By Sunday 
When the Detroit Lions signed defensive tackle Roy Lopez this offseason, it probably felt like a solid career move. New city, fresh start, and a chance to contribute to a contender. Fast-forward to the 2025 NFL Draft, and that fresh start may already be stale.
Welcome to the Party, Tyleik
With the 2025 first-round pick, the Lions stunned some draft watchers by scooping up Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams earlier than expected. But for Detroit’s front office, the decision made perfect sense — Williams is a powerful run-stopper who fits the Dan Campbell mold like a glove: tough, relentless, and built like a vending machine with cleats.
Clearly, the Lions weren’t messing around when they addressed the defensive tackle position. And just like that, a crowded DT room got a little tighter — and Roy Lopez, unfortunately, got a little more… expendable.
Suddenly the Room’s a Bit Full
The Lions already had a pretty solid group up front. DJ Reader’s a known commodity. Alim McNeil just got extended. Levi Onwuzurike is still hanging around, injuries and all. Now, throw in Tyleik Williams, and it’s basically a defensive tackle potluck — except nobody invited Lopez to bring a dish.
Lopez was supposed to be the dependable run guy — the lunch-pail vet — after starting 16 games for the Cardinals last year. But the stat line (28 tackles, 1 sack) didn’t exactly scream “must-start,” and Detroit clearly saw more upside in going young, fast, and ferocious with Williams.
A Tall Order for Roy
To earn real playing time now, Lopez has to do two things:
- Beat out Onwuzurike — who at least has history with the team and flashes of pass-rush juice.
- Somehow hold off a first-round pick the team clearly believes in long-term.
Easy, right?
Let’s be honest — barring injuries or a dramatic training camp twist, Lopez may be looking at a rotational role at best, and bubble status at worst. Not ideal after thinking you might be starting Week 1.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t a knock on Roy Lopez — it’s just the brutal reality of NFL roster math. Sometimes you sign on Monday and get leapfrogged by Thursday night. That’s life in the league.
For Detroit, this is a good problem to have: depth, options, and a young disruptor in Tyleik Williams. For Lopez? Well, we hope he brought a good attitude to camp — and maybe a resume just in case.