As the Detroit Lions gear up for their first training camp practice later this month, the roster battles are already heating up. With expectations sky-high following a 15-2 regular season in 2024, every roster spot matters. Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have built one of the most talented teams in the NFL, and that means several quality players are likely to be cut.
Here’s our pre-training camp prediction for the Lions’ 53-man roster heading into the 2025 NFL season.
Predicting the 2025 Detroit Lions 53-Man Roster
Quarterbacks (2)
In: Jared Goff, Hendon Hooker
Out: Kyle Allen
Jared Goff is the entrenched starter, and Hendon Hooker has the developmental upside Detroit covets. Allen is the odd man out unless injuries strike.
Running Backs (4)
In: Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Craig Reynolds, Sione Vaki
Out: Kye Robichaux, Anthony Tyus III
The top trio is set, but Vaki’s versatility and special teams upside give him the edge for RB4.
Wide Receivers (6)
In: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Tim Patrick, Kalif Raymond, Isaac TeSlaa, Ronnie Bell
Out: Dominic Lovett, Jakobie Keeney-James, Tom Kennedy, Jackson Meeks, Malik Taylor
TeSlaa has impressed early, and Bell edges out the rest of the bubble group. Lovett’s slide is surprising, but he may be destined for the practice squad.
Tight Ends (3)
In: Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, Kenny Yeboah
Out: Luke Deal, Zach Horton, Shane Zylstra
LaPorta is a rising star. Wright and Yeboah round out a room that blends blocking and pass-catching.
Offensive Line (11)
In: Graham Glasgow, Tate Ratledge, Christian Mahogany, Penei Sewell, Taylor Decker, Trystan Colon, Dan Skipper, Miles Frazier, Giovanni Manu, Kayode Awosika, Jamarco Jones
Out: Kingsley Eguakun, Mason Miller, Michael Niese, Netane Muti, Colby Sorsdal
The Lions go heavy on the offensive line with positional flexibility and injury insurance in mind.
Defensive Line (6)
In: DJ Reader, Roy Lopez, Levi Onwuzurike, Tyleik Williams, Mekhi Wingo, Brodric Martin
Out: Keith Cooper Jr., Myles Adams, Pat O’Connor, Chris Smith, Raequan Williams
PUP: Alim McNeill
McNeill’s recovery timeline keeps him on PUP for now. Rookie Tyleik Williams could see meaningful early snaps.
EDGE (4)
In: Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, Josh Paschal, Ahmed Hassanein
Out: Al-Quadin Muhammad, Mitchell Agude, Nate Lynn, Isaac Ukwu
Hutchinson headlines the group, and Hassanein cracks the 53 based on developmental upside and preseason potential.
Linebackers (5)
In: Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Grant Stuard, Zach Cunningham
Out: Anthony Pittman, DaRon Gilbert, Trevor Nowaske, Zeke Turner
PUP: Malcolm Rodriguez
Rodriguez begins the year on PUP, opening the door for veteran Zach Cunningham to provide rotational experience.
Cornerbacks (5)
In: Terrion Arnold, D.J. Reed, Ennis Rakestraw, Amik Robertson, Rock Ya-Sin
Out: Khalil Dorsey, Stantley Thomas-Oliver
Arnold and Rakestraw headline a young, deep cornerback room. Robertson and Ya-Sin offer experience and insurance.
Safeties (4)
In: Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch, Avonte Maddox, Dan Jackson
Out: Erick Hallett, Ian Kennelly, Loren Strickland, Morice Norris
Branch returns as a Pro Bowler, and rookie Dan Jackson earns a spot over Erick Hallett for his range and special teams ability.
Specialists (3)
In: Hogan Hatten (LS), Jack Fox (P), Jake Bates (K)
The Bottom Line
This is what happens when you build a real contender. Guys with NFL talent, and in some cases, actual upside, are going to get cut. That’s not just a front office flex, it’s a culture shift. Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have assembled a roster where even bubble players could probably suit up for half the league. There will be surprises. There will be camp darlings. And somebody who’s currently “out” on this list will almost definitely be catching a touchdown or making a key stop come November. That’s just how this goes now in Detroit.