Detroit Lions' Depth Chart Breakdown: Key Needs Ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft
2025-04-24
Author: Ken Lee
The anticipation builds as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches! Let’s dive into the Detroit Lions' updated depth chart, revealing potential gaps and the players to watch.
Quarterback: A Secure Position
**Projected Starters:** Jared Goff, Hendon Hooker, Kyle Allen **Short-term need:** 1/10 | **Long-term need:** 2/10 | **Camp additions:** Possibly an extra camp arm With Jared Goff signed until 2028 and backup Hendon Hooker under contract through 2026, the Lions are in a comfortable spot here. They might consider adding a quarterback late in the draft or snagging an undrafted free agent.
Running Back: Room for Competition
**Projected Players:** Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Craig Reynolds, Sione Vaki **Short-term need:** 2/10 | **Long-term need:** 1/10 | **Camp additions:** Up to 2 depth players The Lions bring back their entire running back squad from last season, but with a rich draft class ahead, they might be tempted to enhance their depth. Keep an eye on potential undrafted gems!
Wide Receiver: Youth Needed
**Projected Stars:** 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 | **Camp additions:** Potentially 5, including a future starter **First pick odds for receiver:** +900 The Lions retain their top performers, yet with the aging of Tim Patrick and Kalif Raymond, expect them to prioritize adding youthful talent here.
Tight End: Looking for Depth
**Projected Players:** Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, Shane Zylstra, Kenny Yeboah **Short-term need:** 3/10 | **Long-term need:** 5/10 | **Camp additions:** 1-2 depth blockers With all tight ends returning, the Lions may still look to fortify their ranks for the TE3 role. Keep an eye on Day 3 prospects that could fill this spot.
Offensive Line: Future Considerations
**Projected Starters:** Taylor Decker, Graham Glasgow, Frank Ragnow, Christian Mahogany, Penei Sewell **Reserves:** Dan Skipper, Michael Niese, Kayode Awosika, Netane Muti, Colby Sorsdal, Jamarco Jones, Giovanni Manu, Kingsley Eguakun **Short-term need:** 0/10 | **Long-term need:** 3/10 (OT); 5/10 (IOL) | **Camp additions:** At least 2 players **First pick odds for offensive lineman:** +185 As Decker and Glasgow age, the Lions may take proactive steps to maintain their o-line strength, perhaps even looking for a guard in the draft.
Defensive Line: Critical Injury Concerns
**Projected Players:** Alim McNeill (Injured), DJ Reader, Levi Onwuzurike, Roy Lopez, Mekhi Wingo, Pat O’Connor, Myles Adams, Brodric Martin, Chris Smith **Short-term need:** 4/10 | **Long-term need:** 7/10 | **Camp additions:** Potentially 1 **First pick odds for defensive lineman/EDGE:** -140 With an injured McNeill and key players on the final year of contracts, adding a defensive tackle early in the draft makes imminent sense.
EDGE: The Need for Stability
**Projected Players:** Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, Josh Paschal, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Nate Lynn, Mitchell Agude, Isaac Ukwu **Short-term need:** 6/10 | **Long-term need:** 9/10 | **Camp additions:** At least 1 challenger **First pick odds for defensive lineman/EDGE:** -140 Due to concerns about Davenport's injury history, the Lions will likely pursue a young edge rusher to solidify this critical position.
Linebacker: Current Stability
**Projected Players:** Jack Campbell, Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, Grant Stuard, Trevor Nowaske, Anthony Pittman, Ezekiel Turner, Abraham Beauplan, DaRon Gilbert **Short-term need:** 0/10 | **Long-term need:** 6/10 | **Camp additions:** None for now **First pick odds for linebacker:** +2500 With a deep linebacker corps, the Lions will likely stand pat unless a prime opportunity emerges.
Cornerback: Future Moves?
**Projected Players:** Terrion Arnold, D.J. Reed, Amik Robertson, Ennis Rakestraw, Avonte Maddox, Khalil Dorsey, Rock Ya-Sin, Stantley Thomas-Oliver **Short-term need:** 1/10 | **Long-term need:** 3/10 | **Camp additions:** Likely 1-2 **First pick odds for cornerback:** +1000 While signing three of their top four corners for the next few seasons diminishes urgency in this area, analysts expect them to consider a first-round pick at corner.
Safety: Depth is Key
**Projected Players:** Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, Morice Norris, Loren Strickland, Erick Hallett **Short-term need:** 5/10 | **Long-term need:** 6/10 | **Camp additions:** Likely 2-3 **First pick odds for safety:** +6000 The Lions may target a third safety in the draft, given the lack of depth in this class.
Kicking Team: Steady Crew
**Projected Players:** Jack Fox, Jake Bates, Hogan Hatten **Short-term need:** 1/10 | **Long-term need:** 1/10 | **Camp additions:** None expected With a solid trio already in place, the Lions are unlikely to add competition here, focusing on positions within greater need as they head into the draft.