Lions Team Notes

[Detroit Lions]

Mock draft watch: Breaking down PFN's 7-rounds of Lions projections

From time to time we like to take a look at how some other places see potential solutions for the Detroit Lions. On this Sunday morning it’s a good time to look at Pro Football Network and their latest 7-round 2025 mock draft.

There are trades included in this expansive mock, but none for the Lions. At No. 28 overall in the first round, analyst Ben Rolfe projects Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams to Detroit. After noting Levi Onwuzurike’s free agency status, this quip on Williams nicely sums up exactly what many Lions fans want in the middle of the defense,

Williams boasts impressive mobility, strength, and a dominant physical profile, flashing pocket penetration, pass-rush moves, and block-shedding ability. Inconsistency has been the biggest knock on him in 2024, but in a defense alongside Alim McNeill and D.J. Reader, he has the chance to learn and develop before being called upon as a mainstay of this line.

The projections stick to the defensive line in the second round with Ole Miss EDGE Princely Umanmielen. He’s a player who has been a popular mock draft target for Detroit in this range when he’s available–which isn;t always the case. Umanmielen’s size and play strength make him a nice schematic fit for Detroit’s defense.

In the third round, it’s offense time. Maryland wideout Kaden Prather is a smart projection as a productive wideout with size, something the Lions need with Tim Patrick a free agent:

Prather combines size with agility, excelling in spatial awareness and physicality to make contested catches. He can glide through space and adjust in the air, which makes him a fringe Day 2 prospect, but one that could be a WR3 as a rookie.

Day 3 haul:

Jabbar Muhammad, CB, Oregon

Willie Lampkin, OL, North Carolina

Devin Neal, RB, Kansas

Glendon Miller, DB, Maryland

Muhammad and Lampkin share the same basic description despite playing very divergent positions; both are smart and technically proficient players who sorely lack size — Lampkin weighs just 270 as a guard/center. Neal is a nice fill-in for Craig Reynolds if he departs as a restricted free agent. Miller is a tall but lanky hybrid free safety/outside corner with great ball skills.

Related​

3 Lions land in CBS's top-100 2025 NFL free agents​

Source: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/16/lions-mock-draft-watch-pfn-tyleik-umanmielen/

 

[Detroit Lions]

Lions prospect profile: Jamaree Caldwell, DL, Oregon

It shouldn’t catch anyone by surprise if the Detroit Lions start to revamp their defensive line this off-season. They’ve attempted to add pieces through the draft and in free agency. Some of these additions just haven’t worked or haven’t given the Lions enough production to justify a contract extension.

Those players include John Cominsky, Marcus Davenport and Levi Onwuzurike. Certainly, we could see any of these players resigned on cheap one or two year deals but only time will tell. Regardless of what happens, the Lions should have interest in drafting one or two defenders for their defensive line.

This could be an edge rusher or interior defensive lineman or both. That should be preferred for Detroit. If they wait until the later part of day two or potentially the early part of day three, one player that could be an ideal fit is Oregon DL Jamaree Caldwell. Let’s dive into his scouting report for the 2025 NFL Draft!

Background Information:​

• Was not rated on any recruiting databases — began collegiate career at Hutchinson Community College. Spent one season at Independence Community College.
• Transferred to Houston and played 20 games (2022 – 2023) while recording 39 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks.
• Transferred to Oregon for 2024 season and recorded 29 tackles and five tackles for loss. Played 14 games for the Ducks.
• His uncle, Larry Werts, played for the Green Bay Packers.
• Competed at the 2025 Senior Bowl.

Measurements:​

• Height: 6’2″
• Weight: 342 pounds
• Hand Size: 9 1/2″
• Arm Length: 32 1/4″

*All measurements confirmed via the 2025 Senior Bowl*

Games Watched:​

• Boise State (2024), Michigan State (2024), Wisconsin (2024), Ohio State (2024)

Strengths:​

• Consistently plays with active hands and active feet.
• Has strong lower half to anchor and fight against blockers.
• Explosive first step for a player of his size.
• Displays good lateral quickness to navigate between gaps.
• Wins with good leverage and low pad level.

Weaknesses:​

• Lack of length could get problematic when trying to shed blocks against longer offensive lineman.
• Despite showing alignment versatility at Oregon, he could be viewed primarily as a nose tackle at the next level due to lack of pass rush production and length.
• Hand usage needs more refinement with placement and speed.

Overall:​

It’s hard to ignore Caldwell on tape and it’s not just because of his 340-pound frame. Much of it is due to the fact that he’s consistently active in taking on blocks. He finds success due to his ability to drop his hips and lower his pad level while changing direction laterally.

Whether he’s facing one blocker or multiple blockers, he gets after it every chance he gets. There’s some twitch to his game due to the quickness he possesses. That should make blocking him difficult during 1-on-1 situations at the next level.

Feels like Oregon DT 90 Jamaree Caldwell really gets after it every chance he gets. Always keeps his feet moving and puts a hand up to knock this ball down. pic.twitter.com/yUrpPUOPQP

— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) February 17, 2025

To start his career, he’s likely to be a two-down player that gets used on a rotational basis. However, there’s potential for him to develop into an every-down player if he can improve his hand speed and placement when rushing the passer. There are times that he loses ground at the point of attack and other times, he will turn his shoulders when trying to navigate towards the backfield. This forces him to get washed or puts him at a disadvantage when trying to recover.

Overall, there’s much to be desired with Caldwell’s skill set despite the limitations. His strength, lateral quickness and motor will help him see the field on early downs. It could also help him get opportunities to rush the passer in certain situations. Teams looking for an A-gap and B-gap defender that can eat up space and blockers will want to give Caldwell an opportunity.

Pairing Caldwell up with defensive tackles DJ Reader and Alim McNeill could do wonders for his career. Additionally, it would certainly help the Lions defensive line that has seen limited production from Brodric Martin. But the Lions could be without Alim McNeill and Mekhi Wingo at the start of the season due to both players recovering from torn ACL injuries.

Grade: 3rd Round (74.5 / 100.0)​

Source: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/17/lions-prospect-profile-jamaree-caldwell-scouting-report/

 

[Detroit Lions]

Lions prospect profile: Ashton Gillotte, EDGE, Louisville

The Detroit Lions under GM Brad Holmes have sought a particular type of EDGE pass rusher: heavier than 260 pounds, power-to-speed over speed-to-power, ability to play multiple spots along the defensive line, good run defender.

Ashton Gillotte checks those boxes as a 2025 NFL Draft prospect.

Ashton Gillotte, EDGE, Louisville​

• 6-foot-3, 275 pounds (listed by Louisville)
• 15.5 sacks, 88 total tackles, 22.5 TFLs in 25 games over the last two seasons
• 3-time Academic All-ACC
• Competed in CrossFit, weightlifting and track as well as football in high school
• Age unlisted, but was high school class of 2021 in Florida

Games watched: Miami FL, Clemson, Notre Dame, SMU, Pittsburgh, Kentucky, Virginia Tech (’23)

Positives​

• Very impressive power-to-speed outside rush
• Jolting initial bull-rush contact and follows it with strong leg drive
• Good finishing and tackling power
• Consistently sets a hard edge against the run and can steer the action into the hole
• Doesn’t bite on fakes or misdirection often
• Decent straight-line and backside chase speed for his size
• High-effort player on every snap; makes hustle plays and clean-up tackles all over the formation

Negatives​

• Lacks twitch and acceleration off the snap
• Has some tightness in his ankles and hips
• Needs to develop more pass-rush moves that don’t involve starting off a bull rush
• Presents his chest to blockers at times; appears to have short arms for his height (Combine/pro day to verify)
• Played too tall when kicking inside

Overall​

Gillotte is a power-based, “crush-the-can” type of EDGE the Lions have typically coveted. While he’s not long or particularly athletic, Gillotte consistently wins from a standard DE alignment against both the run and the pass.

There are times when his outstanding bull rush and high football IQ can dominate, particularly against zone-run schemes and quarterbacks who hold the ball too long. There are also times when his athletic limitations and unrefined hand usage render him ineffective. There was some growth to his technical prowess over the course of the final two seasons, so the young Gillotte still has some upside, albeit tempered with an athletic ceiling.

The Gillotte who played against Pittsburgh and Clemson should be a top-40 pick. The one who played against SMU and Notre Dame should be available when the Lions pick at the end of the third round. Split the difference and Gillotte is a player who the Lions should have some interest in with their second-round pick.

Related​

Lions prospect profile: Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State​

Source: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2025...e-ashton-gillotte-louisville-scouting-report/

 

[Detroit Lions]

Kelvin Sheppard confirms he turned down outside offers to stay with Dan Campbell

New Detroit Lions defensive coordinator, like most of the team’s coaching staff in 2024, was a hot commodity on the coaching carousel this offseason. Sheppard moved up from linebackers coach to coordinator, taking over for new Jets head coach Aaron Glenn.

In his first public interview, conducted via Dan Miller and FOX2 in Detroit, Sheppard confirmed that he had other job offers outside the Lions. He stayed for one reason: head coach Dan Campbell.

“It means everything to me,” Sheppard said of Campbell’s trust and support. “It’s the reason I chose to stay here over other opportunities. It would have been almost impossible to take another job.”

After joking that he wouldn’t leave even for a head coaching opportunity, Sheppard laid out his loyalty to Campbell.

“I owe a lot to Dan,” Sheppard said pensively. “Number one, the belief system he’s had in me since Day One when I met him in 2014 as a player … he was one of the first people who told me I should take a shot at this thing (coaching). He saw it in me as a player.”

It was a powerful answer from Sheppard, who has always been candid about his appreciation for Campbell and the Lions organization for helping him become a successful coach.

Related​

Kelvin Sheppard should earn gold star in Lions LB room resurgence​

Source: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2025...ive-coordinator-coaching-offers-dan-campbell/

 

[Detroit Lions]

Lions announce full coaching staff for 2025 with several new hires

With a week to go before the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, the Detroit Lions have formally finalized their coaching staff for the coming season. The Lions updated coaching list includes several names not previously publicly reported.

First, the full list from the Lions press release:

Among the coaches new to Detroit are offensive coordinator John Morton and defensive line coach/run game coordinator Kacy Rodgers, plus tight ends coach Tyler Roehl, running backs coach Tashard Choice, and offensive assistant Bruce Gradkowski.

Some recent additions that haven’t been widely reported or confirmed before this press release include offensive assistant Marques Tuiasosopo, offensive quality control coach Justin Mesa and defensive assistants August Mangin and Caleb Collins.

Tuiasosopo effectively fills the vacancy created when J.T. Barrett left with former OC Ben Johnson to the Chicago Bears. The former Washington quarterback has been coaching various offensive positions for over a decade, including work with the Rice QBs for the last few seasons.

Mesa has worked with wide receivers, tight ends and special teams at Washington State for the last four years and has also served as a high school head coach.

Collins is an outside LB coach, where he’s worked at Baylor since 2020. He’s a former college LB himself. Mangin comes from the San Francisco 49ers and has primarily worked with special teams and game management in his four years with San Francisco. He was a college teammate of DC Kelvin Sheppard at LSU.

Source: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2025...aching-staff-for-2025-with-several-new-hires/

 

[Detroit Lions]

Jameson Williams won't face NFL discipline for his gun incident

Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams has struggled with some unfortunate off-field issues during his time in Detroit, but the third-year wideout got cleared from another potential brush with the NFL’s disciplinary wing. Williams will not face any NFL punishment for an October incident involving a handgun found during a traffic stop in Detroit.

Dave Birkett of the Free Press reported the NFL is not pursuing any potential suspension or fine stemming from the incident.

Williams had a permit for the gun but did not have the required concealed carry permit, and that resulted in him being placed in handcuffs before he was released from custody. Williams has since obtained the proper permit. The city of Detroit did not press any charges.

That’s welcome news for a player who has previously been suspended by the NFL for performance-enhancing drugs and violation of the league’s gambling policy.

Related​

Jameson Williams covers grocery tab at convenience store for Detroit resident​

Source: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2025...lions-detroit-gun-incident-no-nfl-suspension/

 

[Detroit Lions]

Detroit Lions 2024 ACL data compared to NFL average

The dreaded ACL tear is one of the most feared NFL injuries as it entails a long recovery. The recovery timeline, which is usually around 10-11 months, will often impact the next season. Fortunately though, players will usually return to their previous level of performance with time.

There were 38 ACL tears in 2024 NFL season which averages 1.2 per team. The Lions had two ACL tears in 2024 which I recap below.

There were 38 torn ACL’s this season in the NFL…The 2nd lowest total since 2013. Here’s the numbers by season:

2024 – 38
2023 – 43
2022 – 51
2021 – 57
2020 – 42
2019 – 34
2018 – 53
2017 – 52
2016 – 49
2015 – 50
2014 – 45
2013 – 63
—————
Total – 577

— ACL Recovery Club (@ACLrecoveryCLUB) February 11, 2025

---

Alim McNeill – December 15​

Expect McNeill to start the year on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list. Look for his return sometime in November. Optimistically, October is a possibility.

Just two months prior to the ACL tear, McNeill signed a four-year contract extension worth $97 million with $55 million guaranteed that ties him to the team through the 2028 season.

The 2025 season will almost certainly be impacted by the injury and he may not be back to his usual form until the 2026 season.

Alim McNeill R knee injury video
-Uncertain on which step injury occurred but suspicion for final step landing hard on straight leg
-Postgame pessimism is concerning for ACL
-Best case would be mild bone bruise. Also possible are meniscus or other knee sprain. pic.twitter.com/RYYMkaigPt

— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) December 16, 2024

---

Malcolm Rodriguez – November 28​

There is a good chance Rodriguez starts the season on the PUP list. Look for his return sometime in October.

He is entering the final year of his 4-year rookie contract and is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent after the 2025 season.

Malcolm Rodriguez R ACL injury video
-Knee buckles inward
-Hope no asso meniscus tear
-Expect ~11mo recovery
-1yr left on rookie deal pic.twitter.com/sw74L8B2zl

— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) November 29, 2024

Source: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/20/detroit-lions-2024-acl-injury-rate-nfl-average/

 

[Detroit Lions]

Michigan State poaches the Lions front office for new administrator

For the second time in a week, the Detroit Lions are losing a front office staffer to the college football ranks.

Days after Lions Director of Scouting Advancement Mike Martin left to become the GM of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football program, the Lions are losing Director of Football Compliance Jon Dykema. He’s heading to Michigan State to join the Spartans athletic department to become MSU’s executive senior associate AD/student-athlete management and assistant general counsel.

In Detroit, Dykema’s role included overseeing the negotiations of player contracts and assisting with salary cap management. He’s been with the Lions for 15 years, serving in a variety of legal/contractual roles for Detroit.

Source: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2025...unsel-jon-dykema-michigan-state-front-office/

 

[Detroit Lions]

Detroit Lions 2024 concussion data compared to NFL average

The NFL recently released concussion data for 2024. There were 182 total concussions during the year which includes preseason, regular season, and practices. That averages out to 5.7 per team.

The Lions, by my count, had six official concussions during the 2024 season which is right at the league average.

Looking back to 2023, the Lions only had one official concussion (Penei Sewell in camp) which was markedly lower than the league average that year of 6.8.

It’s important to note that these numbers only represent officially diagnosed concussions. Many players will have strongly suspicious concussion signs on video but can avoid an official diagnosis for various reasons.

The biggest reason for a non-diagnosis is that many concussion symptoms require self-reporting. If a player chooses not to self-report symptoms, the neurologist may be reluctant or not allowed to make the diagnosis unless there are indisputable signs on exam or video.

The return-to-play data for the Lions is valuable to keep in mind going into the 2025 season as it will aide in projected return times. Here are the number of days before the six Lions played in their next game following a concussion:

• 9
• 10
• 11
• 15
• 21
• never

It’s notable that no Lion returned to play in seven days, but this may have been due more to scheduling quirks than recovery time.

Looking back two years to the 2022 season, the majority of Lions returned to play in 7 days following a concussion including Amon-Ra St. Brown, Brock Wright, DeShon Elliott, and Kerby Joseph. Whether this means the Lions are trending towards a longer recovery timeline following a concussion is hard to say for sure at this point.

Here is the list of 2024 Lions concussions:

---

Hendon Hooker – August 8 (1st preseason game)​

No video here as the moment of injury was uncertain. Hooker played nine days later in the 2nd preseason game.

---

Antoine Green – August 8 (1st preseason game)​

Green was released after the injury and has not appeared in the NFL since.

Antoine Green concussion video
-I believe concussion was not from initial hit but from his fall being interrupted by Vaki’s leg causing whiplash.
-Whiplash mechanism can cause concussions due to sudden acceleration/deceleration forcing brain to impact inside of skull. pic.twitter.com/x22mLfk8fm

— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) August 10, 2024

---

Alex Anzalone – September 15 (week 2)​

One of the friendly fire incidents of the 2024 season caused Anzalone to miss one game. He returned to play in 15 days.

Alex Anzalone concussion video. Brutal helmet shot into right jaw. pic.twitter.com/exl3YHsQjf

— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) September 15, 2024

---

Brian Branch – September 22 (week 3)​

This was an interesting case. Branch passed through the 5-step concussion protocol within a few days after the concussion and appeared set to play in the next game. However, an illness popped up late in the week, and he ended up missing the game. The missed game may have been due to a combination of illness and the recent concussion.

Many concussion symptoms can be non-specific and vague such as headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. These symptoms show up in many routine illnesses which can make attributing their root cause difficult to impossible.

Despite passing through the concussion protocol, there may have been concern he was still having post-concussion symptoms which would have made sitting him prudent.

Branch very likely would have been ready to go at the 14 day mark, but the bye delayed his return to 21 days.

Brian Branch concussion injury video
-Both players (Trey McBride) go low and both appear to try to lead with shoulder. Unfortunately, helmets collide and both suffered concussions. pic.twitter.com/4umy12naDM

— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) September 25, 2024

---

Alim McNeill – December 5 (week 14)​

Officially, the injury was reported as a “head” during the game, not a concussion. McNeill had a suspected TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issue earlier in the year so there was suspicion it could be related to that.

After the game, he was then diagnosed with a concussion. The next Lions game was in 10 days in which he played and unfortunately tore his ACL.

Alim McNeill R jaw injury videos
-Suspicion for chronic TMJ. Nerve pain, other things also possible.
-11/23/23: Hard hit to R jaw. Down for a while. No concussion diagnosis.
-11/10/24: Definite R TMJ symptoms
-12/5/24: Officially “head” injury, not concussion. Jaw/TMJ again? pic.twitter.com/CyBjmCYunX

— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) December 6, 2024

---

Trevor Nowaske – December 11 (practice of week 15)​

Nowaske missed one game and returned to play in 11 days.

---

---

Here is the official NFL concussion data since 2015:

Source: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2025...2024-concussion-data-compared-to-nfl-average/

 

[Detroit Lions]

Lions mock draft 3.0: Pre-Combine edition

The NFL calendar speeds into the Scouting Combine for the final week of February. With everyone who’s anyone heading to Indianapolis for the annual scouting extravaganze and de facto NFL meetings, it’s a good time to reset the Detroit Lions with another mock draft.

No trades in this one, but there are a couple of conditions to help set up the roster and needs. Before the draft scenario here, the Lions re-signed CB Carlton Davis and LB Derrick Barnes as free agents, but saw DL Levi Onwuzurike, EDGE Marcus Davenport and S Ifeatu Melifonwu depart as free agents and RG Kevin Zeitler retire.

The first mock draft scenario can be found here.
The post-Senior Bowl mock draft is here.

With an emphasis on players who fit the Lions football culture and expected schemes, as well as reasonable expectations of being available at the draft slots, here’s how this third Lions mock draft of the offseason plays out.

Source: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/detroit-lions-mock-draft-3-0-pre-combine-edition/

 

[Detroit Lions]

Lions grab one of nation's sacks leaders in The Athletic's beat writer mock draft

Draft season is heating up with the Scouting Combine happening next week in Indianapolis. 329 draft prospects will be in town to get interviewed and evaluated. Draft boards and free agency will start to take shape. So, too, will mock drafts. Even more so than they are now.

A recent one came from the beat writers over at The Athletic. Each writer made a pick for their respective teams as they went through the first round. At No. 28, beat writer Colton Pouncy gave the Lions some help at defensive end by taking Donovan Ezeiruaku of Boston College.

In Ezeiruaku, the Lions would get one of the most productive players at the position from last season. His 16.5 sacks were second in the nation to Mike Green of Marshall — Green was taken at No. 10 by the Chicago Bears in this mock.

Here’s what Pouncy said about the pick: “For years, the Lions have not been able to provide Aidan Hutchinson with a true running mate. Josh Paschal has been more of a quality rotational piece than a starter. Marcus Davenport played two games for Detroit last year. And while Za’Darius Smith could be brought back in 2025, he’s closer to the end of his career than the beginning. This is where Ezeiruaku can step in. He was highly productive in his final year at Boston College with 16.5 sacks. He has long arms and should be able to hold his own in the run game. Most importantly, he can win a one-on-one quickly. The Lions should be looking to collect pass rushers, especially after their depth was tested last season. Here’s a young one who can help.”

Their depth was certainly tested last season. Hutchinson led the team in sacks with 7.5 and he was lost for the season in Week 6. Ezeiruaku is going to be among the favorites in the draft community during this cycle and should absolutely be on the Lions’ radar in April.

An error has occured​

Please re-enter your email address.

Thanks for signing up!​

You'll now receive the top Lions Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.

Source: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2025...rojection-the-athletic-beat-writer-ezeiruaku/

 

[Detroit Lions]

Lions had two of the best receivers in league on 3rd downs in 2024

Third down is the money down in football. It’s about moving the chains or punching the ball in the end zone, depending on the situation. This is where offenses and, almost more specifically, wide receivers, make their money. In 2024, two Lions receivers did just that.

In a stat provided by The 33rd Team, the Lions had two of the top ten wide receivers last season in terms of highest expected points added (EPA) on third down. That includes the very top of the list in Amon-Ra St. Brown.

The most clutch WRs on 3rd down last season

pic.twitter.com/ggQhrJ366z

— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) February 20, 2025

St. Brown had a total EPA of +42.7 on third down, which was far and away the best total among all wide receivers. Next on the list was Terry McLaurin of the Washington Commanders at +29.1. St. Brown had 31 receptions for 412 yards and five touchdowns on third down. Only Wan’Dale Robinson (Giants) had more catches (34) and Courtland Sutton (Broncos) had more yards (452).

St. Brown was tied with six other players for the most touchdowns on third down. Those players were Justin Jefferson (Vikings), Quentin Johnston (Chargers), George Kittle (49ers), McLaurin, Brian Thomas (Jaguars) and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (Titans).

In addition to St. Brown being on the list, Jameson Williams also cracked the top ten with a +19.2 EPA on third down. Williams caught 14 passes for 200 yards and four touchdowns on third downs.

The Lions were fourth in the NFL in overall third-down conversion rate (46.98%). Clutch play from St. Brown and Williams were a key reason why.

An error has occured​

Please re-enter your email address.

Thanks for signing up!​

You'll now receive the top Lions Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.

Source: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/20/detroit-lions-st-brown-jamo-williams-third-down-epa-stats/