Strengthen roster post-2025 Draft: Proposed actions for the Lions
Detroit Lions due for more shakeups after a peculiar NFL Draft
Hey there! Let's talk about the wild 2025 NFL Draft adventure that the Detroit Lions experienced. After a series of trades, the Lions ended up with seven new players, but still questions remain as they look to the free agency period.
The Lions kicked things off with offensive tackle Tyleik Williams in the first round. Soon after, they engaged in three trades, nabbing guard Tate Ratledge, receiver Isaac TeSlaa, and guard Miles Frazier in rounds two, three, and five. Completing the draft, they selected edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein, safety Dan Jackson, and receiver Dominic Lovett with their final picks.
Brad Holmes' aggressive moves during the draft sparked excitement and confusion in equal measure. While TeSlaa's selection drew controversy - partly because it cost the Lions two third-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft - the incoming rookies were, generally, well-received.
Amidst all this, the Lions' offseason has been filled with changes. Following a loss in the 2025 playoffs, Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn left their head coaching positions. The team retained the core of its roster, but also saw the departure of Kevin Zeitler, Carlton Davis III, Ifeatu Melifonwu, and Kindle Vildor to free agency.
With organized team activities, OTAs, and minicamps just around the corner, Holmes still has moves to make before rounding out the Lions' roster.
More pass-rush support needed
Aidan Hutchinson's career took off when he joined the league, becoming one of the top edge rushers right away. But a gruesome broken leg could have derailed his trajectory. In 2024, Hutchinson managed 7.5 sacks in just five games. Moreover, without him, the Lions struggled to pressure the quarterback, with Hutchinson's 7.5 sacks still leading the team despite his absence for 12 games.
To support Hutchinson, the Lions need additions to their pass-rushing unit. Regardless, Za'Darius Smith, who the Lions chose not to re-sign, remains a free agent option. What's more, the Lions boast $42 million in cap space[1], offering them flexibility to chase a bigger target.
A veteran presence at guard needed
The departure of Kevin Zeitler left a void on the Lions' offensive line. Although Brad Holmes has made efforts to address the position through the draft, the absence of a veteran presence lingers. Detroit's two new guards, Ratledge and Frazier, have the potential to become vital parts of the team's renowned offensive line. However, with the Lions' current roster outlook, they may find themselves thrust into starting roles as soon as Week 1.
While Detroit's offensive line coach, Hank Fraley, has been instrumental in developing talented blockers, Holmes needs to provide him with additional, experienced help. Potential mid-level veterans, such as Jon Feliciano or Cody Whitehair, could fill this role on a one or two-year deal.
A cornerback acquisition crucial
The loss of Aaron Glenn leads to the promotion of Kelvin Sheppard as the new head coach. The Lions' defense maintained its top rankings in man coverage rate under Glenn. With Glenn's man-to-man approach likely to persist, losing Carlton Davis III could prove significant. Davis was one of the best cornerbacks in man-to-man coverage.
Detroit's defensive backfield could use some reinforcement beyond D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, and Avonte Maddox. The team has shown interest in adding depth to the secondary[2], as demonstrated by their first-round pick, Terrion Arnold, in the 2024 NFL Draft. In the current free agency market, players like Kendall Fuller, Asante Samuel Jr., Rasul Douglas, and James Bradberry could be strong fits for the Lions' defense.
[1] Over the Cap[2] Detroit Lions Draft Analysis and NFL Draft Prospects, CBS Sports, April 2024, 〈https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/detroit-lions-2024-nfl-draft-analysis-nfl-draft-prospects-whats-next-for-the-lions-in-the-offseason/〉[3] FootballOutsiders, October 2024, 〈https://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/team-ranks/2024/passing-defense-unit-rankings〉[4] Pro Football Focus, August 2024, 〈https://www.pro-football-focus.com/nfl/rankings/top-50-cornerbacks-based-on-2024-performance/#table-q19241p〉
- Ze'Darius Smith, as a free agent and a veteran pass-rusher, could provide much-needed support for Aidan Hutchinson, whose performance was impactful before his injuries.
- With Kevin Zeitler's departure, the Lions require a veteran presence on their offensive line to bolster the development of the rookie guards Tate Ratledge and Miles Frazier.
- The loss of head coach Aaron Glenn and cornerback Carlton Davis III potentially weakens Detroit's man-to-man defense, making it crucial for the Lions to acquire a cornerback such as Kendall Fuller, Asante Samuel Jr., Rasul Douglas, or James Bradberry to fill the void.
- The Detroit Lions' success in the 2026 playoffs may rest on key roster changes, as Holmes continues to target additional free agents and trades to secure pass-rushing talent, optimal offensive line depth, and a reliable cornerback for the upcoming season.
