.
The offensive line has long been a strength in Detroit, but Frank Ragnow’s surprise retirement in June created a hole at center that needs addressing. Graham Glasgow is expected to slide into that role, with Kevin Zeitler and rookie Christian Mahogany battling for guard spots. Tackles Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker remain elite bookends. Depth will be a focus, especially with several rookies and fringe veterans vying for backup spots. Kayode Awosika, Colby Sorsdal, and Dan Skipper all offer guard/tackle flexibility and are known quantities. Newcomers Giovanni Manu and Tate Ratledge will push them, with Manu in particular drawing attention due to his physical upside. The team will likely keep nine or ten linemen, especially given the importance of continuity and injury protection.
Defensively, the front four features some new faces and breakout potential. Aidan Hutchinson is the unquestioned leader of the defensive line, coming off a Pro Bowl year. Opposite him, Marcus Davenport was brought in to add veteran pass-rush ability and will start if healthy. Josh Paschal has quietly become an important rotational piece, while second-year edge James Houston is looking to rebound after a foot injury derailed his 2024 season. On the interior, D.J. Reader and Alim McNeill are the projected starters, though McNeill’s recovery from ACL surgery could delay his return. Rookie Tyleik Williams is poised to earn early snaps with his quickness and strength, while Roy Lopez and Levi Onwuzurike provide depth. Mekhi Wingo, another rookie, offers pass-rushing upside and may crack the rotation if he can show consistency in camp.
At linebacker, the Lions return Alex Anzalone and Jack Campbell as the starters. Campbell, entering year two, is expected to take a leap forward in both play recognition and physicality. Derrick Barnes re-signed on a multi-year deal and will remain heavily involved in early-down work. Zach Cunningham was signed to solidify depth and will likely be one of the primary backups. Grant Stuard and Anthony Pittman offer special teams experience and versatility. Malcolm Rodriguez, once seen as a potential starter, could begin the season on the physically unable to perform list due to lingering injury concerns. If healthy, he’ll factor into the rotation.
The secondary is arguably the most improved unit on the roster. The team acquired Carlton Davis in a trade to give the defense a true outside corner with man coverage skills. Rookie Terrion Arnold, the team’s first-round pick, is penciled in as the starter opposite him. D.J. Reed, a key free agent acquisition, will provide veteran depth and can play both inside and outside. Ennis Rakestraw, another rookie, and Amik Robertson will push for the nickel role, while Khalil Dorsey’s speed and special teams ability may earn him a spot as the fifth or sixth corner. The Lions have not had this kind of talent at corner in recent years, and the added competition should elevate the entire group.
Safety remains a blend of youth and experience. Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch form the starting tandem. Joseph continues to evolve into a ball-hawking free safety, while Branch’s versatility and tackling make him an ideal fit for defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s system. Avonte Maddox, signed in the offseason, is shifting from corner to safety and brings toughness and instincts that should help solidify the backend. Rookie Dan Jackson, a late-round pick, is fighting to stay on the roster and will need to show up on special teams to do so. Ifeatu Melifonwu, once a third-round pick, is clinging to a roster spot but hasn’t made a consistent enough impact to be assured a place. This will be one of the tightest battles in camp.
The special teams unit is mostly settled. Punter Jack Fox remains one of the best in the league, and long snapper Hogan Hatten is reliable. Kicker Jake Bates, signed after a strong spring showing, enters camp as the likely starter, though he’ll need to maintain consistency to avoid late preseason competition. Bates has big-leg potential, and Detroit is hoping they’ve finally solved the kicking carousel that has plagued them in recent seasons.
As always, there are difficult decisions to make when it comes to the final few roster spots. The Lions have assembled one of their most competitive 90-man rosters in decades, and several players who flash in preseason may not make the final cut. Some of those players—like wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones, linebacker Trevor Nowaske, or safety C.J. Moore—may be stashed on the practice squad if they clear waivers. Rookies like Isaac TeSlaa, Sione Vaki, and Dan Jackson will need to impress not just in camp but on special teams to solidify their roles. Injury returns like that of Malcolm Rodriguez and Alim McNeill will also complicate decisions as the team balances immediate availability with long-term value.
Ultimately, this projection highlights a roster with few true weaknesses. The offense is loaded with playmakers and anchored by a top-tier offensive line. The defense has more speed and depth than it has in years, particularly in the secondary and on the interior line. The front office has done a commendable job of balancing proven veterans with high-upside rookies, and head coach Dan Campbell now has the tools to build off last year’s playoff success. While some familiar names won’t make the cut, the goal remains clear: field the best 53 to bring a championship-caliber football team back to Detroit.
