News Lions Team Notes

[Detroit Lions]

NFL Draft 2025: Why the Detroit Lions should select Mykel Williams

Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Why the Detroit Lions should draft—and even trade up for—Georgia EDGE Mykel Williams in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The way things currently stand, it’s quite possible the Detroit Lions are prepared to start Marcus Davenport opposite Aidan Hutchinson in Week 1. But as we all know, that is a precarious game to play for the Lions. While Davenport plays the exact style they want out of an edge-setting defensive end, injuries have limited him to six games over the past two seasons, and he hasn’t had a productive year since 2021. Even if he turns it around this year, he’ll be 29 in the first month of the season. He’s not a long-term answer.

That’s exactly why the Detroit Lions should draft Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams with their first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Previously:

• Why the Lions should draft DT Kenneth Grant
• Why the Lions should draft DT Derrick Harmon
• Why the Lions should draft LB Jihaad Campbell

Ideal measurables​

Mykel Williams doesn’t just fit the prototype of a big and tall edge defender at 6-foot-5, 260 (to 280) pounds. His arm length of 34.4 inches and wingspan of 82.88 inches allows him to keep offensive linemen at bay and maintain his focus on the backfield. That size and length show up on the tape with his elite ability to stop the run. Check it out yourself:

Mykel Williams doesn't seem to have many fans at this point but his ability as a run defender gives him such a high floor pic.twitter.com/BRikdyT3xW

— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) April 16, 2025​

But there’s so much more meat on the bone the Lions could use. Williams didn’t participate in every on-field drill, but his 4.77 40-yard dash and 1.67 10-yard split suggest there’s plenty of speed and explosion to suggest he’s capable of unlocking more pass rushing skills that he may not have displayed in college.

Violent playstyle ​

Here’s how former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn explained how Davenport fit the defense:

“He’s a violent, he’s a physical, he’s an athletic big man that play the game the right way. So you’re absolutely right – if you’ve got a guy like that that can bull rush and that can condense the pocket, that allows Hutch and other guys to go to work, and we expect that.”

Compare that with this profile of Williams, via The Ringer’s Danny Kelly:

“He’s a versatile defender, capable of lining up at multiple spots, and he flashes good leverage and power when playing over the tackle or on the interior. Against the run, Williams stacks blockers and gets them onto their heels, controlling the rep with length and leverage. He sets the edge with authority, hustles from snap to whistle, and tackles consistently”

He not only welcomes contact, he dominates it. If you’re trying to throw a pulling tight end his way, thoughts and prayers.

#13 Mykel Williams could have a highlight tape of just him denting pullers. On the rep as a 6T, he locks his arm out at the point & anchors the TE's downblock while keying the RB. Then, he takes on the wrap man himself & sticks him at the point. Nothing but power.#NFL #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/NRu53Mk39k

— Charlie Prio (@CharliePrio1) April 16, 2025​

Want to double team him with a pair of offensive linemen instead? He’s still going to collapse the rushing lane with his power and length.

Gives me Derrick Brown vibes

Two SEC offensive linemen run-blocking together couldn't stop the length and strength of Mykel Williams

pic.twitter.com/B74TH2W57T

— Edgar Salmingo, Jr. ✌ (@PanthersAnalyst) April 21, 2025​

Production ​

Williams was a starter for two years at Georgia. But with the depth and rotation they use along the defensive line, his production numbers are significantly lower than you may expect. He averaged just 33.5 snaps per game last year (for comparison sake, Abdul Carter averaged about 45). Still, the production is good enough:

2022 (15 games, 2 starts): 38 tackles, 7.0 TFLs, 4.5 sacks
2023 (13 games, 10 starts ): 18 tackles, 7.0 TFLs, 4.5 sacks
2024 (12 games, 5 starts): 21 tackles, 9.0 TFLs, 5.0 sacks

His PFF grades are a little more revealing of the kind of play he’s capable of. He earned an 86.2 PFF run defense grade in the regular season—good for 11th best in the country.

His pass rush win rate was a fairly pedestrian 11.7%, but it’s worth noting Williams battled through an ankle injury for the first half of his 2024 season, and he’s still very much developing when it comes to his pass rush plan. He’s drawn comparisons to former Georgia EDGE Travon Walker, who managed just 6.0 sacks and a 7.0% pass rush win rate in his final college season. Walker has since posted back-to-back 10-sack seasons for the Jagaurs.

Weaknesses ​

Williams doesn’t have many downsides, but his pass rush is certainly unrefined and he plays a little upright. I don’t want to dismiss those concerns outright, because some of those habits won't go away easily. However, most of Williams’ limitations are the result of limited experience and can be corrected with the right coaching staff.

Williams may not have the bend of an elite, top-tier pass rusher, but he’ll win more often with his power anyways. And there are enough athletic tools in his bag that his pass rushing arsenal has the potential to be varied. But, again, that is only potential at this point.

Grit/football character​

His play style alone makes him a gritty player, but he’s also a high-character person between games. Here’s Georgia coach Kirby Smart from July 2024:

“He’s become very versatile for us in terms of what he does on the field. There is no greater value than what he does in the locker room because he works every day. He is physical, enjoys practice. He is a great leader for us. He should be a huge asset for us.”

It should come as no surprise that Williams landed in Tier 2 of our Grit Index—the sixth best score among this year’s EDGE class.

Okay, well will he be there at 28? ​

Yeahhhhhhhhhh about that.

When I started digging into prospects in late February, I thought that Williams’ lack of productivity may get him to slide down to the Lions. However, it sure sounds like if the Lions want to draft him, they may have to trade up to get him. The rumors this week are that Williams is a hot commodity.

ESPN’s Peter Schrager:

Having spent the entire weekend on the phones, here are two names who'll go higher than where the consensus mock drafts have them going right now:

1. Mykel Williams EDGE
2. Colston Loveland TE

PLENTY more to come this week. My mock goes up Wednesday. @ESPNNFL

— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) April 21, 2025​

And an anonymous NFL defensive line coach (via The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman):

“I think he will have a better career than Jalon or Abdul. He’s physical as f—. He played hurt this year — he didn’t care. Pullers come at him — he intends on f—ing them up. Guys I know at Georgia told me he’s gonna be better than Travon Walker, and I think Walker is a baller. Overall, I think he’s better than all of ’em.”

But if you want to hold onto hope that Williams falls to Detroit, it’s worth noting that he’s 19th on Arif Hasan’s consensus big board, 21st on Dane Brugler’s big board, and 22nd on Daniel Jeremiah’s board. It’s not out of the question he falls to Detroit at 28, but it’s much more likely the Lions will have to give out extra assets to get him.

Consider this my endorsement for a move like that. Williams is one of the most perfect fits for Detroit’s defense, and for him to come at a position of long-term need and a position of high value makes an aggressive move to get him worth it.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...025-why-detroit-lions-trade-up-mykel-williams

 

[Detroit Lions]

Your daily Lions trivia game, Wednesday edition

Think you can figure out which Lions player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

We’re back for another day of the Pride of Detroit in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in this Google Form.

Today’s Pride of Detroit in-5 game​

If you can’t see the game due to Apple News or another service, click this game article.

Previous games​

Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Monday, April 21, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​

NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Pride of Detroit in-5 instructions​

The goal of the game is to guess the correct Lions player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Enjoy!

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025/4/23/24414567/sb-nation-lions-daily-trivia-in-5

 

[Detroit Lions]

Detroit Lions extend Kerby Joseph on record-breaking, 4-year deal

Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

The Detroit Lions have made Kerby Joseph the highest-paid safety in football.

The Detroit Lions have reportedly given safety Kerby Joseph a record-breaking extension. According to several reports, the Lions and Joseph have agreed to a four-year, $86 million extension. That breaks the previous average per year record set by Antoine Winfield Jr., who signed a four-year, $84.1 million deal last offseason.

Last year, Joseph had a career season. Not only did he lead the NFL with nine interceptions, but he also added 83 tackles and 12 passes defended. He was named first-team All Pro for the first time in his career and finished sixth in Defensive Player of the Year voting.

All offseason, Lions general manager Brad Holmes made it clear that they intended on handing Joseph an extension this year.

“He fits our culture,” Holmes said back in January. “It’s hard to find ballhawk guys that will tackle like how he does, and I think that’s what makes him unique, so again, we haven’t had any intense dialogue about that yet, but obviously we want to keep the good players here.”

Joseph becomes just the next player the Lions have drafted, developed, and extended. Last year, they gave massive contracts to Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Alim McNeill, and Jared Goff (not drafted by Detroit). This year, they already gave a strong extension to 2021 draft pick Derrick Barnes.

But Joseph is the first of the Lions’ 2022 draft class to earn a second contract. That said, the Lions have made it clear that Aidan Hutchinson is a high-priority extension as well.

Congratulations to Joseph on earning his mega-extension!

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...d-kerby-joseph-on-record-breaking-4-year-deal

 

[Detroit Lions]

Detroit Lions updated depth chart: Pre-2025 NFL Draft

Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images

Here’s an updated look at the Detroit Lions’ depth chart ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.

With the 2025 NFL Draft ready to kickoff, now is a great time to take a look at the Detroit Lions roster with an updated depth chart.

This version of the Lions depth chart is a bit unique. As always, we will lists/ranks all the players, highlighting the team's current projected starters (bolded). But for this pre-NFL Draft we will also identify potential needs at each position, as well as how many players the Lions typically bring into their training camps. Additionally, in certain position groups, we will also include the betting odds that the Lions select a player from said group with their first pick, with the current odds supplied form the good folks over at FanDuel Sportsbook.

Quarterback (3)​

• Jared Goff
• Hendon Hooker
• Kyle Allen

Short-term need: 1/10
Long-term need: 2/10
Additions for camp: Maybe a camp arm

With Pro Bowler Jared Goff under contract through 2028, backup Hendon Hooker still on his rookie contract through 2026, and Kyle Allen on a single-year contract, the Lions aren’t in a pressing spot to make a move at quarterback. If they do add another signal caller, expect it to be late in the draft or as an undrafted free agent.

Running back (4)​

• Jahmyr Gibbs
• David Montgomery
• Craig Reynolds
• Sione Vaki

Short-term need: 2/10
Long-term need: 1/10
Additions for camp: Up to 2 depth players

The Lions return all four of their running backs from last season, but this is a loaded class and the Lions could feel tempted to upgrade their depth competition. At a minimum, look for the Lions to hit the UDFA market for a few gems that don’t hear their name called during the draft.

Wide receiver (7)​

• Amon-Ra St. Brown
• Jameson Williams
• Tim Patrick
• Kalif Raymond
• Tom Kennedy
• Antoine Green
• Ronnie Bell

Short-term need: 3/10
Long-term need: 6.5/10
Additions for camp: Potentially 5, including a future starter
FanDuel odds of wide receiver selected with Lions first pick: +900

Like at running back, the Lions return their top four players from the position. But Detroit typically keeps five or six receivers on their active roster, making this a prime position for the Lions to acquire youth at the position—something coach Dan Campbell alluded to at the owners' meetings. Add in the fact that Tim Patrick will turn 32 and Kalif Raymond will turn 31 during the season, and receiver could be a low key high priority for the Lions.

Tight end (4)​

• Sam LaPorta
• Brock Wright
• Shane Zylstra
• Kenny Yeboah

Short-term need: 3/10
Long-term need: 5/10
Additions for camp: 1 or 2 depth blockers

The Lions return all three of their tight ends from last season, and while they have a quality one-two punch at the top, they may be inclined to add some competition for their TE3 role. Zylstra and Yeboah will show up to camp ready to battle, but there are some Day 3 blocking tight ends worth considering in this class.

Offensive line (13)​

Projected starters

LT Taylor Decker
LG Graham Glasgow
C Frank Ragnow
RG Christian Mahogany
RT Penei Sewell

Reserves

OT/G Dan Skipper
OC/G Michael Niese
OG Kayode Awosika
OG Netane Muti
RT/G Colby Sorsdal
OT Jamarco Jones
LT Giovanni Manu
IOL Kingsley Eguakun

OT Short-term need: 0/10
OT Long-term need: 3/10
IOL Short-term need: 5/10
IOL Long-term need: 8/10
Additions for camp: At least 2, including a challenger for a starting role at guard
FanDuel odds of an offensive linemen selected with Lions first pick: +185

Taylor Decker will turn 32 years old this season and Graham Glassgow will turn 33, which does create some long-term needs on the offensive line. Decker is coming off a Pro Bowl season and should feel secure as the Lions' starting left tackle. However, he has a big payday coming in 2026, which could prompt the Lions to be proactive—though they may have already taken that step, if Giovanni Manu processes as they hope.

At guard, things are a bit muddled. Glasgow does not seem in as safe of a spot as Decker, though the Lions coaches have put their support behind him. While Christian Mahogany has flashed high-end talent, but lacks NFL experience with only two starts under his belt. With the Lions being intent on keeping their offensive line a strength, they may grab another interior offensive lineman to compete—potentially as early as the first round.

Interior defensive line (9)​

• DT Alim McNeill — Injured, expected to miss time during regular season
• NT DJ Reader
• DL Levi Onwuzurike
• NT Roy Lopez
• DL Mekhi Wingo
• DL Pat O’Connor
• DL Myles Adams
• NT Brodric Martin
• DL Chris Smith

Short-term need: 4/10
Long-term need: 7/10
Additions for camp: Potentially 1, if they can be an immediate contributor
FanDuel odds of defensive lineman/EDGE selected with Lions first pick: -140

The injury to Alim McNeill, coupled with DJ Reader, Levi Onwuzurike, and Roy Lopez all having only one year left on their contracts, makes securing a defensive tackle a need that the Lions could address early in the draft. There’s plenty of depth, so if the Lions don’t grab a defensive tackle early, they may wait and tap into the UDFA market, if at all.

EDGE (7)​

• EDGE Aidan Hutchinson
• EDGE Marcus Davenport
• DL Josh Paschal
• EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad
• EDGE Nate Lynn
• EDGE Mitchell Agude
• EDGE Isaac Ukwu

Short-term need: 6/10
Long-term need: 9/10
Additions for camp: At least 1, including a challenger for a starting role
FanDuel odds of defensive lineman/EDGE selected with Lions first pick: -140

With Marcus Davenport’s injury history and the lack of edge rusher signed beyond this season, the Lions will surely be on the hunt for a young edge rusher to add stability to their defensive line. Adding at least one player who could compete for a starting role is logical, and a double-dip in the draft should not be ruled out.

Linebacker (10)​

• MIKE Jack Campbell
• WILL Alex Anzalone
• SAM Derrick Barnes
• WILL Malcolm Rodriguez
• WILL Grant Stuard
• SAM/MIKE Trevor Nowaske
• MIKE/SAM Anthony Pittman
• WILL Ezekiel Turner
• WILL/MIKE Abraham Beauplan
• WILL DaRon Gilbert

Short-term need: 0/10
Long-term need: 6/10
Additions for camp: None, unless they fill a future need
FanDuel odds of linebacker selected with Lions first pick: +2500

With 10 linebackers under contract, the Lions can sit back and see if an opportunity arises without feeling the pinch to add a player. Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes are the only linebackers under contract beyond this season, which will keep the Lions looking, but they’ll be looking for the right situation.

Cornerback (8)​

• CB Terrion Arnold
• CB D.J. Reed
• CB/NB Amik Robertson
• CB/NB Ennis Rakestraw
• NB Avonte Maddox
• CB Khalil Dorsey
• CB Rock Ya-Sin
• CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver

Short-term need: 1/10
Long-term need: 3/10
Additions for camp: Likely 1 to 2, with the future in mind
FanDuel odds of cornerback selected with Lions first pick: +1000

With three of their top four corners signed for the next three seasons, drafting a corner early doesn’t seem like a high priority. Yet, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler and ESPN’s Peter Schrager both projected the Lions to select a cornerback in the first round of their latest mock drafts. With both analysts being plugged into NFL circles, it’s worth wondering if there's any fire under this smoke.

Safety (5)​

• S/NB Brian Branch
• S Kerby Joseph
• S/NB Morice Norris
• S/NB Loren Strickland
• Erick Hallett

Short-term need: 5/10
Long-term need: 6/10
Additions for camp: Likely 2 or 3, including a challenger for a third-safety role
FanDuel odds of safety selected with Lions first pick: +6000

Adding a third safety could very well be part of the Lions' draft plans, but the class lacks depth, and the most contributors may need to be selected early in the draft. Regardless of if they draft a safety or not, they’ll likely be bringing in two or three for training camp.

Kicking team (3)​

• P Jack Fox
• K Jake Bates
• LS Hogan Hatten

Short-term need: 1/10
Long-term need: 1/10
Additions for camp: None beyond camp depth

In most years, the Lions would bring in kickers and long snappers to compete, but Detroit seems very content with the trio they have under contract. It’s possible the Lions bring in some depth for camp to take stress off the starters, but with only 17 spots available on the roster and depth needs at other premium positions, it wouldn’t be surprising if they don’t add any rookies.

At-a-glance projected depth chart​

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...-lions-updated-depth-chart-pre-2025-nfl-draft

 

[Detroit Lions]

Detroit Lions Day 2 mock draft: Plenty of trench talent left

Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images

Exploring the Lions potential options on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft.

With their 28th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions filled a major need by selecting Ohio State defensive lineman Tyleik Williams.

With defensive tackle now crossed off of their wishlist, The Lions still have a few more positions of need to address on the second day of the Draft. With plenty of prospects still available, here’s how the next two rounds could go for Detroit:

Round 2, Pick 60: OG Tate Ratledge, Georgia​

Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Ratledge is a monstrous interior offensive lineman, looming at 6-foot-6 and 308 pounds, who many analysts think could be a day-one starter in the NFL. While the Lions do not have a need for a starting guard just yet, drafting for the future seems like the best option with their second-round pick.

Left guard Graham Glasgow is entering the final year of his contract with Detroit. While he had a strong start to the 2024 season, his quality of play declined significantly near the end of the year. At right guard, the Lions are currently projected to run with Christian Mahogany, who only has one career start under his belt but played well in limited snaps.

Episode 7 of my 2025 NFL Draft film room series w/RG Tate Ratledge is up.

Ratledge and I broke down 40 clips of his last season showing what makes him a top OG prospect, including this teach tape base block showing one of his top traits: play strength ️https://t.co/iC5ItJdRjs pic.twitter.com/aeL50cgU3I

— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) March 14, 2025​

Ratledge could come in and compete with either player for a starting job in training camp or wait out the season until his number is called. Either way, Detroit has the opportunity to draft an elite athlete at guard. That athleticism would allow him to fit nicely with Detroit’s zone and gap run schemes on offense, as Ratledge can pull with ease and has no problem climbing to the second level to make contact in the run game.

He was also a captain at Georgia and was praised for his work ethic as well as his ability to lead the locker room. Overall, this is a Dan Campbell guy through and through.

Round 3, Pick 102: EDGE David Walker, Central Arkansas​

Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

A small-school pass rusher may not be the most exciting pick that the Lions could make here, but David Walker’s athletic profile fits what the team is looking for in a defensive end perfectly.

Walker is an undersized edge rusher but makes up for his small frame with elite speed, strength, and explosiveness. His stats alone over his three years at Central Arkansas tell you all you need to know about what kind of player he is: 108 tackles, 63 TFL, 30 sacks, six forced fumbles, and seven pass breakups. He previously attended Southern Arkansas, where he recorded 52 tackles, 19.5 TFLs, and eight sacks.

Central Arkansas edge David Walker has some of the most dominant football tape I've ever seen. Just playing on sandbox mode out there (I do not endorse the purple field) pic.twitter.com/ftGNyiWSxa

— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) November 11, 2024​

Not only is he strong against the pass, but he is a stout run defender as well. He sets the edge well and pursues runners without taking bad angles too often. His best trait is his football IQ. He reads opposing offensive linemen well to diagnose plays and makes decisions quickly and decisively. His biggest drawback is that all of his football experience is at the D-II and FCS levels. With time to develop behind Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport, he would have time to adjust to a higher caliber of play while serving as a rotational pass rusher and potentially in the SAM linebacker role.

Walker was the defensive captain for Central Arkansas last season and also won the Buck Buchanan Award, essentially being named the FCS’s defensive MVP.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...day-2-mock-draft-plenty-of-trench-talent-left

 

[Detroit Lions]

Detroit Lions trade up, select Tate Ratledge, G, Georgia in second round

Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

The Detroit Lions made an aggressive trade up to select Georgia guard Tate Ratledge in the second round.

The Detroit Lions have traded up three spots from 60 to 57 and selected Georgia guard Tate Ratledge.

Here are the terms of the trade:

Lions get:

• Pick 57
• Pick 230

Broncos get:

• Pick 60
• Pick 130

Ratledge was one of the highest scorers on our Grit Index, and a standout at the NFL combine both for his interview and his performance on the field.

Tate Ratledge is a OG prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 9.96 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 8 out of 1720 OG from 1987 to 2025. https://t.co/tKsckgsGuy pic.twitter.com/hCMi5XNEuS

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 30, 2025​

A three year starter at Ratledge, he exclusively played right guard for the Bulldogs. In Detroit, he’ll immediately contend for one of the starting spots left by the free agency departure of Kevin Zeitler. Ratledge, Graham Glasgow, and second-year guard Christian Mahogany will likely contend for one of those starting spots.

The Lions have said all offseason they are committed to keeping the offensive line a strength.

“I don’t care how good we ever get on the offensive line, that one right there is too important for not only our team, our quarterback, everything, it’s our identity, man,” general manager Brad Holmes said in January. “So, I think just that alone is just – it’s always going to be at the forefront.”

Ratledge was the Lions’ second-round pick in our Community Mock Draft. Here’s what Erik Schlitt had to say about him:

A consistent dominator in the run game, Ratledge has the power to latch onto and control defenders, driving them out of the play. As a pass protector, he has the instincts to spot defensive line games (like stunts and blitzes), the athleticism to adjust on the fly, and the anchor to halt a pass rush on the move. His punch timing can be off at times, which forces him to lean on a defender instead of maintaining distance and control.

Previous selections:​

• Round 1, Pick 28 — Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State

Lions remaining picks​

• Round 3, Pick 38 (102 overall)
• Round 6, Pick 20 (196 overall)
• Round 7, Pick 12 (228 overall)
• Round 7, Pick 14 (230 overall)
• Round 7, Pick 28 (244 overall)

Top remaining needs for Lions:​

• Defensive end
• Guard
• Defensive tackle
• Wide receiver
• Safety
• Linebacker

---

NFL Draft schedule​

Day 2​

What: Rounds 2-3
When: Friday, April 26 — 7 p.m. ET until around 11:30 p.m.
TV: ABC, ESPN, NFL Network
Online streaming: ESPN app, NFL Plus, ABC
When will the Lions pick: Estimated times here

Day 3​

What: Rounds 4-7
When: Saturday, April 27 — Noon ET until around 7 p.m. ET
TV: ABC, ESPN, NFL Network
Online streaming: ESPN app, NFL Plus, ABC

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...-2025-detroit-trades-up-tate-ratledge-georgia

 

[Detroit Lions]

It may be 2025, but the 2023 D’Andre Swift trade is complete

Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Full results from the D’Andre Swift trade

Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft is off and running, and that means teams adding players to their roster in the final four rounds. It also means teams will close the books on all those trades that included Day 3 draft picks as compensation, with one of those trades that has finally come to a conclusion is the April 2023 deal that sent D’Andre Swift from the Detroit Lions to the Philadelphia Eagles.

The trade saw the Eagles sent the Lions an extra pick in the fourth round of the 2025 draft, however, Detroit opted to trade the pick rather than hold onto it, and the team to which they traded the pick happens to be the same team from which it was originally obtained, Philadelphia.

Original terms of the D’Andre Swift trade​

Eagles received: D’Andrew Swift, 2023 seventh-round pick
Lions received: 2023 seventh-round pick, 2025 fourth-round pick

Who did the Lions select with the picks from the D’Andre Swift trade​

The seventh-round pick in the 2023 draft was pick 219, which Detroit used to add receiver Antoine Green. Green had a single reception for two yards as a rookie, and then spent the entirety of 2024 on injured reserve after suffering a concussion and neck injury during the preseason.

The Lions also received a fourth-round pick in 2025, pick 134. However, Detroit traded that pick back to Philadelphia as part of a package to move up in the 2024 NFL Draft in order to select Sione Vaki with pick 132 of the fourth round.

Who did the Eagles select with the pick from the D’Andre Swift trade​

The 2023 seventh-round pick the Eagles received became pick 249 in the 2023 NFL Draft, and Philadelphia used that selection to add defensive tackle Moro Ojomo. Ojomo saw limited playing time as a rookie in 2023, but made his way onto the field for 388 defensive snaps, recording 39 pressures and five quarterback hits in 2024.

As noted, Philadelphia later reacquired the 2025 fourth-round pick from Detroit during the 2024 NFL Draft when the Lions decided to trade up into the fourth round, meaning the trade will be closed out when the Eagles pick at 134. Except Philly used the pick as part of a multi-pick trade in round 3 with the Denver Broncos.

At 134, the Broncos selected Alabama EDGE Que Robinson.

How was D’Andre Swift’s performance for the Eagles?​

Swift had a career-best season for Philadelphia, rushing for 1,049 yards with five touchdowns and adding another 39 receptions for 214 yards and a score on 49 targets. After that career year, Swift left Philadelphia, signing a three-year, $24M contract with the Chicago Bears.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...5-but-the-2023-dandre-swift-trade-is-complete

 

[Detroit Lions]

2025 Detroit Lions UDFA tracker

Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images

Tracking every single undrafted 2025 player who has signed or agreed to a contract with the Detroit Lions.

With the Detroit Lions’ 2025 draft in the books, the next phase of player acquisition begins: undrafted rookie free agency. Every draft-eligible player who was not selected in the seven rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft is now eligible to sign with any team.

This year, the Lions may be a little less active than normal. Typically their class is somewhere between 10-20 players. However, Detroit’s roster is quite full right now, leaving possibly only about 10 players left to sign, should the Lions want to hit their 90-man limit right now.

Below, we’re listing all of the players who have reportedly agreed to sign with the Lions after the draft. One important note is that players often change their commitment to a team, and sometimes an invite to rookie minicamp is mistakenly reported as a UDFA signing. With that in mind, note that the list below may change. We’ll list official next to a player once the team has confirmed the signing—which usually takes at least a few days.

Names will trickle in over the next 24 hours, so keep refreshing this page Saturday night through Sunday.

2025 Detroit Lions UDFA tracker​

• RB Anthony Tyus, Ohio (source)
• TE Caden Prieskorn, Ole Miss (source) — $60,000 guaranteed salary +$15,000 signing bonus (source)
• WR Jackson Meeks, Syracuse (source) — $200,000 guaranteed
• WR Jakobie Keeney-James, UMass (source)
• OL Mason Miller, North Dakota State (source) — $20,000 guaranteed salary + $10,000 signing bonus (source)
• OL Leif Fautanu, Arizona State (source)
• EDGE Keith Cooper Jr., Houston (source)
• CB Gavin Holmes, Texas (via Pride of Detroit)
• S Ian Kennelly, Grand Valley State (source)

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025/4/26/24418244/2025-detroit-lions-udfa-tracker

 

[Detroit Lions]

The Detroit Lions have one of the most athletic draft classes of 2025

Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images

By several metrics, the Detroit Lions’ 2025 NFL Draft class is one of the most athletic in the NFL.

The Detroit Lions made seven picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, and they got themselves a whole bunch of athletes. When it comes to size, speed, and strength, the Lions roster just got a huge influx at all three.

According to Pride of Detroit alum, and creator of RAS (Relative Athletic Score), Kent Lee Platte, the Lions’ draft class ranked 10th in average RAS, and that grade is only dragged down by some of their final draft picks. Check out their overall scores.

10. The #Lions finish inside the top ten once again after coming in 8th last season. Their 8.321 average also has a nice synergy to it as they drafted a player with a slightly lower score every time they were on the clock, netting 3 elite athletes and 3 good ones. pic.twitter.com/yd7dhkg0Ev

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 27, 2025​

You have to wonder how Tyleik Williams would have fared in RAS rankings, too, as he didn’t participate in enough events to qualify for a ranking. But if you’ve followed his career at Ohio State you know that he’s got some incredible movement skills for a 330-pound defender—as evidenced by his unofficial 1.74 10-yard split (75th percentile) and 2.77 20-yard split (97th percentile) in his pro day 40-yard dash.

By another athleticism metric, the Lions’ draft class fared even better. According to the NFL’s NextGenStats, the Lions’ overall class athleticism score of 81 ranked third among all NFL draft classes this year.

Which NFL teams prioritized athleticism in the draft?

The @Seahawks, @Raiders, @Lions, @Patriots and @Commanders' first seven picks averaged at least an 80 NGS athleticism score.

See every team's ranking at Draft IQ: https://t.co/WZDmtqSggw powered by @awscloud ️ pic.twitter.com/cCWGY85UuT

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) April 26, 2025​

The NFL isn’t transparent with their grading system, but you can see a little more of their analysis on the draft over at nfl.com/draft/iq/.

The irony in all of this is that the Lions war room dressed up for Day 2 of the draft in hoodies that had the letters H, W, and S (height, weight, speed) crossed out.

“We’re all about film evaluation, and that’s the hard part of scouting,” Lions general manager a Holmes said. “Height, weight (and) speed is easy. Stats are easy. A position listed is easy. But film evaluation is hard to figure out.”

To that point, the Lions also got themselves a bunch of dawgs (both metaphorically and literal Georgia Bulldogs). Several of the Lions’ draft picks scored highly on our Grit Index metric... but we’ll have more on that in a bit.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...fl-draft-class-most-athletic-nextgenstats-ras

 

[Detroit Lions]

2026 NFL mock draft: Early mock draft picks for Lions

Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Looking at 2026 NFL mock drafts early to see who you might need to keep your eye in this fall.

Now that the 2025 NFL Draft is over, the focus can transition to the 2026 NFL Draft, right? Oh yeah, a whole season must be played before we can get there. While that will be entertaining, it is fun to take a peek at what next year’s draft could look like.

Sure, these things aren’t as accurate as the mock drafts in March, but it’s a chance for people to prepare for the future. When the college football season kicks off in August, fans can watch and listen to how these players are doing and whether these early mocks will be accurate or not. They are also fun to review a year from now to see how bad (or scary good) these can be.

Looking back at the early mock drafts from last year, the players and needs weren’t too far off:

• Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter
• Ohio State EDGE JT Tuimoloau
• Oklahoma WR Deion Burks
• Ohio State G Donovan Jackson
• Texas A&M EDGE Nic Scourton
• Louisville EDGE Ashton Gillotte

Of those picks, only Carter and Jackson were first-round picks, but Carter went much higher, up to number three to the New York Giants. Burks didn’t declare for the draft, and the others were taken in the second or third round, falling further than the projections had them.

So, let’s take an early look at these 2026 NFL Draft predictions for the Detroit Lions.

CBS Sports (Josh Edwards)​

Pick 28: Oregon EDGE Matayo Uiagalelei

The younger brother of D.J. Uiagalelei has been impactful since arriving in Eugene. The 6-foot-5, 270-pound pass rusher recorded 10.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and even one interception last season alone. Jordan Burch, Jamaree Caldwell and Derrick Harmon are gone from that Ducks defensive line. The future lies in the hands of talented prospects like defensive tackle Bear Alexander and Uiagalelei.

USA Today (Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz)​

Pick 28: Missouri G Cayden Green

Controlling the line of scrimmage will always be paramount for Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes, and Detroit could again address its interior offensive line after taking guard Tate Ratledge in the second round this year. Green isn’t on the same level as his former Missouri linemate Armand Membou, but he’s an ascendant prospect who’s steady in both the pass and run game.

The Score (Dane Belbeck)​

Pick 28: Texas A&M WR Kevin Concepcion

A move from NC State to Texas A&M puts Concepcion in the heat of the SEC for the 2025 season. If he can replicate his success from previous years, he’s definitely on the board to be a first-round pick.

Cleveland.com (Matt Goul)​

Pick 32: Alabama CB Domani Jackson

Jackson transferred from USC and started all 13 games last season at Alabama. He totaled 52 tackles with seven pass breakups and two interceptions. He was a five-star prospect coming out of high school.

Bleacher Report (Brent Sobleski)​

Pick 28: Alabama EDGE LT Overton

Surprisingly, the Detroit Lions didn’t use a Day 1 or 2 pick on a edge-rusher to play on the other side of Aidan Hutchinson. They didn’t do so despite it being one of Detroit’s biggest needs heading into the draft, especially after releasing Za’Darius Smith during free agency. Alabama’s LT Overton could have been a top pick in this year’s draft but opted to return to school. At 6’5” and 280 pounds, he has a tweener body-type to fit into the hybrid edge defender/interior defensive lineman category. He could be a good base end for Dan Campbell’s crew with the potential to be a well-rounded player at the next level. “A transfer to Alabama did wonders for his development, as he ended the year as one of the 15 most valuable edge defenders in America,” Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema and Max Chadwick. “Overton’s 18 percent pass-rush win rate was a top-30 mark in the nation, while his 81.7 PFF run-defense grade was 25th.”

The Sporting News (Vinnie Iyer)​

Pick 29: Oregon OT Isaiah World

After addressing the immediate interior offensive line need well in the 2025 draft, the Lions should be interested in his massive tackle as Taylor Decker’s successor, from Penei Sewell’s former school, no less.

Recap​

Looking at these, it appears some people still are wanting the Lions to draft a defensive end to give the pass rush more help. I can understand why this would be still a need for the team as Marcus Davenport is one a one-year deal and the players behind him aren’t starter caliber yet. The pick for cornerback Domani Jackson is possibly the worst one as the Lions secondary is already packed, and Jackson would possibly kick out Terrion Arnold, DJ Reed, or perhaps Ennis Rakestraw in the slot. I will say though, that author was the only one to predict the Lions winning the Super Bowl.

Wide receiver could be a firs-round option if the team isn’t able to re-sign Jameson Williams to a long-term deal, so that isn’t out of the realm of possibility. The final two picks being on the offensive line do and don’t make sense. The guard pick, after the Lions just drafted two this year, and have Mahogany still on his rookie contract for two more seasons after 2025, is a head-scratcher.

The pick I liked the most was the offensive tackle, Isaiah World out of Oregon. The team will need to start thinking about who can replace Taylor Decker after 2025, with the team having an out in his contract before 2026. If they decide to keep Decker around for the last two years of his deal, World can sit behind Decker and Sewell and absorb and learn for a year or two.

Overall, like I mentioned earlier, this is a fun exercise that gets you ready for football season to begin so you can start scouting who the Lions could take in next year’s draft. It also makes you think about what the roster could look like, and where the biggest needs will be for the team. Let’s see if any of these writers can land their prediction on their pick, as the only thing I will be rooting for out of these is the Lions picking at 32 in 2026.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...draft-way-too-early-projections-detroit-lions

 

[Detroit Lions]

Lions fans hand out grade for selection of Tyleik Williams

Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Examining the grade Lions fans assign to their 2025 first-round draft pick.

Immediately following the Detroit Lions' first-round selection of Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams, we published an SB Nation Reacts Survey asking fans for their grade of the pick.

Most fans expected the Lions to draft a defensive lineman with their first selection—falling in line with the betting odds from the good folks over at FanDuel Sportsbook, who also favored the Lions drafting a DL. But it was a bit of a surprise that Detroit ended up with Williams when most fans expected the Lions to grab an edge rusher.

While most fans and analysts mock draft projections tended to favor edge rushers Donovan Ezeiruaku, Mike Green, or Nic Scourton, the Lions went with the best defensive tackle available and added a perfect fit for their interior defensive line.

Most national analysts called this pick a “reach” for where Detroit selected Williams. Still, Lions general manager Brad Holmes is never swayed by the national rankings and ALWAYS takes the player he deems the best fit for the organization—and given his track record, it’s not good business to bet against him.

So, what did the Lions fans think of the pick? After three days of voting, the results are in:

While 72% of the votes landed in the A or B range, it’s not overly surprising to see the selection of a run-stuffing defensive lineman receive a majority B grade. Let’s look to the comment section of our original survey to allow Lions fans to explain their vote (slightly edited for clarity):

• GMJoe: “‘E’. As in Ezeiruaku.”
• BigLebowzki: “‘B’ for ‘In Brad We Trust.’ Feels like we could have traded down (Eagles, or to the 2nd round) and still drafted him and gotten some additional value. But Alim might be out until December. Keeps the rotation fresh. Two Alim McNeil’s are better than one.”
• MaizeAndBlueWahoo: “B, but largely because there weren’t any A picks left. But Williams seems like a great combination of need and talent.”
• TakeThePointsDan: “A+. He was one of the best players available, and he fills a need.”
• JustWingInIt: “Underwhelming, but Brad has earned our trust.”
• Katmandoo122: “Brad Holmes has been drafting the most talented player available in his eyes, and with one or two exceptions, he’s always been right. He does not draft the position, and he does not draft the need unless the talent is already there.”
• DefendTheDen: “A. It’s a Brad Holmes pick...what other grade should this be?”

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Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Detroit Lions fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

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Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...or-detroit-lions-selection-of-tyleik-williams

 

[Detroit Lions]

Detroit Lions waive former 7th-round pick

Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

The Detroit Lions announced they cut former seventh-round pick WR Antoine Green.

With 11 reported UDFA signings reportedly agreed to, the Detroit Lions roster was on the verge of hitting 91—one over the maximum limit this time of year. The team rectified that on Tuesday afternoon, announcing that Lions wide receiver Antoine Green has been waived.

Green was selected in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, Green’s career in Detroit was largely defined by injury. Though he played nine games in his rookie season, it was predominantly on special teams. He only caught one pass for 2 yards. Last year, Green was contending for a starting job at the WR-X position, but he suffered a neck injury/concussion during one of Detroit’s preseason games. That injury turned out to be season-ending, and he spent the year on injured reserve.

Since then, the Lions have put some significant investments into the wide receiver position. Shortly after Green’s injury, the Lions acquired Tim Patrick, who caught on and was re-signed this year. Additionally, this offseason, the Lions added Ronnie Bell in free agency and drafted two more receivers. The Lions spent a third-round pick (and two future third-round picks) on former Arkansas receiver Isaac TeSlaa and a seventh-round pick on Georgia’s Dominic Lovett. They have also reportedly agreed to terms with undrafted receivers Jackson Meeks (Syracuse) and Jakobie Keeney-James (Umass).

Green will hit waivers. If he clears waivers without a team putting in a claim in the next 24 hours, he will become a free agent clear to sign with any team.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...s-waive-antoine-green-seventh-round-pick-2022

 

[Detroit Lions]

Breaking down Lions’ uniquely-structure Kerby Joseph 4-year extension

Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images

Breaking down all the details of the Detroit Lions’ 4-year extension for safety Kerby Joseph.

Last month, we broke down the contracts for cornerback D.J. Reed and linebacker Derrick Barnes, pointing out a relatively new strategy the Detroit Lions are implementing: option bonuses.

In short, option bonuses are decisions that teams make by a certain date to keep the player on the team (exercise the option bonus) or cut the player before the option bonus kicks in. The benefit of an option bonus is two-fold. One, it is non-guaranteed money for the team before it is exercised (it becomes guaranteed when exercised). Two, once exercised, the option bonus is divided evenly over the rest of the contract (up to five years). For example, rather than giving a player a $15 million salary in Year 1 of a three-year deal, a team can use an option bonus of $15 million that will hit the cap just $5 million each year. Essentially, it’s a way of kicking cap hit down the road.

With Kerby Joseph’s new four-year, $85 million contract extension, the Lions are using an option bonus for every single year of the extension. That way, it keeps the salary and cap hit numbers down each year, but it will end up with a costly bill at the end of the contract.

Here are the details, as reported by OverTheCap:

Main points:

• $10,011,000 signing bonus ($2.0022M cap hit per year)
• $9,625,000 2026 option bonus ($1.925M cap hit per year)
• $16,580,000 2027 option bonus ($3.316M cap hit per year)
• $19,035,000 2028 option bonus ($3.807M cap hit per year)
• $23,905,000 2029 option bonus ($4.781M cap hit per year)
• $150,000 workout bonuses each year
• Up to $510,000 game-day roster bonuses each year
• 4 void years starting in 2030

As you can see above, the base salary amazingly stay under $2 million each year, but that’s because the Lions have basically replaced salaries with option bonuses. We often see teams restructure a contract by turning salary into a signing bonus that is spread over the length of the contract. The Lions have basically done that ahead of time.

All of the money in red automatically hits the cap in 2030—as they are the remaining guarantees from each option bonus that is exercised. However, if the Lions opt to extend Kerby Joseph at any time before the contract voids in 2023, those cap hits can stay in the years that they’re currently listed under rather than all hitting the cap at once.

Let’s say the Lions decide to go in the other direction and cut Joseph before his massive 2029 option bonus. His cap hit in 2029 will actually go from $17,926,200 to over $31 million, but he’ll be completely off the books in 2030—whereas the current contract has the team on the books for that massive $39 million dead cap in that year.

Here’s what that year-by-year breakdown would look like:

In short, the Lions have managed to keep Joseph’s cap hit down incredibly low for the next four seasons. Here’s where Joseph ranks among other safeties in terms of cap hit each year.

• 2025: $3.86M — 38th
• 2026: $5.8M — 23rd
• 2027: $9.16M — 11th
• 2028: $13.0M — 3rd (only five players under contract in 2028)
• 2029: $17.9M — 1st (only safety under contract in 2029)

The downside to structuring a deal like this is that at some point you’re going to have to pay a pretty massive dead cap hit. However, with so many Lions extensions on the horizon, the Lions are more than happy to kick that can down the road.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...ails-extension-detroit-lions-unique-structure

 

[Detroit Lions]

Notes: Lions hold top-5 spot in post-draft power rankings

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

A look at how the newest additions affect the Lions’ spot in power rankings.

The 2025 NFL Draft is in the books and new Lions have joined the pride.

Recent grades from national media reflect many aren’t too high on Detroit’s selections, so how might this affect their take on the Lions’ status in NFL power rankings?

Here’s a handful of power rankings I found from various outlets.

NFL.com’s Eric Edholm: No. 5

“It’s becoming easier, with each passing draft, to identify whom the Lions will like as prospects. Dan Campbell always talks about their types of guys, and the 2025 draft class only reinforced that archetype more. ... They don’t care how other teams value players, only how they value them, and that approach has served this franchise beautifully over Brad Holmes’ five drafts.”

CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco: No. 4

“They lost both coordinators to head-coaching jobs, which will be challenging. But they still have a deep roster if they can all stay healthy, which they didn’t do on defense last year.”

Bleacher Report: No 3.

“The Lions are tough to evaluate after losing their offensive and defensive coordinators, though they’re equipped to maintain a similar winning script on both sides of the ball. Detroit beefed up its offensive line with the addition of second-round guard Tate Ratledge. The defense can continue to improve with cornerback D.J. Reed joining the secondary and first-round defensive lineman Tyleik Williams bolstering the league’s fifth-best run defense from last year.”

The Athletic’s Josh Kendall: No. 5

“Detroit took the 6-3, 329-pound Williams in the first round and then drafted two huge SEC guards in the second and fifth rounds — 6-7, 308-pound Tate Ratledge from Georgia and 6-6, 317-pound Miles Frazier from LSU. Throw in a freaky athlete in 6-4, 214-pound wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa, and it felt like a very Dan Campbell-y weekend.”

USA Today: No. 4

“Detroit lost both of its top coordinators and is still licking its wounds from a one-and-done postseason. However, if there’s anyone who can ensure the gritty Lions will remain a Super Bowl-caliber heavyweight, it’s Dan Campbell.”

And onto the rest of your notes.

• MCDC enjoying AC/DC.

Dan Campbell is having a blast at the AC/DC concert with his wife, Holly pic.twitter.com/2HLmDor9ac

— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) May 1, 2025​

On Wednesdays, WE ROCK. ️@acdc pic.twitter.com/m0CaMIdJc7

— Ford Field (@fordfield) May 1, 2025​

• Some of your favorite Lions out and about inspiring kids.

The kids were hype when Amon-Ra St. Brown made his entrance at youth football camp in Saginaw pic.twitter.com/PW5V5cw25F

— St. Brown Podcast (@StBrownPodcast) April 29, 2025​

Lions LB, Derrick Barnes, visited our 2nd grade Ss & their Ts today. He talked about what it takes to be successful in whatever you do, answered questions, & handed out gifts!

Thank you to our friend Tyson for providing us with this opportunity. #OnePride#PantherPride169 pic.twitter.com/dujDnCcOV1

— Lance (@LJLandeck) April 29, 2025​

• “(Tate) Ratledge just feels like a Lion, bringing a nasty brand of football to the interior of the O-line.” CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin offers each team’s best, worst, and most interesting picks.

• Over on NFL.com, a Lion made Chad Reuter’s list of his favorite picks from every round of the NFL draft.

• Dan Skipper with some hope-inspiring words for players who went undrafted.

#Lions OT Dan Skipper, who went undrafted in 2017, sends a message out to players who may go undrafted in this years NFL Draft

This is really cool. pic.twitter.com/9Jwh7ZFTTX

— (@the_det_times) April 26, 2025​

• Apologies if we’ve posted this somewhere else on our site and I missed it, but I thought this was a nice note from new Lions WR Isaac TeSlaa.

I want to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who has reached out to me since the draft. I’ve gotten so many messages and I’m working to get back to everyone but I just wanted to let everyone know how humbled & grateful I am for all the love & support!!! GO LIONS

— Isaac TeSlaa (@TeslaaIsaac) April 28, 2025​

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...holds-top-5-spot-in-post-draft-power-rankings

 

[Detroit Lions]

All-22 film breakdown: What Tate Ratledge brings to Detroit Lions

Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Meko and Morgan are back on the Pride of Detroit YouTube channel breaking down the All-22 tape of Lions’ second-round pick Tate Ratledge.

Looking to learn even more about the Detroit Lions’ 2025 draft class? Well, you’re in luck! Meko and I (Morgan) are back with more draft-related content, this time breaking down All-22 from the Lions’ second-round pick, Tate Ratledge out of the University of Georgia.

After already breaking down what first-round pick Tyleik Williams will bring to the table in 2025, we jump into one of our favorite picks in this class in Ratledge. We set the table by touching on what made him a two-time All-American during his time as a four-year starter for the Bulldogs. To start, Ratledge is extremely athletic, checking in with a 9.96 RAS as a guard. We discuss how that impacts his game, and how despite being a really productive player for one of the best programs in the country, there is certainly still room for improvement.

We dissect ten plays from Ratledge’s 2024 and 2023 tape, and give examples of him excelling—both as a run-blocker and in pass protection. He is a player that relishes run-blocking, and has plenty of that “dirtbag” quality to his game in addition to being a fairly polished pass-blocker coming out of college.

Getting Ratledge in the building and working with Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley should get Lions fans excited. With three starting spots along the offensive line written in ink (right tackle Penei Sewell, center Frank Ragnow, and left tackle Taylor Decker), I would imagine both guard spots will be up for grabs. Will it be Ratledge starting in between the All-Pros?

You can watch the entire breakdown of Ratledge’s tape, and find out if we think he is primed for the starting right guard spot right here.

And as always, please be sure to like and subscribe to the Pride of Detroit YouTube Channel. It helps us a ton and we sincerely appreciate all of the support. We will have more film reviews for the Lions’ 2025 draft class coming up soon!

Lastly, if you are looking for a one-stop-shop for all things pertaining to the Lions’ 2025 draft class, Erik Schlitt has you covered with this list of all articles written about each draft pick.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...l-22-tate-ratledge-georgia-draft-second-round

 

[Detroit Lions]

Film breakdown: What Tyleik Williams is bringing to Detroit Lions

Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Breaking down Lions’ first round pick Tyleik Williams’ tape from his 2024 season at Ohio State University.

First up in our film review of the Detroit Lions’ 2025 draft class is first-round pick and defensive tackle out of Ohio State, Tyleik Williams. If you are looking for a video to go along with this written film study, be sure to check out our work over on the Pride of Detroit YouTube channel.

After spending the last several days watching Williams’ All-22 tape from 2024, I am really excited to see what he can do in Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard’s defense. Despite pushing 330 pounds, Williams is very much an athlete on the defensive line. He played football and basketball throughout his childhood, and set his Virginia high school’s record in the shot put. If this sounds familiar, Lions’ star defensive tackle Alim McNeill was also a multi-sport star back in his home state of North Carolina.

Having started 25 games for the Buckeyes over the last two seasons, Williams faced a strong level of competition during his college career, making it easier to see what should translate to the professional level. Let’s jump into the All-22 and take a look at how Williams was impacting games in 2024.

Smart and dominant run-defender​

When you turn on Williams’ 2024 tape, you see a player who has seen the game slow down for him in terms of how he processes things mentally, and typically that isn’t something often said about interior defensive lineman.

On top of what he picks up pre-snap, his ability to stack blockers, extend his arms, and find the ball-carrier is elite. You rarely catch him staring at a blocker while working, and instead his eyes are consistently where they need to be, allowing him to make more impact plays at or behind the line of scrimmage.

Below we have a clip from his game against Texas in the College Football Playoff semifinal round. Third-and-4 on their own side of the 50 and he helps make a big stop for his defense.

Up next is a rep where Williams stacks and sheds the right guard, before working down the line of scrimmage to help make the stop.

Another theme you quickly pickup from Williams’ tape is his ability to violently defeat blocks while simultaneously keeping his eyes on the ball-carrier. Watch below as he discards Texas’ center before making the play on the running back.

Next up we have another example of Williams having strong play recognition. Watch as he takes a few steps down towards the center out of his stance in an effort to squeeze that gap. While doing so, he is able to peek around the right shoulder of the guard (#76) blocking him.

In an instant, Williams uses his strength to turn the guard’s hips, and in doing so, is able to spill the run towards the right for a 1-yard gain. The rookie should be one of many Lions defensive linemen that the linebackers will enjoy playing behind.

In our last clip of this section, Williams throws Kelvin Banks Jr (who just went ninth overall to the New Orleans Saints) out the club before taking a good angle to help string out the ball-carrier towards the boundary.

Pass-rushing juice and potential​

In our first clip of this section, Williams begins lined up on the outside shoulder of the guard in the three-technique. Ohio State runs a game where the end loops back around both Williams and defensive end Jack Sawyer (#33), allowing Williams to work one-on-one against the center (#65).

Williams is able to instantly reset the center’s initial punch, allowing him to open up the right shoulder of the blocker. In doing so, he opens up a straight-line straight to the quarterback, Quinn Ewers. Ewers is able to hit the bottom of his dropback, but at that point, Williams had already collapsed the pocket, forcing the ball out in a hurry.

Next up we have another example of Williams being efficient with his hands while also understanding his opponent’s tendencies. And while it isn’t a pass-rush rep, I wanted to include it here because of how quickly he won in this particular instance.

This is the kind of rep that can change a series, or sometimes—the entire game. If the Lions are able to generate more interior pressure in 2025 on top of getting star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson back, it could lead to some really big things for the defense as a whole.

Lastly, we have another quick win for Williams, this time with a powerful bull-rush on third down. Once again his power quickly overwhelms the center for Texas. Watch as Williams is able to extend his left arm after knocking him backwards out of his stance, which in turn opens up the left shoulder of the offensive lineman. Ewers is still able to get this pass off, but it appears to be a tick early in terms of timing, and ends up falling incomplete.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...-tackle-2025-nfl-draft-ohio-state-first-round

 

[Detroit Lions]

Open thread: What are you hoping to see in the Detroit Lions’ 2025 schedule?

Tork Mason / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

What are you hoping to see in the Lions’ 2025 regular season schedule when it drops on May 14th?

With the 2025 NFL Draft now in the rearview, many NFL fans are now setting their sights on May 14, which is set to be the league’s schedule release day. In the past, not much was made of the occasion, but over the last several years, much like they do with anything and everything—the NFL has made the event must-see content.

For the Detroit Lions, it is safe to say they will once again have a healthy amount of primetime games since they have several marquee matchups against some of the league’s top competition.

That brings us to today’s Question of the Day:

What are you hoping to see in the Detroit Lions’ 2025 schedule?​

Answer: A nice middle-of-the-year bye week, please. Like many of you, I am tired of the Lions being saddled with a Week 5 bye that leaves them playing football for three months straight. Knocking on wood here, but it feels like Detroit is due for a Week 9 bye week.

Beyond that, I want the New York Giants game to be in a primetime slot. It isn’t like I believe it will be a great matchup. On paper, this is probably one where the Lions will be favored by more than a touchdown. No, this desire is based solely off my current animosity towards the city of New York and their sports teams. Hoping that this one will be similar to the Lions’ wins over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Dallas Cowboys, or Tennessee Titans in 2024. Just a good, old-fashioned, curb-stomping.

How about you? What are you hoping to see in the Detroit Lions’ 2025 schedule? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...ions-2025-schedule-biggest-hopes-release-date

 

[Detroit Lions]

Roundtable: Which Lions draft pick are you most excited to see in training camp?

Photo by Tyler Ingham/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Our staff makes their pick for Detroit Lions 2025 draft pick we’re most excited to see in training camp.

With the NFL Draft behind us, Detroit Lions training camp will be here before you know it. While rookie minicamp and OTAs will give us a taste of the 2025 Lions team, the limitations on practice at that point in the offseason will restrict our ability to scout both the team and individual players.

So if we want to see what the Lions are getting in their 2025 NFL Draft class, the best opportunity this offseason will be when training camp opens up in mid-to-late July.

In our latest post-draft roundtable, our staff picked out which drafted players we’re most excited to see then.

Previous roundtables:

• What was the biggest surprise from the Lions draft?
• Which Lions UDFA has the best chance to make an impact?
• What is a pick the Lions should have made?
• What was the Lions’ best value pick?

Which Lions draft pick are you most excited to see in training camp? ​

Ryan Mathews: Isaac TeSlaa

Receivers always have the chance to shine in training camp. With all the hullabaloo surrounding TeSlaa after the Lions moved up into the early third round to select him, it’ll be exciting to not only see his impressive athleticism and hands on display, but also the other traits that caught Brad Holmes attention at the Senior Bowl.

Al Karsten: Tate Ratledge & Miles Frazier

The offensive guard battle—featuring rookies Tate Ratledge and Miles Frazier alongside veterans like Graham Glasgow and Christian Mahogany—shapes up to be one of the most talented and competitive position battles Allen Park has seen in years. The Lions have built a rare luxury in today’s NFL: real depth and competition on the offensive line, where competence is increasingly elusive.

Erik Schlitt: Tyleik Williams

I always gravitate to the trenches in camp, and it’s always super exciting to see a young, high-draft pick challenge All-Pro veterans who oppose them. Williams is big and strong, and I want a front-row seat to watch him square off against Frank Ragnow in one-on-ones.

Hamza Baccouche: Tyleik Williams

I’ll go with Tyleik Williams but I’m a bit hesitant. With Alim McNeill still out for the foreseeable future and DJ Reader having been underwhelming, Williams has a pretty low bar to enter training camp as the Lions’ best interior defensive lineman. I’m afraid fans won’t afford him the runway of most rookies because he’ll have to take on that much responsibility from the get go, but then again, he’s a first-round draft pick, and with that comes high expectations. I’ll be watching closely to see whether he can hit the ground running.

John Whiticar: Ahmed Hassanein

On the surface, the excitement of this pick comes from his position: after much demand, the Lions finally added a defensive end! Hassanein looks like a great fit for the Lions, and given the depth chart ahead of him, they will not have to rush him into a large role either. Aside from Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions do not have that many “exciting” edge defenders—players like Marcus Davenport and Josh Paschal are decent, but none of them scream “I need to watch this guy in camp.” Hassanein could not only capture attention with his play, but also his personality. Watch his interviews and you will quickly see why he’s destined to become a fan favorite.

Max Gerber: Ahmed Hassanein

This guy immediately won the hearts of every Lions fan with his introductory press conference. Hassanein plays violent, aggressive football but comes off like the nicest, happiest guy during interviews. I’m willing to bet he’ll be the ‘camp darling’ this season for the intensity and effort he brings to every snap he plays. I know he’ll likely also be the cause of a few scuffles between the defense and offense.

Brandon Knapp: Ahmed Hassanein

Trenches battles in training camp are one of my favorite things to watch and seeing him go up against the offensive line will be interesting to see how much development he’ll need.

Morgan Cannon: Ahmed Hassanein

After hearing his initial press conferences since being drafted, I don’t think we will ever have to worry about effort from Hassanein. He was incredibly productive in college, but how steep will his learning curve be as a pro? He should get tested early and often once training camp rolls around.

Jeremy Reisman: Isaac TeSlaa

While the guard battle will be fascinating, it’s just difficult to assess trench play through the muck in camp without the benefit of replay. Perimeter play, on the other hand, is easy to watch and assess—plus I need the most selling on TeSlaa than any other pick. I’m am eager to see in him what Holmes saw, and how quickly the Michigan native can catch on.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...ns-draft-picks-most-excited-see-training-camp

 

[Detroit Lions]

Open thread: What is the Lions’ biggest post-draft need?

Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images

Taking a look at the Detroit Lions’ biggest needs following the 2025 NFL Draft.

Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes says he doesn’t draft for need.

“I think you can get in trouble chasing these sometimes and then you’re dependent on a rookie,” Holmes said prior to the 2025 NFL Draft and countless times before that.

Yet when you look at the Lions’ draft class this year, it covered many of the team’s long-term needs. Whether by coincidence or intention, the Lions got their interior defender of the future, a pair of guards to contend for open starting spots, their potential long-term X-receiver, they safety depth they needed, and, yes, even a developmental edge defender who could grow into a significant contributor.

If you take a look at the Lions’ current depth chart, it’s looking pretty darn good.

So... what’s next?

Today’s Question of the Day is:

What is the Lions’ biggest post-draft need? ​

My answer: Despite the addition of Dan Jackson in the seventh round, I still think this team could use more trusted depth behind their safeties. If Kerby Joseph or Brian Branch suffered an injury, the Lions would be forced to start either Morice Norris, Loren Strickland, Erick Hallett, or Jackson. Those players have a collective one defensive snap at the NFL level.

There is one other player to consider at the position, and that is veteran nickel cornerback Avonte Maddox. He has seen a fair share of time at safety, but struggled to find a long-term role there in Philly. The Lions’ actions in the draft tell me he’s likely to get some action at safety during the preseason, and Holmes even mentioned his potential at that position.

“We’re excited to get a guy like Maddox, a veteran that’s got versatility,” Holmes said at the owners meetings. “He can compete, obviously, he can play nickel, but he’s got some safety versatility as well that we’re excited about, and he can play on special teams as well.”

Still, it feels like the Lions would be best served to add another veteran to that room, and there are still some options available out there in free agency, including Marcus Williams (who has plenty of familiarity with Detroit’s defense from his Saints days), Justin Simmons, and Quandre Diggs (who is admittedly coming off a Lisfranc injury).

I know many are going to say edge defender, and there’s certainly plenty of room to grow in that room, but in my opinion, it’s not as pressing as safety. If Marcus Davenport does indeed go down with injury, the Lions do have some experienced bodies at that position, be it Josh Paschal, Al-Quadin Muhammad, or Levi Onwuzurike. I do think they should still add more competition to that room, but I just think safety is a little more pressing.

What do you think? Scroll down to the comment section and sound off!

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...-is-the-detroit-lions-biggest-post-draft-need

 

[Detroit Lions]

Notes: The Athletic’s data and math gives Lions’ 2025 draft class an ‘F’

Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Athletic didn’t love the Lions’ 2025 draft class, giving them a grade of an F based off their combined data.

I understand this is part of the NFL draft process: assigning grades to a group of players who have not taken any snaps in the league. With that said, and stop me if you have heard this before, but there are people out there that have a lot to say about the Detroit Lions’ 2025 draft class. Among them, Austin Mock of The Athletic gave Detroit an ‘F’ for their efforts in this year’s class.

These grades are not subjective. They're based on data and math. Our analyst's goal today is to put everything together (player value, positional value and trade value) before grading each NFL’s team draft class. How did he do? http://dlvr.it/TKVG3T

— The Athletic (@theathletic.bsky.social) 2025-05-01T16:01:08Z

“Out of their seven picks, four were considered reaches by our consensus board, including all three in the top 70,” Mock wrote. “They also lost quite a bit of value in the trade market, highlighted by their big move up for board for wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa. They lost the fourth-most value in trades during the draft, and the three teams below them either gained a first-rounder or had the chance to draft Travis Hunter.”

I understand these rankings are based off The Athletic’s own metrics and formulas—calculated via trade values, position values, and perceived reaches/steals—but at this point, you have to wonder if analysts are hesitant to hand out grades like this to Detroit. After all, Lions’ general manager Brad Holmes has proven over the course of several years now that he is that guy.

I still remember what everyone had to say following the Lions’ 2023 draft class. You know, that one that included running back Jahmyr Gibbs, linebacker Jack Campbell, tight end Sam LaPorta, and defensive back Brian Branch. Jokes were made by opposing fan bases, and failing grades were posted all over the internet.

Now Holmes and the rest of the Lions’ fanbase are the only ones laughing about that class today. Each of those first four draft picks in 2023 have proven to be big-time contributors for a team with championship aspirations. Will it be the same story for their 2025 class?

You can read Mock’s complete article right here.

And now, onto the rest of today’s notes:

• Congratulations to Lions tight end Brock Wright on his engagement.

Congratulations are in order for Brock Wright! pic.twitter.com/I4JYrqxHrY

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) May 3, 2025​

• Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press had a conversation with Boise State defensive coordinator Erik Chinander about what Ahmed Hassanein will bring to the Lions defense.

• Lions’ coach Dan Campbell doing his fatherly duties during move-out day.

Just dad things @Lions

(via hollyhcampbell/IG) pic.twitter.com/E7tJ3jp0OI

— NFL (@NFL) May 3, 2025​

• Lions’ All-Pro receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is an S-tier level troll.

Today in Instagram comment sleuthing. pic.twitter.com/f9tnoQO8rW

— Pride of Detroit (@PrideOfDetroit) May 2, 2025​

• Lions’ cornerback Terrion Arnold went undercover during draft weekend in Green Bay.

DIRECTOR'S CUT :
Undercover at the NFL Draft with Not Terrion Arnold pic.twitter.com/qsZWLtR9OE

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) May 2, 2025​

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...tical-model-gives-lions-2025-draft-class-an-f