By Sunday 
The Detroit Lions wrapped up their 2025 offseason training activities this week, closing out six OTA sessions and heading into their summer break before training camp kicks off in July. While it was a shorter-than-usual slate with no mandatory minicamp, the Lions got valuable reps under their belts—especially with two new coordinators and a fresh batch of rookies in the mix.
Let’s dive into five key takeaways from this early glimpse of what’s to come in the Motor City.
1. The Defense Is Clicking—Way Ahead of the Offense
Head coach Dan Campbell hinted that the defense was “probably more up to speed” than the offense heading into the final open practice—and he wasn’t kidding. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard is in his fourth year with the team, and he’s working with 10 returning starters. The result? A defense that looked sharp, cohesive, and far less mistake-prone.
This isn’t a knock on the offense—it just takes time when you’re integrating a new offensive coordinator (John Morton) and experimenting with tweaks across the system. With Jared Goff under center and weapons like Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, and Jameson Williams at his disposal, the offense will get there. But for now, the defense is leading the way—and that’s a good sign.
2. Interior O-Line Battle Brewing
One position group that’s already heating up is the interior offensive line. OTA snaps went primarily to Graham Glasgow, rookie Tate Ratledge, and Christian Mahogany, with Ratledge and Glasgow splitting time at center and Mahogany at left guard.
It’s shaping up to be a competitive group heading into camp. Veterans like Trystan Colon and Kayode Awosika are in the mix, along with rookie Miles Frazier and second-year player Kingsley Eguakun. Campbell summed it up best:
“We’re going to find this out. We’re going to let these guys go at it.”
And we’ll be watching.
3. This Secondary Might Be Special
Let’s talk about the most underrated unit on this roster right now: the secondary.
Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch might be the best safety duo in the league—seriously. They combined for 13 interceptions and 28 pass breakups in 2024, and that was without consistent pressure up front. Imagine what they could do with a healthy defensive line.
Add in savvy vet Amik Robertson, who can play inside or outside (just ask Justin Jefferson), new addition D.J. Reed, and rising sophomore Terrion Arnold, and you’ve got a deep, dangerous group. Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Avonte Maddox, and Rock Ya-Sin offer even more flexibility and competition.
If they stay healthy, this secondary won’t just be good—it could be top-tier.
4. Jameson Williams Looks Ready to Explode
We already know Jameson Williams can burn defenses deep—his 17.3 yards per catch last year ranked second in the NFL. But what stood out in OTAs was how much he’s expanded his game.
He showed real polish on comebacks, crossers, and intermediate routes, not just streaks downfield. His ability to create separation in short space and move fluidly across the field suggests he’s stepping into a more complete WR1 role.
With Williams entering Year 4, the Lions may finally be about to unlock his full potential—and the rest of the league should be paying attention.
5. A Brutal Schedule? Campbell Says Bring It On
The Lions face the second-toughest schedule in the league this year, with road games at Philly, Baltimore, KC, Cincy, L.A. (Rams), and the full NFC North slate. But you won’t hear any whining from this squad.
Dan Campbell? He’s embracing the chaos:
“By the end of the year, we ought to be just scarred up… hardened for battle, and ready for the playoffs.”
With five primetime games and 11 nationally televised matchups, Detroit won’t be sneaking up on anyone this year. But if you ask the players and coaches, that’s exactly how they want it. This team has made it to the Divisional Round and NFC Championship in back-to-back years—they know the next step is the Super Bowl, and they’re ready to earn it the hard way.
Final Word
The pads haven’t even come on yet, but Detroit’s 2025 campaign is already buzzing with potential. The defense is ahead of schedule, the offense is finding its rhythm, and key players like Williams are taking that next step.
Training camp in July will tell us even more—but for now, Lions fans have every reason to feel optimistic about what’s coming.
Get ready. 2025 could be special.